Fertiliser supply adequate for Rabi: minister

Rana Tanveer Hussain, the federal minister for national food security and research, asked authorities on Tuesday to tighten market surveillance for fertilisers. He cautioned that artificial shortages, hoarding and unjustified price increases will not be tolerated. The warning came at a meeting of the Fertiliser Review Committee, which examined availability, prices, distribution and demand for the ongoing Rabi cropping season, the Express Tribune reported.

A press release from the ministry said the meeting reviewed existing stock, domestic output, supply chain arrangements and expected demand during wheat sowing. Ministry officials and industry representatives from the fertiliser sector took part. Hussain said he was pleased with overall supply and reiterated that the government intends to keep enough urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) in stock for farmers throughout Rabi.

Officials outlined measures to keep supplies balanced nationwide and to ensure fertilisers move smoothly into farm markets. The minister asked relevant departments and manufacturers to work closely together so that supply disruptions are avoided. He noted that swings in international fertiliser markets and wider economic uncertainty continue to strain input costs, while the government aims to shield farmers from undue financial pressure.