Agri deptt urges farmers to use fertilizers wisely, also comply with regulations to enhance soil fertility
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, November 4, 2024: The agriculture department has appealed to farmers to utilize fertilizers according to their requirements and by recommendations from Punjab Agricultural University.
Dr. Jangir Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer emphasized that the excessive use of fertilizers adversely affects the soil's fertility. Dr Singh advised that the application of DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) should be done strictly as per expert guidelines and suggested alternatives such as NPK and other fertilizers in place of phosphorus.
Dr. Singh noted that incorporating crop residues back into the soil can also reduce the need for fertilizers. He informed that government teams from the agriculture department have been formed to conduct checks at various locations, ensuring that no fertilizer dealer provides farmers with unnecessary fertilizers or chemicals.
He further explained that phosphorus is essential for wheat cultivation, and farmers typically use DAP during sowing. Alternatives such as NPK fertilizers, triple super phosphate, single super phosphate, and other phosphatic fertilizers can also be utilized.
Dr Singh instructed all dealers to maintain their licenses and necessary documents properly, ensuring no lapses occurred. He mandated that daily stock and rates of fertilizers be recorded on stock boards and that dealers provide proper bills for any agricultural materials sold to farmers, ensuring only essential supplies are sold without offering unnecessary items.
He warned that if any vendor is found selling fertilizers, pesticides, or seeds without a bill during inspections, legal action will be taken under the Fertilizer Control Order 1985, Insecticides Act 1968, Seed Control Order 1983, and Essential Commodities Act 1955.