Fertiliser Rush in Haveri Amid Pre-Monsoon Showers; DAP Shortage Noted
Pre-monsoon rainfall has kickstarted sowing activities across Haveri district, driving up demand for fertilisers. During May’s kharif season, the district required around 35,000 metric tonnes (MT) of fertilisers, while the government supplied 43,000 MT — surpassing the demand. However, the supply of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fell short by 2,000 MT.
Despite this, the agriculture department assured farmers of smooth and sufficient fertiliser distribution through a planned system involving cooperative societies, private dealers, and Raita Samparka Kendras. Over 1,000 farmers visited the Haveri Raita Samparka Kendra in just two days, underlining the growing agricultural momentum. Favourable weather has also spurred a spike in soybean seed demand, along with subsidised distribution of groundnut, moong dal, and pigeon pea seeds.
Assistant Director Veerabhadrappa BH urged farmers not to panic, assuring quality seed availability and warning vendors against malpractice. He also clarified that linking fertiliser purchases to crop patterns is not mandatory.
Joint Director K. Mallikarjun acknowledged a temporary shortage of DAP but mentioned that alternative fertiliser complexes with similar nutrients are available. An additional 5,000 MT of fertiliser is expected within days.
The urgency around fertiliser access also recalls a dark chapter from 2008, when two farmers — Siddalingappa Churi and Puttappa Honnati — were killed in police firing during a protest in Haveri. While their families received aid, others injured in the incident continue to seek justice and compensation.
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