Despite all the claims, farmers report that market costs for Urea compost have grown dramatically.
Amanullah Chattha, vice-president of Kissan Board Pakistan, said that despite the government buying 33,000 tonnes of fertilizer from abroad, urea compost is sold for Rs3,000 per bag in the local market.
He noted that the first watering of the wheat harvest is already around the corner, but the farmers are battling to secure the compost, which the Rabi crops use extensively.
In contrast to the official rate of Rs2,250 a bag, he claimed that producers are compelled to buy urea on the underground market for Rs3,000 each bag.
He asserted that a group of urea and fertilizer suppliers would rob farmers by artificially depleting compost supplies when needed. Unfortunately, the relevant government agencies are oblivious to this dishonest behavior, bringing the country closer to food insecurity.
Six major fertilizer firms produce about 6.5 million tonnes of compost annually, including Fauji Fertilizer, Engro Fertilizer Company, Dawood Hercules, and Fatima Fertilizers. Still, only 6.1 million tonnes of urea are taken up.
