October 04, 2007	Thursday	Ramazan 21, 1428

SIALKOT, Oct 3: The non-availability of the DAP fertiliser was badly affecting the wheat crop sowing in Sialkot and Narowal districts, both famous for producing high-quality grain.

Pakistan Kissan Board central chairman Aman Ullah Chatta told newsmen here on Wednesday that wheat growers in both districts were suffering because of DAP shortage which was causing delay in crop sowing.

He said the fertiliser dealers were selling DAP at Rs1,350 to Rs1,400 per bag in black market against the subsidised rate of Rs1,100.

He said the district governments had failed to take action against those creating an artificial shortage of the DAP to mint money at the cost of poor farmers.

He feared the shortage might hit the crop size in the area, urging the district authorities concerned to look into the matter in the larger interest of the wheat growers.