SAHIWAL, Oct 6: Farmers protested on Friday against the increase in the price of DAP in many cities of the Punjab despite reduction announced by the government recently.

In Sahiwal, hundreds of growers took out a protest procession against dealers for creating artificial shortage of DAP to raise its price.

Growers’ spokesman Zakir Husain Braal told newsmen that they were sowing potatoes for which DAP was necessary. But the dealers created artificial shortage to raise its price.

A growers’ delegation called on DCO Amjad Hameed Warraich and urged him to ensure availability of the fertiliser on the prescribed rates and to register cases against the hoarders.

The DCO assured them that raids would be conducted and the fertiliser would soon be available in the market on prescribed rates.

Teams have been constituted for the purpose, the DCO added.

SIALKOT: The dealers and stockists have increased the price of DAP and selling it at Rs1,170 per bag instead of Rs665 fixed by the government in Sialkot and Narowal districts due to lack of the district government control.

The farmers protested against the unjustified increase in the DAP price and said the dealers were exploiting the poor farmers.

They expressed grave concern over the hike in the price and urged the district government to take notice of the situation.

They urged the government to reduce price of all fertilisers by 25 per cent and ensure stability of prices for at least three years.

They demanded abolition of general sales tax (GST) on all pesticides in next year’s budget.