Gehlot warns of possible fertiliser shortage, urges govt action

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has warned of a potential shortage of urea and fertilisers in India, urging the government to ensure adequate supply to farmers.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday warned of a potential shortage of urea and other fertilisers, urging the government to ensure adequate supply to farmers.

In a statement, the Congress leader said both the Centre and the state governments should take steps to create awareness among farmers on the issue.

Gehlot said that the country could face a major shortage of urea, DAP, and other fertilisers in the coming period, noting that India depends largely on imports, which are currently being adversely affected.

''Even when fertiliser supply used to be normal, farmers were forced to stand in long queues. With a possible shortage, the situation could become alarming,'' he said, adding that it is the government's responsibility to ensure timely availability of fertilisers.

He also stressed that governments should start sensitising farmers and encourage cultivation of crops that require less fertiliser.

''In this time of crisis, the more transparently the government works instead of keeping people in confusion, the easier it will be for everyone to deal with the situation,'' Gehlot said.