Sangrur, Oct. 10 -- Alleging that there has been a shortage of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser, Sangur farmers have said they are being overcharged by dealers. They also say that dealers are forcing them to purchase a few other items along with DAP. Agriculture officials have rubbished the claims regarding shortage, urging farmers to file complaints against the erring dealers.

In June this year, the Union government announced Rs.1,350 as the DAP price per 50-kg bag. Farmers say they are being forced to pay up to Rs.1,900 per bag. Jagdeep Singh, a farmer from Kanoi village in Sangrur, said he approached cooperative societies but DAP was not available. "A private dealer charged Rs.1,900 per bag whereas the billed price was Rs.1,300. ...