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Farmers should avoid fake DAP fertilizers by following Agriculture Department guidelines and using alternatives like single super phosphate for crops.
As the Kharif crop is ready for harvest and the Rabi sowing season begins, farmers will need fertilizers like urea and DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate). With the increased demand for DAP, reports of fake DAP being sold in the market have also surfaced. In response, the Agriculture Department has issued an advisory to help farmers avoid buying fake DAP, as using it could harm their crops.
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DAP, or Di-Ammonium Phosphate, is a widely used fertilizer that provides essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to plants. It contains 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus, making it an important fertilizer for crop growth. DAP is commonly applied during the sowing of crops and quickly dissolves in the soil, offering phosphate and ammonia to the plants.
DAP is ideal for use in heavy soils and is most effective when mixed with 60% MOP (Muriate of Potash). It is typically applied during the sowing stage and is particularly beneficial for flowering vegetables. However, since DAP lacks potassium, it is less effective for grain crops.
According to the Churu Agriculture Department in Rajasthan, fertilizers should only be bought from licensed sellers, such as cooperative societies and authorized private sellers. Selling fertilizers without a license is a punishable offense under the Fertilizer Control Order 1985. Farmers should avoid buying fertilizers from unauthorized sellers, especially individuals selling in villages, as these are likely to be fake. If farmers encounter such sellers, they are advised to inform their local Agriculture Supervisor, Assistant Agriculture Officer, or Joint Director of Agriculture.
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Farmers can identify fake DAP by following these steps:
When buying DAP or any other fertilizer, farmers should:
By doing this, the department can track fertilizer sales, ensuring that if fake fertilizers are sold, the sellers can be held accountable.
If DAP is unavailable in your area, farmers can use single super phosphate (SSP) as an alternative. SSP is more economical and can be mixed with urea to provide the necessary nutrients for crops. This combination is especially beneficial for mustard, gram, and taramira crops. Farmers are advised to mix three bags of SSP with half a bag of urea for better results. According to the Churu Joint Director, SSP, and urea or NPK fertilizers are cost-effective and readily available alternatives to DAP for Rabi crops.
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Farmers should remain vigilant and ensure they purchase fertilizers from authorized sellers to avoid the risks associated with fake DAP. If DAP is unavailable, using alternatives like single super phosphate and urea can be both beneficial and economical for their crops.