Lahore (Sunday, December 10, 2023) – Following Sindh, a fertilizer shortage has now emerged in Punjab as well, leading to a sharp increase in prices. Reports indicate that a sack of urea, which was previously sold for Rs. 3,750, is now being sold for Rs. 5,200 in various areas of Punjab.

Due to the ongoing fertilizer shortage, wheat farmers are facing significant difficulties. In Punjab, wheat sowing is usually completed by December 15, and the crop requires irrigation on the 15th day after sowing, for which fertilizer is essential. However, fertilizer is currently not available.

The Punjab government had earlier claimed that this year’s wheat yield would be higher than previous years and that not only would production increase, but wheat would also be exported. However, that claim now appears to be failing.

Farmers in Punjab have reported that urea, which used to cost Rs. 3,750 per sack, has now surged to Rs. 5,200. The price of DAP fertilizer has also seen a record increase.

Farmers warn that if this situation persists, wheat cultivation will be severely affected, leading to a drop in overall yield and potentially causing a wheat crisis in the province.