Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has launched a sharp attack on the Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma-led Rajasthan government and the Centre over an alleged shortage of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser, accusing the BJP's 'double-engine government' of failing farmers during the critical mustard sowing season. With Rabi sowing underway across Rajasthan, farmers are reportedly being forced to pay steeply inflated prices for DAP on the black market.

What Gehlot Alleged

The former Chief Minister claimed that a bag of DAP normally priced at ₹1,350 is allegedly being sold for ₹2,100–₹2,200 on the black market — a premium of over 55%. In a post on social media platform X, Gehlot said complaints about fertiliser shortages had been surfacing from several districts since September. He also alleged that farmers were being pressured to purchase products such as Nano DAP alongside regular DAP.

'What kind of development is this, where the annadata (farmer) is forced to buy fertiliser on the black market to carry out sowing?' Gehlot said, urging the state government to ensure adequate supplies immediately and take strict action against those involved in black marketing.

Gehlot further claimed that cooperative societies had submitted their fertiliser requirements well in advance, but supplies had yet to arrive. The shortage has reportedly prompted even Cabinet ministers and MLAs from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to approach Chief Minister Sharma, though the situation remains unresolved, according to reports.

State Government's Position

The Rajasthan government has pushed back on the allegations, maintaining that fertiliser availability is being closely monitored. According to the state Agriculture Department, Rajasthan currently holds 3.72 lakh metric tonnes of urea, 1.06 lakh metric tonnes of DAP, 97,000 metric tonnes of NPK, and 2.08 lakh metric tonnes of SSP.

Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal said fertiliser stocks were adequate and advised farmers against unnecessary purchases or stockpiling based on rumours. He added that the state government was coordinating with the Centre to ensure supplies matched Rajasthan's requirements.

Task Force Meeting and Monitoring Steps

A meeting of the state-level Fertiliser Distribution Regulatory Task Force was recently convened under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary V. Srinivas. The meeting focused on ensuring an uninterrupted supply of quality fertilisers and preventing hoarding and black marketing during the Rabi season. Districts and blocks with lower availability and higher consumption are being identified to prioritise supplies, the department said.

Rabi Sowing Targets and Context

The dispute comes against the backdrop of an ambitious Rabi 2026–27 sowing programme. The state has proposed 40.06 lakh hectares under oilseeds, 21.95 lakh hectares under pulses, and 38.50 lakh hectares under cereals — a shift from last season's 39.82 lakh hectares, 20.69 lakh hectares, and 42.77 lakh hectares respectively. Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal highlighted the state's crop diversification push, aimed at encouraging oilseed and pulse cultivation while reducing area under cereal crops.

This is not the first time fertiliser availability has become a flashpoint in Rajasthan during Rabi season; similar disputes over DAP and urea distribution have periodically surfaced in the state over the past several years, often intensifying during peak sowing windows when demand outstrips logistics capacity. With mustard sowing at its peak and the political blame game sharpening, farmers' access to inputs at regulated prices will likely remain a pressure point through October.