Why fertilizer runs short, and how to stay ahead
Fertilizer demand spikes at sowing, Kharif in June-July and Rabi in October-November, when millions of farmers buy at the same time. Global supply of DAP and its raw materials has also been tight, so centres can sell out within days of a fresh stock arriving. The farmers who do not get caught short usually book early through their PACS, keep in touch with the local dealer about arrivals, and buy as soon as the window opens.
If your usual fertilizer is unavailable, sensible substitutes exist: NPK complexes such as 12:32:16, SSP (which also supplies sulphur), or a urea-plus-SSP combination in place of DAP, and nano-urea or nano-DAP to stretch supply. Base every dose on a soil health card so you apply only what the soil needs, which saves money and reduces the quantity you have to chase.