Haryana Farmer Dies by Suicide Amid Severe Fertilizer Shortage Crisis

The ongoing fertilizer crisis in Haryana claimed a life today as Rambhagat, a marginal farmer from Bhikewala village in Jind district, died by suicide at Uklana grain market in Hisar. The incident underscores the mounting pressure on farmers during the critical rabi sowing season, complicated by severe shortages of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer across multiple districts. 

According to Jai Pal Singh, former sarpanch of Bhikewala village, Rambhagat had been struggling with mounting debts and poor returns from his recent cotton crop. The deceased, who farmed on five acres of leased land, is survived by his wife, two children, and three sisters. 

The crisis extends beyond this tragic incident, with farmers across Hisar, Fatehabad, Jind, and Bhiwani districts facing significant challenges. Hisar district alone has received only 10,552 MT of DAP against a requirement of 25,000 MT, forcing authorities to implement strict rationing measures. 

"We're juggling multiple challenges – managing kharif crop residue while desperately searching for DAP," shares Ishwar Singh, a farmer waiting outside a shop in Fatehabad. While Fatehabad district received 52,000 bags of DAP today, other districts like Jind, Charkhi Dadri, and Bhiwani required police intervention to manage crowds at distribution points. 

Farmer leader Anil Gorchi expressed frustration with the administration's handling of the situation, particularly as farmers report being forced to pay premium prices in the open market. The shortage has led to delays in sowing mustard, wheat, and other rabi crops, potentially impacting the entire agricultural cycle.

Local authorities have acknowledged the situation's severity but appear overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis. The incident has prompted calls for immediate intervention to prevent further tragedies and ensure adequate fertilizer supply during this crucial sowing period.