AP tobacco growers face ammonium sulphate shortage

Tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh, especially in Prakasam and Nellore districts, are facing shortage of ammomium sulphate which is necessary for the standing crop. The Virginia Tobacco Growers’ Welfare Association has appealed to the Union Commerce Ministry to take necessary steps for making available the fertiliser through the Tobacco Board. Association honorary president Ch. Ranga Rao said Gujarat State Fertiliser Company (GSFC) was willing to market the fertiliser through the Tobacco Board, but the Union Fertilisers and Chemicals Ministry would have to give permission.

He said ammonium sulphate was being used in raising tobacco, chilli, paddy and vegetables in Prakasam district. The delay in giving the permission was hurting farmers badly, he added. He urged the Andhra Pradesh Government to intervene in the matter and exert pressure on the Union Fertilisers Ministry. He said ammonium sulphate should be applied along with super phosphate to tobacco crop for good yield and flavour.

If the crop suffered due to the delay in supply of fertiliser, he said, the Union Government and the State Government should bear responsibility and compensate the farmers, he added. Ranga Rao, a former member of the Tobacco Board, said the GSFC had agreed to supply the fertiliser at Rs 445/bag of 50 kg to the Tobacco Board. Another company had quoted Rs 578/bag. He wanted the authorities to act fast and save tobacco and other crops.