Priority berthing of vessels a must to avoid DAP shortage, say importers

KARACHI: Fertilizer importers have asked for priority berthing of vessels carrying DAP imports to avoid shortage of the essential commodity during Rabi season. In the first week of October, Fertilizer Importer Council (FIC) requested the federal government for the priority berthing of imported DAP fertilizer vessels to ensure the timely availability during the Rabi seasons particularly for wheat sowing.

Sources said that the port authorities are giving priority to the imported wheat and sugar consignments and currently some 7 vessels of imported wheat are berthed at one time at Karachi Port Trust (KPT), leaving no berth for other commodity vessels including DAP, general cargo, rock phosphate and oil seeds, etc.

Importers of DAP have expressed serious concern on this situation and warned of DAP shortage in the country, if imported fertilizer vessels are not given priority for berthing. They said that unloading of DAP at Port Qasim is not feasible for the importers due to higher wastage ratio.

Representatives of importers also hold a detailed meeting with Deputy Conservator and Dock Master of Karachi Port and raised the issue of imported DAP vessel berthing. Karachi Port officials informed that they have directives from the federal government and cabinet division for priority berthing of wheat and sugar vessels.

"Berthing of vessels carrying imported fertilizers delayed for a longer period may create shortage of DAP fertilizer in the country for next crops, resulting shortage of various grains including wheat," sources said.

Industry sources said that four imported DAP consignments are scheduled to reach Pakistan in December, at time of the application of DAP fertilizer on the wheat crop in Pakistan. Therefore, the importers are seeking timely berthing of the imported DAP vessel to ensure the uninterrupted supply of fertilizer to farmers.

Mainly DAP applied on wheat at the time of its sowing during the month of November and December. Historical data confirms that timely application of DAP fertilizer has resulted in higher wheat crop yield per acre and overall higher production of wheat in the country.

Therefore, the timely berthing and quick discharging of imported DAP at the port and accordingly, transport to the upcountry demand centers is very important for ensuring higher wheat production in the country.

Sources said that during October and November, DAP vessels got timely berthing, however during December, there is some delay in berthing. A ship namely MV ZILOS carrying some 37,300 metric tons DAP was arrived on December 1, 2020 and currently waiting for berth at Karachi port. As per estimates, it will be berthed in the next five days.

While, two more vessels of imported DAP are reaching Pakistan by December 10, 2020. Currently, some five vessels carrying different goods are waiting for berthing at KPT, while three more ships of different commodities are expected to arrive in the next few days.

During October and November, the country imported some 200,000 metric tons DAP for domestic consumption and another quantity of 140,000 metric tons is expected to arrive in December 2020 to meet the domestic demand of fertilizer for wheat sowing.

Fertilizer importers have demanded that in order to ensure the quick availability of imported DAP fertilizer for wheat crop sowing, priority berthing may be given to DAP fertilizer vessels at the Karachi port. Wheat production may suffer, if DAP vessels are not provided priority berthing at the port, thereby creating a need for the wheat import next year as well, they maintained.

The DAP importers have requested the Ministry of Food Security for urgent arrangements of berthing of imported DAP on ports as the timely application of DAP fertilizer on the wheat crop is crucial for higher wheat production in the country.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020