SWABI: Farmers here on Friday asked the government to lift the ban on the sale of fertiliser as it was hurting the agriculture sector in the province.
They said that sealing the shops of fertiliser dealers was not a solution and demanded of the government to lift the ban.
Speaking at separate gatherings, the leaders of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Kashtkar Jirga and Kisan Board leaders said that the farmers should get the government support as to encourage them to boost agriculture products but harmingtheir crops at present critical stage could further cripple them financially.
They said that three shops in Yar Hussain were sealed because they allegedly violatedthe ban on the sale of fertiliser.
When contacted, officials confirmed the action, saying fertiliser shops were sealed for violating the ban on the purchase and sale of urea.
Muhammad Ali, provincial president of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Kashtkar Jirga, said the Swabi Agriculture Department had directed fertiliser dealers to comply with the government ban, warning that strict action would be taken against violators in accordance with the law.
He said farmers were unable to purchase fertiliser for their crops, adding that the shortage could adversely affect crop yields.
Another farmer, Khalid Khan, said growers were running from pillar to post in search of fertiliser, but to no avail.