LAHORE - Contrary to the Punjab governments claims regarding timely provision of fertilizers, on concessional rates, to the farmers, the commodity supply situation has been worsening while hoarding and subsequent black-marketing has been adding to the sufferings of the farmers. In a press statement issued here on Thursday, South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAPP) Executive Director Muhammad Tahseen feared a 50 percent shortfall in the yields of cotton, sugarcane and rice if timely supply of fertilizers, on concessional rates was not ensured. The farmers from various areas informed the SAPP that the situation is alarming, he revealed, adding that in Mianwali, fertilisers was being sold on the black market, at the rate, varying from Rs 850 to Rs900. A group of farmer met the DCO to resolve the issue but to no avail as the situation is the same, The SAPP executive director said, adding that all is the same in Bahawalpur too as Urea is being sold at Rs 850 while DAP fertiliser on Rs 1800. Rahim Yar Khan is also going through the same dilemma wherein Urea being sold at Rs 850 exclusive Rs 100, that is being charged by the stockists. In Rajanpur, detailers have started hoarding the commodity while official centre are still deprived of the supply. In Bahawalpur, influential people are do found fertilisers but the rate of Rs 950, a situation in which small farmers find it hard to buy the commodity. Muhammas Tahseen further went on to say that although Urea is being sold at the rate from Rs 150 to Rs 200 on black market in Okara, the detailers attached the string that the farmers would have to buy DAP or anti-sects medicines if they want to get the Urea on this rate. In Hafizabad, fertilisers is being sold from Rs 825 to Rs 850 while in Lodhran, it is sold at the price of Rs 900 on black market, he elaborated. The SAPP executive director demanded the Federal and the Punjab governments to intervene and ensure ample fertilisers supply, especially to small farmers.