Considered backbone of the state's economy, the agriculture and horticulture sector has been facing huge losses due to the non-availability of chemical fertilisers (DAP/ MOP) in the state. The agriculture sector is reeling under an acute shortage of chemical fertilisers due to the tussle between the sole fertiliser supplier company and its distributors in the state. Sources said the major supplier of chemical fertilisers to the state, Indian Potash Limited (IPL), vide a communication through its northern regional office in Chandigarh had invited bids for handling, transportation and storage of fertilisers meant for the state in Jammu. The Jammu-based Himalayan Trading Cooperative Marketing Limited (HTCM) emerged as the winner of the bid. However, the company without any prior notice, gave the contract to another company who stood second in the bidding. Meanwhile, a consignment of chemical fertilisers was transported to Jammu by IPL to be distributed to dealers in the state. However, the HTCM which was surpassed by IPL, moved the court for what they termed as a"violation of the rule' and sought a status quo on the supply of the fertilisers to the second company. "The court while maintaining status quo instructed IPL to continue dealing with us till a new order was issued as we were the lowest bidders. But IPL violating the court's orders reloaded the rakes and shifted them to Punjab for distribution,' Ashok Nanda, CEO, HTCM told The Tribune. The director of agriculture had given an advance of Rs 5 Crore to IPL for the supply of fertilisers. However, irked by the undue delay in the supply of the fertilisers, the registrar of cooperative societies, Srinagar, send a communiqu