UP Ministers Confirm Sufficient Fertilizer Stock for Kharif Season

Lucknow, Jul 4 (PTI): Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi announced on Friday that there is no fertilizer shortage in the state. He assured reporters that the Yogi Adityanath administration is actively working to ensure that seeds and fertilizers are readily available to farmers throughout Uttar Pradesh.

Highlighting preparations for the upcoming Kharif season, Shahi revealed that 27 lakh metric tonnes of urea have already been distributed in the state, with an additional supply of 10 lakh metric tonnes underway, bringing the total availability to 37 lakh metric tonnes. Last year, the Kharif season saw a urea consumption of 32.84 lakh metric tonnes, and this year's stock surpasses that demand.

To tackle irregularities and black marketing, the government has implemented a zero-tolerance policy. Shahi stated that FIRs have been filed against 26 individuals, and 580 retail sellers have received show-cause notices. In addition, the central government will supply another 10 lakh metric tonnes of urea in July, ensuring all fertilizer needs are met by September. The state has adequate stock of major fertilizers, including urea, DAP, NPK, MOP, and SSP, with specific quantities available: Urea (15 lakh metric tonnes), DAP (2.90 lakh metric tonnes), NPK (2.91 lakh metric tonnes), MOP (0.77 lakh metric tonnes), and SSP (3.14 lakh metric tonnes).

A meeting with representatives from 26 fertilizer companies, operating within the state, was convened to ensure timely supply and distribution without delays or negligence. The agriculture minister reassured that there is no shortage of fertilizers relative to actual needs, and the government remains vigilant. Additionally, he noted that 25 percent of urea supplied via private company rake points will be distributed by the PCF to ensure transparency and efficiency in the distribution process.