Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured farmers in and around Uttar Pradesh that there is no shortage of fertilisers and is telling them not to worry or believe the rumors on social media and other media to panic.
This comes at the moment of the sowing season as farmers are preparing for the current season and demand for fertilisers such as urea, DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) and NPK has increased greatly.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has made adequate arrangements to ensure uninterrupted supply to all districts.
He said farmers will receive fertilisers according to their agricultural needs and officials should avoid any form of black marketing, hoarding or overpricing.
Yogi Adityanath directed district administrations and agriculture department officials to closely monitor fertiliser distribution centres. He directed authorities to take strict legal action against those who stockpile fertilisers illegally or sell them over the government-approved price.
The Chief Minister also appealed to farmers to obtain fertilisers only from the approved government-affirmed outlets and licensed dealers. He told them to be sure to bring the right kind of bills and receipts when buying and keep receipts and payments on the bill and not to use the wrong ones and to be transparent, to help protect themselves against any fraud.
The Agriculture Department has also asked officials at warehouses and retail outlets to keep proper inspections on the job to keep stock in stock for the warehouses and at retail shops.
Monitoring mechanisms have been beefed up to prevent artificial shortages made by dishonest traders trying to make money off the seasonal demand.
Fertiliser stocks have been provided well in advance to cooperative societies, private retailers and government distribution centres, the state administration said. Such measures, in their opinion, will help farmers to access agricultural inputs without delay during the peak cultivation period.
The Chief Minister said agriculture is the backbone of Uttar Pradesh's economy and the welfare of farmers remains a core element of the state's economy and is the government's top priority.
Fertilisers are also recommended by agricultural experts for farmers when applied to the soil health of crops and crop requirements. Contribution to crop yield, of course, is complemented by a balanced application of fertilisers to maintain soil fertility.
The government’s reassurance will reduce farmers’ anxiety, especially in the areas where reports of dwindling supplies had created uncertainty.
Farmers are advised to report any overpricing or refusal to sell fertilisers to local officials immediately, it has been said.
With sowing on the ground in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government is working towards farmers not getting affected in accessing basic agricultural inputs.
There’s sufficient fertiliser stock and the administration is ready to assist farmers through the agricultural season.
