Lucknow, June 24 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi today assured that the state has adequate stock of fertilisers and announced strict action against those found selling fertilisers at higher prices.

Addressing a press conference here, Shahi said that all 75 districts of the state currently have 25.74 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers available, ensuring there is no shortage.
He further warned that any retailer found selling fertilisers at inflated rates would face stern consequences. He also informed that surprise inspections were conducted on June 22 and 23 in Lucknow, Sitapur, and other districts. During these inspections, officials checked registers, stocks, rate boards, and receipts at several shops.
"Cases of overpricing, tampering with records, and improper tagging were found, and action was promptly taken — some establishments were sealed, and their licenses either suspended or canceled. FIRs have also been registered against offenders," he informed.
When Sitapur’s District Agriculture Officer Manjeet Kumar was asked when he last carried out an inspection, he replied that he hadn’t done one since March. On hearing this, the Minister immediately ordered his suspension and stated that it is an officer’s duty to regularly check staff and fertiliser retailers.
All officers across the state were also instructed through video conferencing to make sure fertiliser sales are transparent and properly monitored. Officers in border districts, including those near other states and international borders, were told to stay especially alert.
Current fertiliser stock in Uttar Pradesh includes Urea: 15,71,000 metric tonnes, DAP: 2,98,000 metric tonnes, NPK: 3,02,000 metric tonnes, Potash: 81,000 metric tonnes, and SSP: 3,22,000 metric tonnes.
In Lucknow’s Bakshi Ka Talab area, two fertiliser shops were inspected, and their sales registers checked. Farmers contacted by phone confirmed that they were charged higher prices for fertiliser. Based on their statements, FIRs have been lodged against these sellers, and their licenses have been canceled.
During inspections in Sidhauli and Sanda of Sitapur district, some shopkeepers locked their shops and ran away. Their shops were sealed, and inventory is being prepared. Samples have been collected, and further strict action will be taken after the reports come in.
In Khadda of Kushinagar and Dera Bazar of Balrampur, farmers complained over the phone that they were charged extra for urea, sulfur, and zinc. Following these complaints, FIRs were registered against the sellers and their licenses have been canceled.
The Agriculture Minister made it clear that no company’s fertiliser will be forced upon farmers. If any retailer tries to sell other products along with the main fertiliser as a bundled deal, an FIR will be registered against them.
Retailers have been instructed to clearly display the rate list in their shops, provide receipts to buyers, and sell fertilisers only based on the farmer’s land records (Khatauni).
The Minister also shared that the state had initially issued 1,07,000 retail fertiliser licenses, out of which more than 23,000 inactive licenses have been removed from the portal. Going forward, only active and functioning retailers will be allowed to sell fertilisers.
He further stated that the government aims to encourage farmers to use fertilisers in a balanced manner. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers negatively affects soil fertility. Hence, in the future, fertiliser use will be more regulated and based on scientific guidance.
Following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directives, the Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that fertilisers are always available to farmers at the right price and on time. The government has made it clear that it will not tolerate any black-marketing, hoarding, or overpricing of fertilizers. With strict monitoring and prompt action, it will ensure quality, transparency, and proper supply for all farmers across the state.
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