Fertilizer Shortage Sparks Protests in UP Despite Govt Assurances

Spread love

MP Chandrashekhar Azad Flags Crisis from Amethi to Lakhimpur; State Says Stock Exceeds Demand, Blames Black Marketing

By TRH State Desk

LUCKNOW, July 9, 2025 — Tensions are mounting in parts of Uttar Pradesh amid mounting complaints from farmers over an alleged shortage of DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) fertilizer during the crucial paddy transplantation season, even as the state government maintains that fertilizer supply is more than adequate.

Raising the alarm, Lok Sabha MP Chandrashekhar Azad claimed that farmers in districts like Amethi and Lakhimpur are “wandering from pillar to post” in search of DAP. In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, Azad wrote, “From Amethi to Lakhimpur, farmers are struggling to get DAP. Government cooperatives and IFFCO centers are empty during the most crucial paddy planting season. Farmers are being forced to buy overpriced fertilizers from private dealers.”

He alleged that in places like the Gaudhiya Cooperative Society and other distribution points in Lakhimpur, long queues of desperate farmers have become routine. Accusing the Yogi Adityanath government of failing to ensure timely supply, Azad asked, “How long will farmers keep standing in lines? Is this negligence by design so they are forced to turn to the black market?”

Despite these claims, the Uttar Pradesh government has firmly denied any shortage. At a press conference on July 4, Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi declared, “There is no shortage of fertilizers in Uttar Pradesh. In fact, our current stock exceeds the demand based on last year’s usage.”

According to the minister, 27 lakh metric tonnes of urea are already available in the state, and an additional 10 lakh tonnes are being supplied by the Centre in July—taking the total stock to 37 lakh metric tonnes. He said this surpasses the state’s previous kharif season consumption of 32.84 lakh metric tonnes.

On the issue of DAP, which has been at the center of recent complaints, the minister reported a current stock of 2.90 lakh metric tonnes—along with other key fertilizers like NPK (2.91 lakh MT), SSP (3.14 lakh MT), and MOP (0.77 lakh MT).

Still, ground reports tell a different story. Farmers across several blocks in western and central UP say they’ve had to wait in long queues or resort to buying fertilizers at inflated prices from private sellers. Many distribution centers are reportedly dry, and even those with some supply are allegedly prioritizing select buyers.

To tackle irregularities, the state government has launched a crackdown on black marketing. Minister Shahi said FIRs have been lodged against 26 individuals, and 580 retail sellers have been issued show-cause notices.

A recent meeting with representatives from 26 fertilizer companies was also held to streamline supply and prevent bottlenecks. The state government has introduced a policy to distribute 25% of urea received through private rake points via the PCF (Pradesh Cooperative Federation) to ensure transparency.

Follow The Raisina Hills on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn