UP Govt Orders Investigation Into Unusual Fertiliser Sales Despite Adequate Stock

The UP government has been alerted following an unexpected surge in fertiliser consumption across several districts during the Rabi season. Despite official claims of adequate supply, long queues are being reported outside cooperative societies, raising concerns of possible irregularities and black marketing.

A similar situation had emerged during the Kharif season, when uneven distribution led to widespread protests and disputes among farmers. Now, reports of fertiliser shortages have begun surfacing once again at the start of the Rabi season.

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According to official data, a total of 38.15 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser had arrived in the state by November 7. Of this, 13.15 lakh tonnes have already been distributed, leaving 25 lakh tonnes still available. However, the unusually high rate of sales in some areas has prompted the Agriculture Department to initiate an investigation.

Notably, fertiliser sales in Jhansi and Lalitpur districts have seen an unexpected spike since April, with several farmers reportedly purchasing more than one tonne individually. Taking note of the anomaly, Agriculture Director Dr. Pankaj Tripathi has formed two three-member investigation teams for both districts.

The Jhansi team comprises Joint Director of Agriculture Yogesh Kumar Singh and Deputy Directors Ashish Kumar Singh and Brajesh Singh. For Lalitpur, the team includes Additional Director (Rice) Brajesh Chandra, Joint Director Anil Yadav and Deputy Director Dharmendra Yadav. These officials will verify farmers’ land holdings, crops, and fertiliser needs, and will also scrutinise vendor records.

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To curb potential black marketing and smuggling, special monitoring teams have been deployed in districts bordering Nepal, including Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, and Maharajganj. Local authorities have been directed to stay alert and report any irregularities.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department is preparing a list of districts where fertiliser consumption has risen sharply compared to previous years to ensure transparency in distribution.