UP To Launch State-Level Brand For Natural, Organic Products; Minister Orders Market Expansion, Strict Verification

Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi has directed the creation of a state-level brand to give national and international visibility to the state’s natural and organic products. He instructed officials to ensure strong market linkages, identify dedicated sale spaces in all districts, and facilitate retail outlets through Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs). State-run laboratories will conduct residue testing to ensure crop purity.

During a review meeting on natural and organic farming in the Bundelkhand region on Wednesday, officials reported that the model is currently being implemented in 1,073 clusters across 42,250 hectares, benefiting 65,790 farmers. A total expenditure of Rs 77.62 crore has been incurred over the last four years. The minister also ordered mandatory verification of work done by 470 Champion Farmers and 996 CRP-Krishi Sakhis engaged under the programme.

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Impact assessments will be undertaken by Rani Lakshmibai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, for the Jhansi division, and by Banda University of Agriculture and Technology for the Banda division. It was further decided to organise a state-level programme on Friday to mark World Soil Day, along with awareness campaigns in districts.

The meeting was attended by Goseva Aayog Chairman Shyam Bihari Gupta, Principal Secretary (Agriculture) Ravindra, Secretary Indra Vikram Singh, Special Secretary TK Shibu, Director Dr Pankaj Tripathi and other officials.

Reviewing fertiliser supply, the minister directed that IFFCO and KRIBHCO rakes be prioritised for districts with less than 3,000 tonnes of urea buffer stock. The PCF was asked to monitor transportation and ensure at least 25 tonnes of urea availability at every society. The state is currently receiving 12-13 urea rakes daily.

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For the ongoing Rabi season, 48.89 lakh tonnes of fertiliser have been supplied, of which 26.58 lakh tonnes have been distributed. Available stock includes 11.51 lakh tonnes of urea, 3.69 lakh tonnes of DAP, 3.81 lakh tonnes of NPK, 2.54 lakh tonnes of SSP and 0.76 lakh tonnes of MOP.

To curb black marketing and overpricing, the department has conducted 27,315 raids and collected 5,291 samples so far. As a result, 1,005 licences have been suspended, 1,314 cancelled, 62 shops sealed and 200 FIRs lodged.