Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi addressed a press conference to share comprehensive updates on the availability of fertilizers and certified seeds in Uttar Pradesh. He assured that there is no shortage of fertilizers or certified seeds for the Rabi season and outlined major decisions taken under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to strengthen farmers’ income and improve irrigation facilities. He also highlighted progress under the PM-KUSUM scheme, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, and Uttar Pradesh’s performance in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, along with the recent Cabinet decision to increase sugarcane prices.
Presenting detailed fertilizer data, the Minister informed that the state currently holds 3.76 lakh MT of DAP, 3.94 lakh MT of NPK, 2.65 lakh MT of SSP, 81,000 MT of MOP, and 12.59 lakh MT of urea—more than double last year’s DAP stock. In October, farmers purchased 3.70 lakh MT of DAP, 24.02 lakh MT of NPK, and 24 lakh MT of urea, while daily sales in November reached 20,000–24,000 MT. PACS currently holds 1.33 lakh MT of DAP, 82,000 MT of NPK, and 5.15 lakh MT of urea. Over the past month, PACS have sold 4.39 lakh MT of phosphatic fertilizers and 1.31 lakh MT of urea, benefiting nearly 34.67 lakh farmers.
He criticized previous governments for mismanagement, noting that phosphatic fertilizer consumption during the Rabi season rose from 14.74 lakh MT in 2014–15 to 22.60 lakh MT in 2023–24, while urea consumption increased from 23 lakh MT to 38 lakh MT in the Kharif season. The number of PACS has expanded from 3,000 to 7,700, with working capital enhanced from ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh per committee. The Yogi government has also cleared ₹200 crore in fertilizer dues and provided ₹1 lakh per committee as interest support, while 3,000 PACS have been digitalized.
On certified seeds, the Minister informed that 11.12 lakh quintals of certified Rabi seeds, including 10.25 lakh quintals of wheat, 21,495 quintals of peas, and 1.02 lakh quintals of lentils, are being provided at a 50% subsidy, of which 8.56 lakh quintals have already been distributed. To promote self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds, 3.19 lakh pulses mini kits and 5.37 lakh oilseed mini kits are being distributed free of cost. Free seeds are also being provided to encourage mixed farming of mustard/lentils with sugarcane on 1.77 lakh hectares, and 5,700 quintals of seeds will be supplied for cluster farming with support from the Government of India.
Speaking on the cabinet’s major decision to increase sugarcane prices, the Minister said that for the 2025–26 Rabi season, the price of early sugarcane varieties has been raised from ₹370 to ₹400 per quintal, and regular varieties from ₹360 to ₹390 per quintal. Calling it a significant step towards boosting farmers’ income, he expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the approval.
The Agriculture Minister also announced the relaunch of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. This year, 40,251 solar pumps will be installed with a 60% subsidy for farmers. Pumps of 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 HP will be installed primarily in areas dependent on diesel pumps. In the scheme’s first phase, 6,345 solar pumps have already been installed, and pending subsidies amounting to ₹29.51 crore for 3,996 pumps have now been cleared.
He emphasized that the scheme not only reduces costs for farmers but also supports environmental conservation. The PM-KUSUM scheme has enhanced irrigation capacity by 1.5 lakh hectares, saved 5.48 crore units of electricity, reduced 1.26 lakh metric tons of carbon emissions, and conserved 87.75 lakh liters of diesel. With canals drying up during summers, he said solar pumps offer a long-term solution to irrigation challenges.
Sharing Uttar Pradesh’s progress under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, he noted that 20.92 lakh farmers have been insured so far, with ₹92.67 crore already paid out and ₹101.60 crore to be released soon. A survey is also underway to assess losses caused by unseasonal rains in October.
The Minister further informed that a major workshop will be held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan from November 17, aimed at strengthening agriculture’s role in achieving the Chief Minister’s vision of a $1 trillion economy. Agricultural scientists, universities, and experts from 89 Krishi Vigyan Kendras will participate. He said the workshop will be an important step towards fulfilling Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Uttar Pradesh. He also congratulated the NDA on its victory in the Bihar Assembly elections.
