Lucknow: Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said that Uttar Pradesh has seen a major expansion in Kharif cultivation and record availability of fertilizers for farmers.
The total Kharif crop area has risen to 105.93 lakh hectares in 2024, compared to 90.46 lakh hectares in 2013–14, marking a 17% increase. Overall cultivable land in the state has grown from 225.87 lakh hectares in 2015–16 to 274.22 lakh hectares in 2024–25, an expansion of 28.35 lakh hectares.
Fertilizer consumption has also surged. Urea usage, which was 23 lakh metric tonnes in 2016, reached 39 lakh metric tonnes in Kharif 2024. By August 19, 2025, farmers had already purchased 32.07 lakh MT of urea, higher than the 27.86 lakh MT sold during the same period last year. Currently, 6 lakh MT of urea remains in stock, with additional rakes in transit.
The minister highlighted strict monitoring against hoarding and black marketing, confirming 12,653 raids, 3,385 samples collected, 1,047 notices issued, and multiple license cancellations, including 93 FIRs filed.
Despite sharp rises in global fertilizer prices, the Centre has increased subsidies to protect farmers. For example, a bag of urea worth ₹2,174 is provided to farmers at just ₹266, while DAP is sold at ₹1,350, NPK at ₹1,850, MOP at ₹1,800, and SSP at ₹540.
Minister Shahi assured that both the state and central governments remain committed to ensuring timely availability of fertilizers and supporting farmers as a top priority.
