Minister Achchennaidu orders strict measures to prevent urea shortage in Rabi season

Agriculture Minister Kurasala Kannababu Achchennaidu has directed officials to ensure that the state does not face any shortage of urea during the ongoing Rabi season. Reviewing the functioning of the Agriculture Department and allied wings at the Vijayawada camp office on Thursday, the Minister stressed that supplies must be planned well in advance so farmers do not face any hurdles.

Officials informed the Minister that the state requires 20.69 lakh tonnes of fertilizers for the Rabi season, of which 2.38 lakh tonnes have already arrived. As of November 26, Andhra Pradesh needed 9.38 lakh tonnes of urea, while 4.01 lakh tonnes were available. Around 2.10 lakh tonnes have been distributed to farmers, leaving a balance of 1.91 lakh tonnes in stock.

Districts such as Anakapalle, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Guntur, Kurnool and Kadapa reportedly have adequate stocks, with another 9,432 metric tonnes currently in transit. Another 1.35 lakh tonnes of urea is stocked at the ports in Krishna, Gangavaram, Kakinada and the Godavari region. Officials said this will be moved to districts based on requirement.

Achchennaidu instructed the Joint Collectors to personally oversee urea supply at the Rythu Service Centres (RSKs) and ensure that all types of fertilizers are available to farmers. He asked departments to conduct a special statewide drive to physically verify stock levels, eliminate mismatches and address issues in supply, especially at Gromor outlets where farmers frequently face delays.

The Minister warned of strict action against illegal transportation and black-marketing of fertilizers. Emergency buffer stocks should be used whenever necessary to avoid shortages, he said.

Responding to reports of repeated irregularities in Andhra Pradesh State Agro Industries Development Corporation Limited (AGROS), the Minister ordered a vigilance inquiry into the organisation’s operations. He instructed officials to ensure that vehicles supplied under subsidy through AGROS reach farmers without any manipulation or changes.

He also directed that traders who fail to supply seeds on time must be identified and penalised.

Achchennaidu asked the department to expand awareness programmes to help farmers effectively use agricultural drones across the state. He also emphasized promoting paddy varieties that withstand cyclones and ensure higher yields.

He instructed officials to closely monitor vegetable prices to prevent inflation and safeguard consumers. The Minister expressed satisfaction that tobacco farmers have begun receiving their payments, saying many farmers personally called to share their happiness.

Senior officials, including the Agriculture Director, were present at the review meeting.