Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu on Thursday assured that Andhra Pradesh farmers will face no shortage of urea, as the government has established a transparent system for supply and distribution across all districts. He stated that strict monitoring measures are in place to prevent corruption, diversion, or black marketing. “Artificial scarcity claims are baseless. We are ensuring that fertilizers reach farmers directly,” he said.

The minister highlighted that the present coalition government has strengthened Markfed’s role, increasing its share in urea distribution from 50:50 to 70:30 compared to private dealers. He said this ensured better access for rural farmers. So far, 48,478 metric tonnes more urea has been distributed through Markfed compared to the previous YSRCP regime.

Providing statistics, Atchannaidu said that during 2021-22 to 2023-24, the average annual supply was 1,55,617 metric tonnes. In contrast, by August 2025 alone, 2,04,096 metric tonnes had been supplied — a 31% increase. He credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s continuous coordination with the Centre for ensuring higher allocations, with 87,880 metric tonnes more urea utilized compared to last year. Vigilance and revenue teams are conducting inspections to ensure fertilizers are sold at notified prices, he added, dismissing opposition criticism of queues at centres.

The minister further announced that under the Annadatha Sukhibhava-PM Kisan scheme, Rs.20,000 will be given annually to each eligible farmer household. Of this, Rs.7,000 has already been credited, while another 36,722 newly verified farmers will also receive assistance soon. “Farmers’ welfare is the government’s priority — from timely fertilizer supply to direct financial support,” Achchennaidu affirmed.