Lucknow, Aug. 21 -- : Amid allegations of a fertiliser crisis in Uttar Pradesh, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday refuted claims of scarcity and directed officials to maintain strict vigil on overpricing and black marketing.

"Farmers should not panic or hoard. Fertilisers are available across districts, and complaint cells have been set up to address grievances," Yogi said,

Citing detailed data, Adityanath and agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi said supplies were not only sufficient but higher than last year.

According to official figures, 42.64 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser have been sold between April 1 and August 18 in the state this year, compared to 36.76 lakh MT during the same period last year, including 31.62 ...