LUCKNOW, Dec. 25 -- Asserting that there is no fertiliser shortage in the state, Uttar Pradesh agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi on Wednesday said that 64 districts have more than 4,000 metric tonnes of fertilisers available for farmers, while only 11 districts have stocks below 200 metric tonnes. Shahi made this statement in the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly while replying to the opposition during an adjournment motion on the availability of fertilisers and payment of sugarcane dues to farmers. The issue was raised by SP MLAs Saiyada Khatoon, Atul Pradhan, and Pankaj Malik. Without naming the Samajwadi Party, the minister said that sugarcane cultivation during the previous regime was spread over 22 lakh hectares. "Under the Yogi government, payments to farmers have become regular," he said. Referring to sugarcane procurement, Shahi said that when Mata Prasad Pandey was the speaker during the SP government, sugar mills had purchased cane worth less than Rs.18,000 crore, whereas mills in Uttar Pradesh are now purchasing sugarcane worth around Rs.34,000 crore. "You announced a price of Rs.315 but paid only Rs.280 and kept the rest pending. The Yogi government is paying Rs.400," Shahi said. Shahi told the House that the state government is committed to protecting the interests of farmers and won't tolerate any irregularities in fertiliser distribution. He further stated that all department officials have been asked to ensure smooth availability of fertilisers in their respective areas and to take strict action against those involved in illegal activities....