Lucknow, March 20: In a significant development, the Uttar Pradesh Minister of Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing, Agricultural Foreign Trade, and Agricultural Exports, Dinesh Pratap Singh, announced that the crisis caused by the shortage of ammonia gas has been resolved in just 24 hours through coordinated efforts between the central and state governments. This swift action has provided substantial relief to millions of farmers and cold storage operators.
During a press conference addressing the storage, market price, and marketing of potatoes, Minister Singh welcomed cold storage operators and potato farmers, commending the decisions being taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the benefit of farmers. He emphasized that the state government is continuously striving for better storage and marketing of potatoes.
He further revealed that a deal has been struck with the Odisha government to purchase 1.5 million metric tons of potatoes, which is expected to enhance the price prospects for farmers. However, an unexpected crisis arose when a shortage of ammonia gas was reported in the cold storage facilities. This situation was attributed to global factors, but immediate remedial actions were initiated under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Minister Singh mentioned that contact was established with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda for Fertilizers and Chemicals and Hardeep Singh Puri for Petroleum and Natural Gas. Following a meeting with a delegation, both ministers took prompt action, issuing necessary directives within 24 hours to ensure the supply of ammonia gas to cold storage operators.
He stated that this rapid response not only safeguarded the stored potatoes from damage but also bolstered the confidence of farmers and cold storage operators. Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister and the relevant central ministers, he described this as a crucial step towards building a ‘better India’. He also acknowledged the efforts of Trupti Singh, Vice President of the Cold Storage Association, stating that the successful resolution of this crisis was made possible through coordinated efforts.