Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane Development Department has introduced a stricter quality control system to ensure that sugarcane farmers receive only certified agricultural inputs. Under the new guidelines, sugar mills will be allowed to distribute fertilizers, micronutrients, bio-fertilizers, and pesticides only after they have successfully passed mandatory quality testing.
The new policy aims to protect farmers from substandard agricultural products while promoting better crop productivity and sustainable farming practices across the state.
NABL-Certified Testing Made Mandatory
According to the directives issued by the Sugarcane Commissioner, every batch of agricultural inputs must undergo testing at NABL-accredited laboratories before being supplied to farmers. Only products that meet the prescribed quality standards will be approved for distribution.
Strict Action Against Substandard Products
The department has warned that sugar mills distributing agricultural inputs without mandatory quality testing or supplying inferior products will face stringent action. Authorities may also forfeit the bank guarantees of mills found violating the regulations.
Priority to Scientifically Recommended Inputs
The guidelines emphasize the use and distribution of fertilizers and pesticides recommended by agricultural scientists. The distribution of banned pesticides has been strictly prohibited under all circumstances.
Distribution Based on Farmers' Actual Requirements
Sugar mills have been instructed to supply agricultural inputs according to the cultivated sugarcane area and the actual requirements of farmers. They have also been advised to procure fertilizers, pesticides, and related products from trusted organizations such as IFFCO, KRIBHCO, and other reputed suppliers to ensure product quality.
Sugar Mills to Remain Fully Accountable
Whether agricultural inputs are distributed directly by sugar mills or through authorized agencies, the responsibility for product quality and proper distribution will remain with the respective sugar mill.
District Sugarcane Officers and Deputy Sugarcane Commissioners will conduct regular inspections to monitor compliance. If agricultural inputs are supplied without a farmer's consent or if substandard products are distributed, the concerned sugar mill will face legal action. In addition, any mechanism for recovering or adjusting the cost of such inputs against sugarcane payments may be withdrawn immediately.
Initiative Aims to Protect Farmers and Improve Productivity
The new quality assurance framework is designed to safeguard sugarcane farmers from counterfeit and low-quality agricultural inputs while improving crop productivity and ensuring better returns. The move is expected to strengthen transparency in the agricultural supply chain and support sustainable sugarcane cultivation across Uttar Pradesh.
