Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 22 (ANI): Strict action will be taken against those involved in sugar hoarding and black marketing, Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane Minister Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan said on Saturday, adding that no one will be allowed to stock sugar for more than 30 days.

The minister's remarks came after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the availability and stock position of sugar in the state and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply while taking stringent action against illegal stocking and black marketing.

CM Yogi reviewed the availability of sugar in the state and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply while taking stringent action against those involved in illegal stocking and black marketing.

As per the government data, sugar mills across Uttar Pradesh currently have a total stock of 179.38 lakh quintals of sugar.

The stock includes 23.60 lakh quintals in cooperative sugar mills, 5.28 lakh quintals in corporation-run sugar mills and 150.50 lakh quintals in private sugar mills.

Following the review meeting, Sugarcane Minister Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan said that the government will not allow anyone to create an artificial shortage of sugar or indulge in hoarding.

'Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reviewed the availability and stock position of sugar in the state. There is sufficient availability of sugar in Uttar Pradesh. Strict action will be taken against those involved in hoarding and black marketing of sugar. No dealer will be allowed to keep stock beyond the prescribed limit. Action will be taken as per rules against those storing sugar for more than 30 days or keeping stock above 400 tonnes at a time', he said.

'The Uttar Pradesh government is continuously working in the interest of farmers. Record payments have been made to sugarcane farmers this year, and the new crushing season will begin from October 15', he added.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government also highlighted the progress made in payments to sugarcane farmers. The state has distributed Rs 3,217 crore to around 48 lakh farmers as part of the sugarcane payment process.

The Chief Minister directed officials to closely monitor sugar availability, prevent hoarding and ensure that consumers do not face difficulties due to price fluctuations. (ANI)