In a move to protect farmers and ensure the integrity of agricultural inputs, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories, calling for immediate and strict action against the sale of fake and substandard fertilizers.
The directive aims to curb the black marketing of subsidized fertilizers, the circulation of counterfeit products, and illegal practices such as forced tagging of nano or bio-stimulant fertilizers.
Emphasizing that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, the Minister stressed the importance of providing farmers with quality fertilizers on time, at affordable prices. He reminded states that the sale of substandard or fake fertilizers is prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which is part of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
The Centre has directed states to monitor fertilizer distribution closely, take action against overpricing and diversion, and strengthen sampling and testing to detect counterfeit products. It also instructed authorities to immediately halt forced tagging practices and to take strict legal action, including license cancellations and FIRs, against violators.
States have been encouraged to involve farmers and farmer groups in monitoring efforts and to launch awareness campaigns to help them distinguish between genuine and fake fertilizers.
Calling for a statewide crackdown, Chouhan said regular monitoring and strict enforcement would ensure lasting solutions and protect farmers’ interests.
