In a decisive move to safeguard the interests of farmers and uphold agricultural productivity, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to all Chief Ministers of States and Union Territories, urging them to launch an intensive statewide campaign to curb the sale of counterfeit, substandard, and illegally marketed fertilizers.
The letter, issued on July 13, calls for immediate and stringent action against black marketing, overpricing, and forced tagging of nano-fertilizers or bio-stimulants alongside conventional fertilizers. The Minister emphasized that ensuring quality fertilizers at affordable prices and timely availability is essential for the prosperity of India’s farmers and the stability of the agricultural economy.
Clear Message: Zero Tolerance for Substandard Fertilizers
Reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward fake agricultural inputs, Shri Chouhan noted that the use of substandard fertilizers not only causes crop losses and damages soil health but also severely affects farmers’ incomes. He reminded States that the sale of counterfeit fertilizers is strictly prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which falls under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Key Directives Issued to States:
- Ensure Adequate Availability and Distribution
States must ensure that fertilizers are available at the right time and in the right quantities in all regions, especially rural and remote areas. Strict vigilance is required to prevent diversion of subsidized fertilizers, black marketing, and overpricing. - Regular Monitoring and Quality Control
Regular inspections, sampling and laboratory testing of fertilizers must be carried out to detect substandard or spurious products. Vigilant monitoring of manufacturing units, retailers, and distribution channels is critical. - Ban on Forced Tagging of Nano and Bio-stimulant Products
The Minister directed that any forced tagging of nano-fertilizers or bio-stimulants along with traditional fertilizers should be stopped immediately. Such practices are not only unethical but also confuse and mislead farmers. - Strict Legal Enforcement
Action must be taken against violators, including cancellation of licenses, lodging of FIRs, and effective prosecution. The objective is not only to penalize offenders but to set an example to deter future malpractice. - Farmer Awareness and Feedback Mechanisms
States have been asked to create information and feedback systems that involve farmers and farmer groups in monitoring fertilizer quality. Additionally, awareness campaigns should be conducted to help farmers distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products.
A Nationwide Campaign to Protect Farmers
Calling for a coordinated and intensive campaign across all States, the Minister said that eliminating fake and substandard fertilizers from the supply chain is crucial for protecting farmers’ interests. He stated that regular monitoring and proactive intervention at the state level will help establish an effective and sustainable solution to this chronic issue.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader push to strengthen the agri-input ecosystem, improve accountability in the fertilizer sector, and empower farmers with quality inputs that ensure better yields and income stability.
With this strong message from the Centre, the ball is now in the court of the States to act swiftly and decisively in the interest of India’s millions of farmers.
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