Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has taken a tough stand against the sale of spurious fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides. On Monday, at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, the Minister convened a high-level meeting with senior officials of the Union Agriculture Ministry and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), directing them to take stringent measures against those selling fake agro-inputs.
Chouhan emphasized that crop damage due to spurious products must be treated with the highest seriousness, and that officials must act swiftly to prevent farmers from suffering losses. He instructed large-scale inspections, surprise raids, and on-field investigations to identify violators.
During the meeting, Chouhan remarked that the problem was widespread: “Not one, but hundreds of farmers across different districts are troubled by fake products. Farmers keep complaining that they spray the medicine, but it has no effect. I am deeply concerned. Their pain must be understood seriously.”
He recalled his visit the previous day to a soybean field in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, where farmers alleged that a chemical had destroyed their entire crop. “I saw it myself – the crop was ruined, and hundreds of farmers gathered to share their grievances. Such substandard or fake products cannot be tolerated. Those selling them must face the strictest action,” he said.
The Minister directed agriculture officials to coordinate with state governments, conduct farm-level inspections, and carry out large-scale raids against suspected manufacturers and sellers. Samples must be collected, and if found substandard, immediate punitive action should be taken. “Factories and shops found guilty should be sealed,” he ordered.
Chouhan stressed: “If something wrong is happening, it is our duty to act firmly in the farmers’ interest. We cannot allow our farmers to be cheated.” He further instructed officials to hear farmer complaints directly, resolve them quickly, and said he would personally review these cases on a regular basis.
The Minister also emphasized the need for awareness campaigns among farmers, so they do not fall victim to spurious products. He directed that such outreach should also be part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (Developed Agriculture Resolution Campaign).
In addition, Chouhan reviewed another matter concerning subsidy benefits provided by the central government for polyhouses, greenhouses, and farm mechanization. He directed agriculture teams to verify on the ground whether farmers are actually receiving these benefits, and to ensure subsidies reach them on time. “Our schemes must be implemented properly, and their utilization should be verified regularly,” he added.
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