Delhi/Hyderabad, July 13 (Maxim News): In a significant move to protect farmers and ensure agricultural integrity, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has issued a stern directive to all Chief Ministers of States and Union Territories, urging immediate and strict action against those involved in the sale of counterfeit, substandard, and black-marketed fertilisers.
In a letter sent to state governments, the minister stressed that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and farmers must receive quality fertilisers at the right time and price. He warned that the sale of fake or poor-quality fertilisers not only cheats farmers but also severely affects crop yields and the nation’s food security.
Crackdown on Black Marketing and Counterfeit Sales
The letter emphasizes that the sale and distribution of counterfeit fertilisers is a violation of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, which is governed under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for intensified monitoring of fertiliser sales and urged state authorities to prosecute offenders, cancel licenses, and register FIRs against individuals or organisations found guilty.
“It is the duty of every state to ensure timely and adequate availability of genuine fertilisers to farmers,” the minister said. He also highlighted the need to eliminate practices such as forced tagging of nano-fertilisers and bio-stimulants with conventional fertilisers, which has become an emerging concern.
States Directed to Educate Farmers and Tighten Surveillance
The Centre has also instructed states to:
- Regularly monitor fertiliser production, distribution, and sales
- Conduct sampling and lab testing to verify product quality
- Set up farmer feedback and complaint mechanisms
- Launch awareness drives to educate farmers on spotting fake or adulterated products
Chouhan said the government is committed to ensuring farmers’ welfare and income stability, and providing high-quality agricultural inputs is a critical step toward achieving that goal.
Urgent Need for Accountability
The directive comes at a time when multiple reports have emerged from across India about the sale of spurious fertilisers and the diversion of subsidised stock for illegal profit. The minister’s tough stance signals the Centre’s zero-tolerance policy toward those exploiting the agricultural supply chain.
With Assembly elections in several states approaching and ongoing reforms in the agriculture sector, this directive is expected to bring sharper scrutiny and accountability within the fertiliser distribution network nationwide.
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