Centre directs crack down on 'fertilisers'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 13 2025: Union minister for agriculture and farmers' welfare has written to the chief ministers of all states and Union Territories, calling for immediate and strict action against the sale of counterfeit and substandard fertilisers across the country.

In his letter, the union minister emphasised that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and underlined the importance of ensuring farmers have timely access to quality fertilisers at affordable prices.

He stated that the use of fake or low-quality fertilisers can severely impact crop yields and farmer income, threatening agricultural stability.

The minister highlighted that the sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilisers is a violation of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, which is governed under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.He urged all state governments to enforce this law rigorously and eliminate the black marketing and diversion of subsidised fertilisers.

The letter instructed states to ensure fertilisers are available in adequate quantities and at appropriate locations, particularly during sowing seasons.

It directed authorities to monitor fertiliser production and sales closely, and to conduct regular sampling and testing to detect substandard or fake products in the market.

The minister also raised concern over the practice of forced tagging, where nano-fertilisers or bio-stimulant products are bundled with conventional fertilisers.

He directed states to halt this practice immediately, saying it violates fair market principles and misleads farmers.

Strict legal action, including cancellation of licenses, filing of FIRs, and prosecution of offenders, must be taken to deter such offences, the minister said.

He added that securing convictions through proper legal follow-up is essential to ensure accountability.

To strengthen oversight, the minister encouraged states to develop feedback and information systems involving farmers and farmer groups in monitoring fertiliser supply chains.

He also called for special efforts to educate farmers on how to identify genuine products and avoid counterfeit ones.

The union government has asked states to launch dedicated campaigns against fake agricultural inputs and monitor the progress of these efforts at the state level.

The minister asserted that regular and rigorous enforcement would help eliminate the issue at its root, ultimately benefiting millions of farmers across India.

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