Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has launched a dedicated helpline to protect farmers from counterfeit fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, which are increasingly being reported in the market. These fake inputs pose a serious threat to crop yield and can undo months of hard work, leaving farmers with heavy losses.
To address this growing concern, government has started an awareness drive with the slogan, “Remember – An alert farmer is a safe farmer.” As part of this initiative, a toll-free helpline (1800-180-1551) will operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM through the Kisan Call Centre. Farmers can use this service to report fraudulent sellers, lodge complaints, and seek quick guidance.
Additionally, the ministry has urged farmers to approach their respective district agriculture departments for further assistance. The move reinforces the government’s determination to safeguard farmers from exploitation while ensuring access to genuine agricultural inputs for better productivity and income security.
Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, speaking at the ‘Karmchari Sankalp Sammelan’ in New Delhi on August 21, 2025, stressed that strict action has already been taken against uncertified bio-stimulants and spurious agricultural products. He revealed that out of nearly 30,000 bio-stimulant products currently available in the market, only 600 have cleared a rigorous three-level verification process conducted by ICAR.
This initiative not only aims to protect farmers from financial and crop losses but also highlights the government’s focus on ensuring quality standards in agricultural inputs, thereby promoting safe and sustainable farming practices across the country.
