Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has issued strict instructions to crack down on the sale of fake fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, calling them a “curse for farmers.” Chairing a high-level meeting with officials of the Agriculture Ministry and ICAR in New Delhi on August 18, 2025, Chauhan said that farmers across several states have been suffering heavy losses due to spurious products and warned that those responsible will face the toughest action.
Sharing details of a recent field visit, the minister said he witnessed firsthand how a pesticide destroyed an entire soybean crop, leaving farmers devastated. “Hundreds of farmers told me that the medicines they used had no effect, and their crops were ruined. Such people who cheat farmers must not be spared,” Chauhan said.
He directed officials to conduct surprise raids on a large scale, seal factories and shops selling substandard products, and take immediate legal action wherever violations are detected.
Chauhan stressed that safeguarding farmers’ interests is the government’s duty. He said every complaint from farmers must be resolved promptly and assured that he would personally review them. “If something wrong is happening, we cannot allow it. Acting in the farmers’ interest is our responsibility,” he added.
The minister also urged state governments to coordinate closely with the Centre to ensure stricter enforcement and to spread greater awareness among farmers so that they are not misled by fraudulent suppliers.
Alongside the crackdown on spurious inputs, Chauhan instructed officials to verify the distribution of central subsidies for poly houses, greenhouses, and farm mechanisation. He emphasized that the benefits of these schemes must genuinely reach farmers on time. “Our schemes must reach farmers in the right way. Regular verification is essential to ensure transparency,” he noted.
With these directions, Agriculture Ministry is preparing for widespread inspections and awareness drives aimed at protecting farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring they receive both genuine agricultural products and the full benefits of government schemes.
