In a significant move to address the growing threat of fake and substandard fertilizers, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to all Chief Ministers, urging immediate and strict action to protect farmers from black marketing, illegal tagging, and the sale of fake agricultural inputs.
Issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, the letter calls for a coordinated state-level crackdown to eliminate these harmful practices that undermine the trust and productivity of India’s farming community.
Highlighting that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, Minister highlighted the government's responsibility to ensure that farmers receive fertilizers of standard quality, on time, and at affordable prices. He stressed that the sale of counterfeit or low-quality fertilizers is not only unethical but also a punishable offense under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which comes under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
The Minister issued clear directions for States to act upon. These include strict surveillance of the fertilizer supply chain to prevent black marketing, overpricing, and diversion; regular sampling and testing to identify substandard products; and an immediate halt to the forced tagging of nano-fertilizers or bio-stimulants with conventional fertilizers. He also instructed that strong legal action, including the cancellation of licenses, registration of FIRs, and effective prosecution, be undertaken to ensure accountability and conviction of offenders.
To strengthen vigilance, States have also been urged to involve farmers in the monitoring process. The Minister directed the development of robust feedback systems and real-time reporting mechanisms with the participation of farmer groups. In addition, awareness campaigns should be launched to help farmers distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products.
The Minister called on all States and Union Territories to initiate aggressive awareness and enforcement drives to root out the menace of fake fertilizers. He concluded that regular monitoring at the state level will be crucial in ensuring timely access to quality agricultural inputs, thereby safeguarding farmers’ incomes and strengthening national food security.
