Centre Launches Crackdown on Fake Fertilizers: Union Minister Urges States to Take Swift Action to Safeguard Farmers
In a decisive step aimed at protecting farmers’ interests and preserving the integrity of agricultural inputs, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, #ShivrajSinghChouhan, has reached out to all Chief Ministers across the country, urging them to take immediate and stringent measures against the sale and distribution of counterfeit and substandard fertilizers.
In a formal communication to all States and Union Territories, Minister Chouhan raised serious concerns over the rising incidents of black marketing of subsidized fertilizers, the unchecked circulation of fake products, and the unlawful practice of forced tagging of #nano and bio-stimulant fertilizers.
This issue has alarmed stakeholders across the farming sector.
Emphasizing that #agriculture remains the cornerstone of India’s economy and the lifeline of millions of rural households, Chouhan highlighted the critical importance of ensuring that farmers receive high-quality fertilizers promptly and at affordable prices.
He underlined that any compromise in the authenticity or timely availability of fertilizers could have disastrous consequences for agricultural productivity and farmer welfare.
Minister Chouhan reminded state authorities that the sale and distribution of fake or substandard fertilizers is a clear violation of the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which is a part of the #EssentialCommoditiesAct, 1955.
He urged all state governments to prioritize the enforcement of this law by strengthening surveillance systems and compliance frameworks at every level of the supply chain.
As part of this national directive, the Centre has instructed states to undertake the following key actions:
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Vigilant monitoring of fertilizer distribution networks to prevent hoarding, overpricing, and diversion of products meant for farmers;
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Aggressive crackdown on sellers and manufacturers of counterfeit fertilizers through license cancellations, registration suspensions, and filing of FIRs under relevant legal provisions;
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Enhanced sampling and testing procedures to ensure that only certified and authentic fertilizers reach the market;
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Immediate discontinuation of forced tagging of nano or bio-stimulants, which the Centre views as an exploitative practice harming both the farmer and the credibility of sustainable input alternatives;
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Engagement of farmers and farmer organizations in monitoring and reporting suspicious activity, thus creating a grassroots-level vigilance network;
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Public awareness campaigns to educate farmers on how to identify genuine fertilizers and protect themselves from being duped by fraudulent dealers.
Minister Chouhan emphasized that a statewide crackdown, supported by regular inspections and legal enforcement, is essential for delivering long-term solutions to this persistent problem.
He called upon states to act in a coordinated and proactive manner, ensuring that the benefits of government subsidies and scientific innovation reach the farmers without being undermined by black-market operators and unscrupulous elements.
“The safety and prosperity of our farmers depend on the quality and integrity of agricultural inputs. Ensuring that they are not cheated with fake products is not only a legal obligation but a moral one,” Chouhan stressed in his communication.
By launching this initiative, the central government aims to reaffirm its commitment to #farmerswelfare and agricultural sustainability, ensuring that every farmer, irrespective of region, has access to genuine, effective, and fairly priced fertilizers.
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