In a letter to chief ministers, the union agriculture minister directed strict action against the sale of substandard fertilisers. He highlighted the need to eliminate the problem of fake and substandard agricultural inputs and sought the involvement of the police.

The union minister for agriculture and farmers’ welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has written to the chief ministers of all states and union territories, directing immediate and strict action against the issue of counterfeit and substandard fertilizers. This letter has been issued with the objective of curbing the sale of fake fertilisers, black marketing of subsidized fertilisers, and illegal activities such as forced tagging across the country.

Acknowledging the menace of spurious fertilisers, the Chouhan emphasised that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and to ensure stability in farmers’ income, it is essential to provide them with quality fertilizers at the right time, at affordable prices, and of standard quality.

He also highlighted that the sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilizers is prohibited under the fertilizer (control) order, 1985, which falls under the essential commodities act, 1955.

Lodge FIRs

Chouhan issued the following directions to the states:

1. It is the responsibility of the States to ensure adequate availability of fertilisers at the right places and locations where it is required. Therefore, states must strictly monitor and take swift action against activities such as black marketing, overpricing, and diversion of subsidised fertilisers.
2. Regular monitoring of fertiliser production and sale, as well as strict control over counterfeit and substandard products through sampling and testing, must be carried out.
3. Forced tagging of nano-fertilisers or bio-stimulant products along with conventional fertilisers should be stopped immediately.
4. The minister has said that strict legal action, including cancellation of licenses and registration of FIRs, should be taken against the culprits, and effective prosecution must be ensured to secure conviction.
5. States have been directed to develop feedback and information systems to involve farmers/farmer groups in the monitoring process and to make special efforts to educate farmers on identifying genuine and counterfeit products.

The minister urged all states to launch a statewide campaign in accordance with the above cited directions to eliminate the problem of fake and substandard agricultural inputs from its roots. He further stated that regular monitoring of this work at the state level would lead to an effective and sustainable solution in the interest of farmers.