Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has written to the Chief Ministers of all States, directing immediate and strict action against the issue of counterfeit and substandard fertilizers.
The issue of fake and substandard fertilizers is intensifying across India, raising serious concerns for both farmers and the central government. While farmers are already grappling with fertilizer shortages during the crucial kharif sowing season, the surge in counterfeit products and black marketing has deepened their woes. Reports of farmers being duped with fake and poor-quality fertilizers have surfaced from several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
Responding to the situation, Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has written to the Chief Ministers of all States, directing immediate and strict action against the issue of counterfeit and substandard fertilizers. He emphasized the importance of providing farmers with timely access to quality fertilizers at affordable prices.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, the letter was issued with the objective of curbing the sale of fake fertilizers, black marketing of subsidized fertilizers, and illegal activities such as forced tagging across the country.
In the letter, Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that it is the responsibility of state governments to ensure the adequate availability of fertilizers. Therefore, states must strictly monitor and take swift action against activities such as black marketing, overpricing, and diversion of subsidized fertilizers.
He also directed states to ensure regular monitoring of fertilizer production and sales, and to maintain strict control over counterfeit and substandard products through sampling and testing.
The Agriculture Minister further instructed states to immediately stop the forced tagging of nano-fertilizers or bio-stimulants with conventional fertilizers. He urged them to take strict legal measures, including the cancellation of licenses and registration of FIRs, should be taken against the culprits, and effective prosecution must be ensured to secure conviction.
Calling for a statewide campaign, the Minister stressed the need to eliminate the problem of fake and substandard agricultural inputs from its roots. He added that regular monitoring at the state level would lead to a long-term and effective solution in the interest of farmers.
The issue was also raised by farmers during interactions with the Minister as part of the “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.” During these discussions, complaints about fake seeds, fertilizer black marketing, and forced tagging came to the fore. Meanwhile, reports of raids on suppliers of fake and substandard fertilizers have been pouring in from multiple states. With the sowing season underway, farmers are increasingly troubled by black marketing and fertilizer shortages. Chouhan has reiterated his commitment to introducing stricter laws to crack down on fake fertilizers and seeds.