New Delhi, Jul 13, 2025: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has urged Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories to take immediate and strict action against the sale of counterfeit and substandard fertilisers.
In a letter issued to State governments, the Minister stressed the need to curb black marketing, diversion of subsidised fertilisers, forced tagging of nano and bio-stimulants, and sale of spurious agricultural inputs. He cited the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, under the Essential Commodities Act, as the legal framework prohibiting such practices.
Calling agriculture the backbone of India’s economy, Chouhan emphasized the importance of providing farmers with affordable, high-quality fertilisers on time. He instructed States to ensure adequate availability of fertilisers at critical locations and take strict action against:
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Black marketing and overpricing
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Forced tagging of non-conventional products
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Distribution of substandard or fake fertilisers
The Minister directed State agencies to step up sampling, testing, and surveillance, and to take legal actions such as license cancellations, FIRs, and prosecutions to ensure convictions.
States have also been asked to involve farmers and groups in the monitoring process and conduct awareness drives to help them identify genuine products.
Chouhan further urged States to launch dedicated campaigns to wipe out fake fertilisers and agricultural inputs, ensuring regular reviews for long-term solutions.
