Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan take action to protect farmers from the growing threat of fake and substandard fertilisers. He has written to the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories, calling for strict action and a statewide campaign to clean up the fertiliser supply chain.
For the farmer in the field already struggling with erratic rains, pests, and market price swings, the last thing they need is poor-quality inputs. Yet, across India, cases of counterfeit fertilisers, black marketing, and forced tagging of nano or bio-stimulant products have quietly been hurting both soil and livelihoods.
The official statement noted that he also highlighted that the sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilisers is prohibited under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, which falls under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
“This is about going back to the root,” the Minister wrote. “Farmers must get quality fertilisers, on time, at the right price.”
He called for a zero-tolerance approach against those who exploit the system.
What the States Must Do
In his letter, Chouhan laid out a clear checklist for States:
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Monitor fertiliser availability at the village and district levels to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
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Stop forced tagging—a growing issue where farmers are made to buy unnecessary nano or bio-fertilisers with traditional ones.
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Conduct sampling and testing of fertilisers regularly to identify substandard products.
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Cancel licenses, file FIRs, and ensure those guilty face prosecution.
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Involve farmers in the process—build feedback systems, and educate them to spot fake from real.
The call to action is more than administrative—it’s personal. For lakhs of farmers, a single bag of poor-quality fertiliser can mean a season lost, a loan unpaid, a dream delayed.
For farmers like Raju Pawar from Jalna, Maharashtra, the announcement comes as a relief.
“We spend so much on farming, and still many of us can’t tell the difference between real and fake fertilisers. The packets look the same, and we trust them. But this isn’t just about our income—it’s about the food we grow for everyone. When fake fertilisers damage our soil and crops, the loss is for all. Such scams must stop,” he says firmly.
Why It Matters
Fertilisers aren’t just inputs—they are promises of yield, of hope. But when black-market rackets mix substandard chemicals, it’s not just crops that suffer. It’s trust.
By urging States to launch dedicated campaigns, the Centre hopes to plug the gaps. Chouhan reminded everyone that this issue isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about restoring dignity to farming.
Under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, the sale of fake fertilisers is a criminal offence. But despite this, farmers continue to report being cheated, especially during peak sowing seasons.
The Centre’s fresh push signals a shift—from reactive to preventive.
As monsoon sowing continues across much of India, Chouhan’s letter arrives as both a warning and a promise: those who feed the nation deserve better.
The question now is—will the States act with the urgency the farmers deserve?
