Centre asks states to crack down on fake, substandard fertilizers

Centre has directed States and Union Territories to take immediate and strict action against the issue of substandard fertilizers. Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written a letter to the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories. This letter has been 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. Chouhan said that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy and to ensure stability in farmers’ income, it is essential to provide them quality fertilizers at the right time and affordable prices.

The Minister stressed the importance of providing farmers with quality fertilizers on time, at affordable prices. He reminded states that the sale of substandard or fake fertilizers is prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which is part of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Centre has directed states to monitor fertilizer distribution closely, take action against overpricing and diversion, and strengthen sampling and testing to detect counterfeit products. It also instructed authorities to immediately halt forced tagging practices and to take strict legal action, including license cancellations and FIRs, against violators. States have been encouraged to involve farmers and farmer groups in monitoring efforts and to launch awareness campaigns to help them distinguish between genuine and fake fertilizers.