Shivraj Singh Chouhan discusses fake fertilisers, urea, other agricultural issues

In a significant meeting, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday discussed issues such as shortage of fertilisers and urea, certification of bio-stimulants and preparations for the upcoming Rabi crop with agriculture ministers and officials from several states.

Raising the issue of fake fertilisers and urea in the meeting, Chouhan called upon state governments to take strict action. He noted that around 30,000 bio-stimulant products were being sold earlier, many without proper certification. So far, only 600 bio-stimulants have been certified, an official release said.

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He directed officials to ensure that only these certified products reach farmers, and stressed that forcing farmers to purchase other products along with fertilisers is wrong and strict action should be taken against it.

“Discussions covered a wide range of topics — shortage of fertilisers and urea, certification of bio-stimulants, preparations for the upcoming Rabi crop under the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’, the National Mission on Natural Farming, increasing pulses and oilseeds production, the 5-year agricultural action plan, settlement of crop insurance claims in flood and disaster-affected areas, and publicising the toll-free number for resolving farmers’ grievances,” it said.

Chouhan, who chaired the meeting, began it by extending greetings of Independence Day.

The minister informed that a two-day conference on the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ for the Rabi crop will be organised in New Delhi on September 15–16, and the formal launch of the campaign will be held on October 3, 2025, coinciding with Vijay Parv.

The campaign will run from October 3 to Dhanteras on October 18, it said.

He also urged agriculture ministers of all states in the country to make preparations for the initiative.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for the National Mission on Natural Farming, which will be launched by the Prime Minister on August 23, the official document said.

The Minister also deliberated on increasing the production of pulses and oilseeds, and urged the ministers concerned to personally lead and promote these important missions, schemes, and campaigns in their states.

He stressed that the country must strengthen production of pulses and oilseeds to meet our national demand.