Chouhan calls for strict action against production, sale of counterfeit fertilizers

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to the chief ministers of all states and the authorities of the Union Territories, urging them to initiate immediate and strict action against people and organisations indulging in production and sale of counterfeit and substandard fertilizers in their jurisdiction.

The 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, an official release issued here said.

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In the letter, Chouhan emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and to ensure stability in farmers’ income, it is essential to provide them with quality fertilizers at the right time, at affordable prices, and of standard quality.

He also highlighted that the sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilizers is prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which falls under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Chouhan issued the following directions to the states:

It is the responsibility of the states to ensure adequate availability of fertilizers at the right places and locations where it is required. Therefore, they must strictly monitor and take swift action against activities such as black marketing, overpricing, and diversion of subsidized fertilizers.

Regular monitoring of fertilizer production and sale, as well as strict control over counterfeit and substandard products through sampling and testing, must be carried out.

Forced tagging of nano-fertilizers or bio-stimulant products along with conventional fertilizers should be stopped immediately, and strict legal action, including cancellation of licenses and registration of FIRs, should be taken against the culprits, and effective prosecution must be ensured to secure conviction.

The states have also been directed to develop feedback and information systems to involve farmers/farmer groups in the monitoring process and to make special efforts to educate farmers on identifying genuine and counterfeit products.

The Union minister, the release said, urged all the states to launch a campaign in accordance with the directions given to eliminate the problem of fake and substandard agricultural inputs from its roots.

Regular monitoring of this work at the state level would lead to an effective and sustainable solution in the interest of farmers, he added.