Fake fertilizers, pesticide producers will be punished: Shivraj Chouhan

Warning firms engaged in production of counterfeit fertilizers and pesticides, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said the central government is taking strict action to protect farmers’ interests, and the offenders would be dealt with strictly.

“The Central Government is taking strict action to protect farmers from counterfeit fertilisers and pesticides. Licenses of companies whose products have damaged crops are being cancelled, and strict action is being taken against offenders,” Chouhan, as per an official release issued here, said.

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The minister made these comments while addressing the 64th All India Wheat and Barley Research Workers’ Workshop at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University in Gwalior.

Chouhan also urged scientists to develop bio-fortified wheat and to work on preventing the harmful impact of the use of imbalanced fertiliser on the quality of soil.

Talking about issues concerning the farmers, he said while India is self-reliant in the production of wheat and rice, it is equally important to reduce agricultural costs so that farming becomes more profitable.

He appreciated the hard work of farmers, saying that India today stands tall as a strong agricultural nation at the global stage due to their hard work, and the top class research work by the scientists of the country.

He said that in the past 10–11 years, the production of wheat has increased from 86.5 million tonnes to 117.5 million tonnes — a rise of about 44 percent.

While this achievement is remarkable, we must continue our efforts to bring per-hectare productivity at par with the global average. Even as wheat and rice production is adequate, priority at the moment is to increase the productivity of pulses and oilseeds to reduce dependence on imports, the minister added.

He emphasised the importance of stubble management and educating farmers to adopt modern technologies.

The minister said that integrated farming is the most beneficial path for small and marginal farmers — combining agriculture with animal husbandry, beekeeping, fisheries, and horticulture.

He underlined the medicinal value of traditional grains like barley, which require greater promotion.

Chouhan also paid tribute to agricultural scientist Dr MS Swaminathan in his centenary year, recalling his contribution to the nation’s food self-sufficiency.