NEW DELHI: In a bid to safeguard farmers and uphold the quality of agricultural inputs, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan has urged Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories to take swift and stringent action against the sale of fake and substandard fertilizers.

In his letter, the Minister highlighted the urgent need to crack down on black marketing of subsidized fertilizers, the spread of counterfeit products, and illegal practices such as the forced tagging of nano or bio-stimulant fertilizers.

Stressing that agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy, Chouhan emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that farmers receive timely access to high-quality fertilizers at affordable rates. He reminded state governments that the sale of substandard or counterfeit fertilizers is a punishable offence under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, framed under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

The Centre has directed states to closely monitor fertilizer distribution channels, curb overpricing and diversion, and strengthen sampling and testing mechanisms to identify and eliminate fake products. Authorities have also been instructed to immediately end forced tagging practices and take firm legal action against violators, including the cancellation of licenses and filing of FIRs.

States have been advised to involve farmers and farmer groups in monitoring processes and to roll out awareness campaigns to help farmers identify genuine fertilizers.

Calling for a coordinated and sustained crackdown, Chouhan said that regular monitoring and robust enforcement would provide lasting protection to farmers and ensure the integrity of agricultural inputs.