Centre Urges States to Launch Crackdown on Fake Fertilizers
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to all Chief Ministers, urging them to take immediate and stringent action against the sale of counterfeit and substandard fertilizers. He stressed the need for consistent monitoring, systematic sampling, and strict legal action, including cancelling licenses and filing FIRs against offenders. Chouhan also called for an end to the forced tagging of nano-fertilisers with conventional ones and asked states to launch campaigns to educate farmers on identifying genuine products to protect their livelihoods.
Unpacked:
The issue is significant—recent data shows that in 2023-24, about 4.9% of fertilizer samples tested nationwide failed to meet quality standards. There are also reports that fake fertilizers account for up to 40% of sales, severely impacting farmers’ yields and incomes.
The sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilizers is prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which falls under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. States are empowered to take legal actions such as cancelling licenses, registering FIRs, and prosecuting offenders to ensure quality control.
Forced tagging of nano-fertilizers with conventional fertilizers can mislead farmers about the products they are using, potentially resulting in misuse or ineffective application. The Union Minister has directed states to stop this practice to ensure transparency and protect farmers’ interests.
States have been directed to launch education campaigns, involve farmers’ groups in monitoring, and develop feedback systems. These steps aim to teach farmers how to distinguish genuine from counterfeit products, thereby safeguarding their livelihoods.