Curb counterfeit fertilizers: Chouhan urges Chief Ministers

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday (July 13, 2025) wrote to the Chief Ministers of all States, asking them to launch a campaign for ensuring fertilizer quality. He also urged them to take immediate and strict action against substandard and counterfeit fertilizers, reminding them that it was essential to provide farmers with quality fertilizers at the right time, at affordable prices and of standard quality.

The Union Agriculture Ministry said in a release that the letter has been issued with the objective of curbing the sale of fake fertilizers, black marketing of subsidised fertilizers, and illegal activities such as forced tagging across the country.

Mr. Chouhan said the sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilizers was prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which fell under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. He said it was the responsibility of the States to ensure adequate availability of fertilizers at the right places and locations where it was required.

“Therefore, States must strictly monitor and take swift action against activities such as black marketing, overpricing, and diversion of subsidised fertilizers,” Mr. Chouhan said in the letter.

Urging the States to regularly monitor fertilizer production and sale, he asked the Chief Ministers to carry out regular sampling and testing to ensure strict control over counterfeit and substandard products. “Forced tagging of nano-fertilizers or bio-stimulant products along with conventional fertilizers should be stopped immediately,” he said. 

The Minister said 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 a conviction. “States have 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 Minister of Agriculture said adding that all States must launch a statewide campaign in accordance to eliminate the problem of fake and substandard agricultural inputs from its roots.