What Actions Are States Taking Against Fake Fertiliser Sales?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Immediate action required against fake fertilisers.
- Importance of quality fertilisers for farmers’ income stability.
- States must ensure availability and prevent black marketing.
- Regular monitoring and testing of fertiliser products.
- Engaging farmers in the monitoring process.
New Delhi, July 13 (NationPress) Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chauhan has urged the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories to implement immediate and stringent measures against individuals selling fraudulent and inferior quality fertilisers to farmers.
The communication aims to put an end to the distribution of fake fertilisers, the illicit trade of subsidised fertilisers, and unlawful practices such as enforced tagging throughout the nation, according to an official announcement.
The Minister has stressed in his correspondence that agriculture serves as the backbone of India’s economy, and ensuring a stable income for farmers necessitates the provision of quality fertilisers at the right time, at reasonable costs, and meeting standard quality benchmarks.
He has pointed out that the distribution of counterfeit or substandard fertilisers is illegal under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, which is governed by the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan has stated that it is the duty of the States to guarantee sufficient availability of fertilisers in the appropriate locations where they are needed. Consequently, states must vigilantly oversee and take prompt action against activities like black marketing, price gouging, and the misappropriation of subsidised fertilisers.
He has called for consistent monitoring of fertiliser production and sales, alongside rigorous control measures against counterfeit and substandard products through testing and sampling.
The Union Minister has additionally declared that forced tagging of nano-fertilisers or bio-stimulant products along with conventional fertilisers must cease immediately.
He has also advised that severe legal actions, including the revocation of licenses and filing of FIRs, should be pursued against wrongdoers, ensuring effective prosecution to achieve convictions.
Moreover, states have been instructed to establish feedback and information systems to engage farmers in the monitoring process and make targeted efforts to educate them on how to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products.