Is the Centre Taking Action Against Black Marketing and Hoarding of Fertilisers?
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Synopsis
The Centre's recent crackdown on black marketing and hoarding of fertilisers aims to protect farmers and ensure a steady supply chain. With over 3 lakh inspections conducted, authorities are taking significant steps to uphold market integrity and prevent price manipulation during crucial agricultural seasons.
Key Takeaways
- Over 3 lakh inspections conducted nationwide.
- 5,119 show-cause notices were issued for black marketing.
- 3,645 licenses were suspended or cancelled.
- Effective collaboration with state governments.
- Proactive measures to ensure market integrity.
New Delhi, Nov 13 (NationPress) In a bid to safeguard farmers' interests and maintain the integrity of the national fertiliser supply system, the government announced a sweeping initiative on Thursday during the Kharif and ongoing Rabi season 2025-26 (April to November).
The Department of Fertilisers, in close collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, executed a significant operation targeting black marketing, hoarding, and diversion to ensure a seamless fertiliser supply throughout the Kharif and ongoing Rabi season 2025-26.
The government reported that a staggering 3,17,054 inspections and raids were carried out nationwide to oversee the distribution framework.
“These efforts resulted in the issuance of 5,119 show-cause notices for black marketing, leading to the cancellation or suspension of 3,645 licenses and the filing of 418 FIRs across the country,” according to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
The crackdown on hoarding yielded 667 show-cause notices, 202 license suspensions/cancellations, and 37 FIRs.
To combat diversion, authorities issued 2,991 show-cause notices, cancelled or suspended 451 licenses, and registered 92 FIRs. All enforcement actions were conducted under the Essential Commodities Act and the Fertiliser Control Order, ensuring stringent adherence and accountability.
Working in tight coordination with state governments, the district authorities executed robust enforcement actions, including raids, inspections, and legal measures to combat black marketing, hoarding, and diversion of fertilisers.
Uttar Pradesh spearheaded the initiative, conducting 28,273 inspections, issuing 1,957 show cause notices for black marketing, and cancelling or suspending 2,730 licenses, along with 157 FIRs. Other states like Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat also exhibited strong enforcement, deploying large-scale inspection teams, extensive monitoring, and swift legal actions.
Maharashtra's campaign included 42,566 inspections and over 1,000 license cancellations due to diversion-related violations. Rajasthan executed 11,253 inspections with thorough actions across various categories, while Bihar carried out nearly 14,000 inspections and more than 500 license suspensions.
These initiatives effectively averted artificial shortages and price manipulations during the peak agricultural season. The proactive and stringent steps taken by state governments ensured timely availability, reinforced market discipline, and upheld the integrity of fertiliser distribution nationwide.
Point of View
The government's extensive crackdown on black marketing and hoarding of fertilisers is a commendable step. It reflects a strong commitment to ensure that farmers receive fair access to essential agricultural inputs. Such measures not only protect farmers but also uphold the stability of the market, ensuring a balanced supply chain.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the government's crackdown on fertiliser black marketing?
The government's initiative is aimed at protecting farmers' interests and ensuring a steady supply of fertilisers during critical agricultural seasons.
How many inspections were conducted during this crackdown?
A total of 3,17,054 inspections and raids were conducted nationwide.
What legal actions were taken against violators?
The operations resulted in the issuance of 5,119 show-cause notices, suspension or cancellation of 3,645 licenses, and 418 FIRs.
Which state led the enforcement actions?
Uttar Pradesh led the drive with 28,273 inspections and significant actions against black marketing.
What is the goal of these enforcement actions?
The goal is to prevent artificial shortages and price manipulation, ensuring the timely availability of fertilisers.
