Chouhan Calls for Action Against Fake Fertilizer Sales

Quick Summary

• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan wrote to all Chief Ministers, urging immediate action against counterfeit and substandard fertilizers (july 13, 2025).
• The letter highlights the need for consistent monitoring of fertilizer production and sales through systematic sampling and testing.
• “Forced tagging” of nano-fertilizers or bio-stimulants with conventional fertilizers was specifically called out as illegal.
• Strict measures, including license cancellations, FIRs registration, and effective prosecution to ensure convictions for offenders were recommended.
• States are urged to involve farmers in oversight mechanisms via feedback systems and educate them on identifying genuine products.
• A statewide campaign is suggested to address fake fertilizers’ sale while ensuring the availability of affordable, standard-quality fertilizers.
• Actions should align with the Fertilizer (Control) Order of 1985 under the Essential Commodities Act.

Image:
!80/IMGPO24Fertiliserinh11_I7CBOBGU.jpg”>Fertilizer oversight campaign

Indian Opinion Analysis

The initiative led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan signals a critical focus on safeguarding IndiaS agricultural sector from risks posed by counterfeit or substandard inputs. Such products not only harm crop yield but compromise soil quality over time.By involving farmers in monitoring efforts and advocating educational campaigns at the state level, this approach taps into grassroots support while enhancing regulatory enforcement. The emphasis on timely access to standard-quality fertilizers aligns well with India’s strategic goal of supporting farmer welfare amid rising input costs.

Though, accomplished implementation will depend on coordination between state governments and local entities. The proposed crackdowns-especially legal actions like FIRs-must be consistently applied across regions to avoid uneven enforcement issues.Ensuring affordability amidst stricter control measures could also require subsidies or cost-reduction arrangements by authorities. This collaborative framework can serve as an essential step toward boosting agricultural sustainability without alienating key stakeholders like small-scale farmers.

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