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Chouhan urges state CMs to combat counterfeit fertilisers, forced tagging
Sources said that Chouhan's letter followed feedback from farmers during the fortnight-long 'Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan,' which concluded last month, as well as from interactions outside the campaign.
The minister had also stated during a review meeting of the campaign that special steps, including stringent laws, should be enacted to curb the spread of spurious seeds and fertilisers among farmers.
Regarding the forced tagging of nano products such as nano urea and nano-DAP with conventional fertilisers, sources noted that companies have often been found resorting to such practices to boost sales.
He highlighted that the sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilisers is prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which falls under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Furthermore, Chouhan stated in the letter that it is the responsibility of the states to ensure the adequate availability of fertilisers at the right places and locations where they are needed.
Therefore, states must strictly monitor and take swift action against activities such as black-marketing, overpricing, and the diversion of subsidised fertilisers.
He also instructed them to ensure regular monitoring of fertiliser production and sales, as well as strict control over counterfeit and substandard products through sampling and testing.
On the forced tagging of nano-fertilisers or bio-stimulant products with conventional fertilizers, Chouhan insisted that it should be 'stopped' immediately.
'Strict legal action, including the cancellation of licences and registration of FIRs, should be taken against the culprits, and effective prosecution must be ensured to secure conviction,' the statement said.
The letter also directed states to develop feedback and information systems involving farmers or farmer groups in the monitoring process and to make special efforts to educate farmers on how to identify genuine and counterfeit products.
Chouhan urged all states to launch a state-wide campaign in line with these directions to eliminate the problem of fake and substandard agricultural inputs at its roots.
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