Chouhan urges States to act against sale of fake fertilizers
In a letter addressed to the Chief Ministers of States and Union Territories, Mr. Chouhan stressed the need for consistent monitoring of fertilizer production and sales, and called for systematic sampling and testing to detect non-compliant products.
Also Read | Fertilizers are source of several diseases; switch to organic farming, says Amit Shah
'Forced tagging of nano-fertilisers or bio-stimulant products, along with conventional fertilizers, should be stopped immediately,' the Minister said.
He further emphasised that strict legal action, including the cancellation of licences and registration of First Information Reports (FIRs), must be taken against those found guilty. 'Effective prosecution must be ensured to secure a conviction,' he added.
To strengthen oversight mechanisms, Mr. Chouhan also called for the development of feedback and information systems that would involve farmers and farmer groups in monitoring efforts. He urged States to make special efforts to educate farmers on how to identify genuine and counterfeit fertilizers.
The Minister requested all States to launch a statewide campaign to root out the issue of fake and substandard agricultural inputs. He said such efforts must be regularly monitored at the State level to arrive at a 'sustainable solution in the interest of farmers'.
Mr. Chouhan underscored the need to ensure the timely availability of fertilizers of standard quality at affordable prices, saying, 'Agriculture is the backbone of India's economy.'
'This 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,' the official communication said.
He also reminded States that the sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilizers is prohibited under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which is governed by the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
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