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New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Odisha govt intensifies crackdown on fertiliser hoarding and black marketing
BHUBANEWAR/BARGARH : The state government had intensified enforcement activities by conducting stock verification of chemical fertilisers at dealers and retailers points to ensure smooth supply of soil nutrients at prices fixed by the government. The Agriculture department has so far conducted surprise checking at 1,993 retail points and issued show cause notice to 426 retailers and stop-sale notice to eight retailers for violation of the fertilisation control order (FCO). Similarly, 25 dealers' license have been suspended or cancelled for violation of FCO rules. The enforcement activities were stepped up following publication of a report in The New Indian Express on black marketing and hoarding of fertilisers in Bargarh district. Taking note of the report which highlighted the shortage of popular granular fertilisers like DAP, urea and single super phosphate or Gromor in Bargarh and adjoining districts, Agriculture Minister KV Singh Deo directed the department to take stringent action against dealers, retailers and private traders creating artificial shortage to jack up the prices. As some of the dealers are forcing farmers to buy nano-fertilisers, the department has instructed IFFCO authorities to refrain from any such activities. The farmers are free to make independent choice of fertilisers without any compulsion. The MARKFED officials have been instructed to take steps accordingly. 'Enforcement activities are being conducted across the state by surprise checking of fertiliser retailer and wholesaler points and verifying any type of illegal activities to protect the interest of the farmers. It is the prime objective of the government to ensure availability of proper quality fertilisers at fixed price at the right place and at the right time. To check black marketing, hoarding and sale of spurious fertilisers, enforcement squads have been formed both at district and block-level,' Singh Deo said. Asserting that there is adequate stock of fertilisers, sources in the department said the state is likely to receive 6.82 lakh tonne of fertilisers by end of July, out of which, 5 lakh tonne has been already received. The state had pre-positioned 2.94 lakh tonne before April 1, 2025, making the total availability of fertilisers at 7.94 lakh tonne. Around 3.65 lakh tonne of different grades have been sold to farmers, leaving 4.24 lakh tonne available in different districts as of date, officials said.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt not to allow sale of biostimulants without scientific nod: Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan
Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan is concerned about biostimulant quality. The government will now require scientific approval for biostimulant sales. This decision follows farmer complaints about product ineffectiveness. The ministry will create standard operating procedures. Action will be taken against suspicious manufacturers. India's biostimulant market is projected to grow significantly by 2032. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Concerned over irregularities in the biostimulant market, Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said the government will not allow the sale of such products without scientific a review meeting, Chouhan pulled up the ministry and ICAR officials for watching with closed eyes the rising sale of biostimulants amid farmers' complaints about their quality and minister directed his ministry officials to permit the sale of those biostimulants which are effective in the farm field and meet the quality parameters, according to an official also directed ministry officials to prepare a standard of procedure (SOP) by setting rules and regulations."Now, permission will be given only after it is scientifically approved and the entire responsibility for this will be with the concerned officials," he are substances or microorganisms (such as beneficial bacteria, fungi, or plant extracts) that, when applied to seeds, plants, or soil, stimulate natural plant concern over irregularities in the sector, Chouhan said biostimulants have been sold in the country for many years and the permission period for the sale is being extended one year after another, but many times complaints come from the field that there is no benefit from it, still it is being sold."It is necessary to review biostimulants thoroughly to see how much benefit the farmers are getting from it; if not, then permission to sell it cannot be given," Chouhan of companies started selling biostimulants without any rules, but the government will not let this happen at any cost, he government will take action against suspicious manufacturers of biostimulants, he there is a comprehensive regulatory framework for biostimulants through amendments to the Fertiliser (In organic , Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985 (FCO), with recent updates in 2024 and biostimulants market in India was valued at approximately USD 355-362 million in 2024 and is projected to reach between USD 1.13 billion and USD 1.2 billion by 2032.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Fertiliser stocks up 30%, govt warns against hoarding
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has ramped up efforts to ensure the smooth and timely supply of fertilisers, pesticides, and micronutrients during the ongoing Kharif season. The Agriculture Department recently issued a stern warning to all fertiliser dealers and distributors, making it clear that hoarding, black marketing, diversion of fertilisers, or selling above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) would not be tolerated. With the onset of the Kharif season, farmers rushed to nearby stores to purchase seeds and essential fertilisers, resulting in increased demand. The Agriculture Department advised farmers to avoid panic buying and ignore baseless rumours of shortages, noting that fertiliser stocks in the state have increased by 30% this year compared to the previous Kharif season. S Dilli Rao, director of the agriculture department, stressed that the state government is committed to ensuring fair and uninterrupted access to agricultural inputs, particularly in rural and interior areas. To support this, fertiliser companies, cooperative societies, MARKFED, Rythu Seva Kendras, and private retailers have been instructed to maintain adequate local stock and cooperate with field-level staff. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book 3 & 4 BHK from 6.76 Cr* All Inc. in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 7 Mahalaxmi, Runwal Group Book Now Undo Special focus is also being placed on the availability of pesticides and micronutrients, which are equally critical for a healthy crop yield. For July alone, 3.84 LMT (lakh metric tonnes) of fertilisers are scheduled for supply, including 1.30 LMT of urea. The Centre has already allocated the full Kharif requirement of 6.22 LMT of urea, of which 1.95 LMT has been received. Including opening stocks, 4.93 LMT is currently available—sufficient to meet demand through the end of August. Taking note of irregularities in urea and seed sales, Dilli Rao warned that violators will face license cancellation and legal action under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) of 1985. He emphasised that distribution must strictly align with crop cultivation patterns and actual ground-level needs.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
KWAP and Malaysia Forest Fund ink MoU
KUALA LUMPUR: Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (KWAP) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF) aimed at advancing Malaysia's sustainability agenda through forest-based solutions. This partnership marks a significant step towards supporting Malaysia's transition to a net-zero economy and reinforces KWAP's commitment to achieve Net Zero Portfolio by 2050, a key element of its broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. The signing ceremony, held in conjunction with the KWAP Inspire Satellite 2025 event and witnessed by Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, the Secretary General of Treasury, Ministry of Finance and KWAP's chairman, marks the beginning of a collaboration to advance forest conservation and nature-based solutions (NBS). This MoU also supports the development of credible and scalable national carbon credits to help KWAP's investee companies meet their decarbonisation goals. KWAP CEO Datuk Nik Amlizan Mohamed said: 'The collaboration with MFF will be a game-changer for both KWAP and Malaysia's broader sustainability efforts. As a responsible institutional investor, KWAP is committed to driving stewardship through impactful actions and pursuing purpose beyond returns. By contributing to the development of a credible, nationally anchored carbon ecosystem, we aim to empower our investee companies with the tools they need to meet their net-zero commitment while also making significant contributions to Malaysia's climate and biodiversity goals.' The MoU features the Forest Conservation Certificate (FCC) to support domestic conservation initiatives, focusing on preserving Malaysia's vital biodiversity and ecosystems. In addition, MFF will oversee the development of the Forest Carbon Offset (FCO), a market-based mechanism that allows companies to offset their emissions through investments in forest conservation projects that reduce, remove, and avoid carbon emissions. Through this MoU, KWAP has become a participant in the National Forest Carbon Offset (FCO) Technical Working Group (TWG), established by MFF. The TWG aims to ensure the needs of institutional investors – including the nuances of ESG investing, are integrated into the framework, where relevant. This participation will also help align FCO standards with international carbon market requirements and best practices. These initiatives, aligned with Malaysia's National Climate Change Policy 2.0, aim to drive knowledge-sharing and capacity-building efforts to enhance participants' skills in forest management and carbon offsetting. This includes supporting the achievement of targets such as a 45% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 and Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2050, as well as Malaysia's commitment to maintaining at least 50% forest and tree cover. MFF CEO Datuk Shah Redza Hussein said: 'This collaboration with KWAP is a pivotal step in our mission to strengthen Malaysia's carbon market, achieving the nation's sustainability targets and accelerate meaningful climate action. By leveraging nature-based solutions, particularly through the Forest Conservation Certificate and the upcoming Forest Carbon Offset, we are creating a pathway for businesses towards achieving net-zero goals while supporting forest conservation, aligning with national climate commitments. 'Our work with KWAP and other stakeholders will drive long-term environmental and economic benefits, not only for Malaysia but for the global community as we strive towards a greener and more resilient future.' The collaboration positions KWAP as a thought leader in sustainability, enhancing its reputation in the financial sector while contributing valuable insights to both domestic and international markets. By exploring potential integration of nature-based solutions into its ESG investment and non-investment strategies, KWAP reinforces its role in advancing Malaysia's decarbonisation agenda and setting a strong example for other institutional investors. Looking ahead, KWAP and MFF will continue to explore opportunities to enhance the Forest Carbon Offset system and other potential nature-based solutions initiatives, ensuring they become key drivers for sustainable development in Malaysia. The partnership will also support ongoing efforts to build local capacity for biodiversity and forestry management, ensuring that the benefits of the projects reach the communities directly involved. Additionally, KWAP will seek to build upon its collaboration with MFF by engaging interested parties in driving collective action, with the hopes of exploring potential collaborations with fellow GLICs and relevant organisations, in line with the Ministry of Finance's Government-linked Enterprise Activation and Reform Programme (GEAR-uP) initiative, aimed at synergising efforts across Government-linked Entities for national impact. This collaboration represents a critical next step in KWAP's broader commitment to empowering partnerships that drive collective action for sustainability, as outlined in its Sustainability Pledge 2, 'Empower Partnerships for Collective Action.' By joining forces with MFF and other stakeholders, KWAP is helping to preserve Malaysia's forests and the communities that depend on them for future generations.
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Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
After magnets, China halts speciality fertiliser shipments to India
China has suspended the export of speciality fertilisers to India over the past two months, The Economic Times reported today, citing senior executives from major importing firms. These fertilisers, crucial for enhancing yields of high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, continue to be shipped to other countries. Inspections withheld despite no official ban Shipments bound for India are being withheld through procedural delays. Chinese authorities have reportedly ceased inspections of consignments meant for Indian buyers, effectively stalling exports without announcing an official ban, The Economic Times reported, citing sources. Normally, India imports between 150,000 and 160,000 tonnes of speciality fertilisers during the June–December period. India relies on China for approximately 80 per cent of its speciality fertiliser requirements. Rajib Chakraborty, President of the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), stated that China had been restricting suppliers of speciality fertilisers to India for the past four to five years, but this time, the restrictions amounted to a complete halt. China expands trade restrictions beyond fertilisers China's recent actions are not confined to fertilisers. Since April, it has also restricted exports of rare earth materials, impacting global supply chains for critical industries such as automotive and electronics. Manufacturers in the United States, Europe, and India are now experiencing shortages of essential components like industrial magnets. Domestic growth stifled by regulation despite rising demand India's micronutrient fertiliser market is projected to exceed $1 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2 per cent, according to the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI). Despite this growing demand, domestic manufacturers face major hurdles under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO). Industry groups blame policy for import dependence Industry groups argue that existing policies favour Chinese imports and hinder Indian manufacturers. The Chamber for Agri Input Protection (CAIP), based in Ahmedabad, added that no other sector, including pharmaceuticals, is subject to such stringent oversight. Startups and local firms are required to obtain multiple licences and maintain offices and warehouses in each state where products are sold. In contrast, foreign suppliers enjoy comparatively light regulatory obligations, needing only to meet basic import norms to distribute nationwide, industry bodies said. Government data show that India imported 7 million tonnes of urea in 2023–24, worth $2.6 billion. Of this, 1.86 million tonnes—valued at $730 million—originated from China. Additionally, India imported 10.65 million tonnes of phosphate and potash (P&K) fertilisers, with 2.2 million tonnes supplied by China.
