NEW DELHI, 14 July 2025: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories, urging immediate action against the sale of counterfeit and substandard fertilisers, and calling for an end to the forced tagging of nano-fertilisers with conventional products.
The letter, issued following farmer feedback during the recently concluded ‘Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’, highlights growing concerns regarding unethical practices in the agricultural input sector.
"Forced tagging of products like nano urea or nano-DAP is misleading and must be stopped immediately,” the letter stated, adding that legal action should include cancellation of licences, FIRs, and prosecution under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which operates under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Chouhan has directed States to strictly monitor the supply chain and prevent black-marketing, diversion, and overpricing of fertilisers, especially those offered at subsidised rates.
The minister also emphasised the role of States in ensuring timely and adequate availability of genuine fertilisers, particularly during the sowing season.
Farmer Feedback and Regulatory Oversight
Sources from the ministry noted that several companies were found coercively tagging nano or bio-stimulant products with traditional fertiliser bags to boost sales—raising both ethical and regulatory concerns.
The minister has asked States to involve farmer groups in the feedback loop and launch awareness campaigns to help cultivators identify genuine vs fake fertiliser products.
Rice Allocated for Ethanol, New Price Regime Announced
In a parallel development, the Centre has allocated 5.2 million tonnes of rice from FCI godowns for ethanol blending, fixing the rate at ₹2,250 per quintal till October 2025, and ₹2,320 per quintal from November to June 2026.
Additionally, 3.2 million tonnes of rice has been earmarked for community kitchens and state requirements at the same price, while wheat will be sold at ₹2,550 per quintal under the Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS).
However, subsidy support for the 'Bharat' brand of rice has been discontinued.
