MUMBAI, 10 May 2026: Concerns over the return of an “Inspector Raj”-style enforcement environment in Maharashtra have intensified, with dealers, distributors and manufacturers in the agri-input sector alleging increased harassment, coercive inspections and operational disruptions following a recent Government Resolution (GR).
The growing unrest has prompted the Maharashtra Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Seeds Dealers Association (MAFDA) and the All India Dealer Association (AIDA) to announce an indefinite statewide shutdown, raising fears of disruptions in the supply of key farm inputs ahead of the agricultural season.
Extending support to the protest, ten leading agri-input industry associations — including AIDA, BASAI, IMMA, OAMA, PMFAI, SFIA, VIA, MMA, TAPMA and IAIMA — will observe a one-day shutdown on April 27. Industry representatives said the coordinated action reflects mounting anxiety over regulatory practices and the deteriorating ease of doing business in the sector.
Stakeholders alleged that excessive inspections, delays in source registrations, restrictions on introducing alternative products and hurdles in obtaining new business approvals have created an atmosphere of uncertainty for agri-entrepreneurs.
Industry bodies estimate that more than 10,000 manufacturers and nearly 85,000 dealers and distributors across Maharashtra may participate in the protest, potentially affecting the availability of fertilisers, pesticides and seeds at the farm level.
“This is a collective step to safeguard the dignity of agri-entrepreneurs. Excessive and coercive enforcement directly impacts genuine businesses and, ultimately, the farmers they serve,” said Vijay Thakur, President of the Organisation of Agri-Input Manufacturers Association (OAMA).
Dr Suhas Buddhe, Convenor of IPNM SPC, said the widespread support from industry bodies reflects the seriousness of the issue and highlighted the need for a transparent and balanced regulatory framework.
Dealer associations also raised concerns over alleged pressure to push non-subsidised fertilisers alongside subsidised products. They claimed that dealers and distributors face strict punitive action, including threats of licence cancellation, even when isolated quality failures occur within a larger compliant batch.
“Factors such as storage conditions, climate variations and improper handling can contribute to quality issues, but the entire burden falls on dealers, distributors and manufacturers,” said Bipin Kasliwal, General Secretary of Maharashtra All India Dealer & Distributor Association.
Industry representatives said they have sought a meeting with Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister to discuss policy reforms aimed at improving regulatory clarity and strengthening the agri-input ecosystem under the “Make in India” framework.
The IPNM SPC coalition said the industry supports strong quality standards and farmer protection but called for enforcement measures that are practical, science-based and business-friendly.
Image credit: nurture.farm
