Crackdown on Fake Fertilisers: Agriculture Minister's Bold Stand
Union Agriculture Minister urges states to root out fake fertilisers, stop forced tagging, and educate farmers on identifying genuine products.
In a decisive move that underscores the significance of agriculture to India’s economy, Union Agriculture Minister Shivaraja Singh Chouhan has called upon all states and union territories to take immediate action against the menace of counterfeit and substandard fertilisers. As stated in NDTV Profit, this initiative aims to protect the backbone of the nation, ensuring farmers receive only the best agricultural inputs.
Statewide Monitoring and Action
In his letter addressed to the chief ministers, Chouhan urges comprehensive monitoring of fertiliser production and sales. He emphasizes regular sampling and testing to identify any counterfeit products on the market. The minister has firmly stated the need to stop the ‘forced tagging’ of nano-fertilisers or bio-stimulant products with conventional fertilisers, as it harms market integrity and misleads consumers.
Strong Legal Measures
The Union Minister’s directive includes strict legal actions such as license cancellations and registering FIRs against those involved in the trade of fake fertilisers. Ensuring robust prosecution processes are in place to secure convictions is part of the concerted efforts to eradicate this problem.
Empowering Farmers with Knowledge
To further solidify these measures, states are instructed to develop feedback mechanisms for farmers and farmer groups to actively partake in the monitoring process. This empowers the farming community to identify genuine and counterfeit products accurately, thus safeguarding their livelihoods.
Statewide Campaigns and Education
Chouhan has also urged the launch of campaigns aimed at eliminating fake and substandard agricultural inputs from their roots. By focusing on educating farmers, the initiative aims to foster awareness, catering to a sustainable solution that protects both farmers and consumers alike.
Legal Framework and Quality Assurance
Underpinning these efforts is the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, which bans the sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilisers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. According to the official statement, the government’s goal goes beyond stopping black market sales of subsidised fertilisers; it seeks to ensure that quality products reach farmers promptly and reasonably.
Through these targeted actions, India’s agricultural sector stands to benefit from improved quality and availability, reinforcing its pivotal role in the national economy.
