The North News
New Delhi, November 13
The Department of Fertilizers (DoF), in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has carried out one of India’s largest enforcement drives to protect farmers and safeguard the national fertilizer supply chain during the Kharif and ongoing Rabi 2025–26 seasons. Officials said joint meetings between the Secretaries of both departments and state governments led to coordinated action across districts, including large-scale inspections, raids and legal measures targeting black marketing, hoarding and diversion. Authorities said the effort ensured timely fertilizer availability and maintained market discipline across all regions.
Between April and November, enforcement teams conducted 3,17,054 inspections and raids nationwide. These resulted in 5,119 show-cause notices for black marketing, 3,645 licence cancellations or suspensions, and 418 FIRs. Anti-hoarding operations issued 667 notices, cancelled 202 licences, and filed 37 FIRs, while diversion-related checks produced 2,991 notices, 451 licence actions, and 92 FIRs. All measures were taken under the Essential Commodities Act and the Fertilizer Control Order.
Several states reported strong enforcement. Uttar Pradesh carried out 28,273 inspections, issued 1,957 black marketing notices, suspended or cancelled 2,730 licences, and lodged 157 FIRs. Maharashtra conducted 42,566 inspections and cancelled more than 1,000 licences linked to diversion. Rajasthan performed 11,253 inspections, while Bihar executed nearly 14,000, with each state taking action across various violations. Officials said these steps prevented artificial shortages and price manipulation during the peak agricultural period.
Authorities also moved against sub-standard fertilizers, issuing 3,544 show-cause notices and taking action against 1,316 licences, alongside 60 FIRs. Regular sampling and testing were carried out to ensure only approved fertilizers reached farmers.
State administrations used digital dashboards to monitor stock movement in real time and redirected seized material to cooperative societies to maintain supply. The Department of Fertilizers praised the vigilance of state officials, agricultural teams and law enforcement agencies, urging farmers and dealers to continue reporting irregularities.
The Department said it remains committed to ensuring availability, quality and transparency in fertilizer distribution and called for continued public cooperation.
