In a major move to safeguard farmers’ interests, the Government of India has intensified action against fertilizer hoarding, diversion, and black marketing to ensure timely availability at fair prices. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel, stated that fertilizers are classified as essential commodities under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Additionally, the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 empowers state governments to take strict action against violators. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in coordination with state authorities, is conducting weekly monitoring to ensure strict compliance and prevent irregularities in the distribution system.
Since April 2025, enforcement agencies have carried out as many as 466,415 inspections across the country. During this period, 16,246 show-cause notices were issued, and 6,802 licenses were suspended or cancelled. Additionally, 821 FIRs have been registered against offenders.
February 2026 alone, 28 notices were issued, 2 licenses were suspended or cancelled, and 2 FIRs were filed. These figures highlight the government’s firm commitment to protecting farmers from unfair trade practices.
During the ongoing Rabi 2025–26 season, the availability of key fertilizers such as urea, DAP, MOP, and NPKS has remained sufficient across the country. Supplies have been aligned with farmers’ requirements, ensuring that agricultural operations continue without disruption.
Under the Urea Subsidy Scheme, the government is ensuring that urea remains affordable for farmers. The maximum retail price (MRP) of a 45 kg bag of urea has been fixed at ₹242 per bag (excluding neem coating charges and applicable taxes). The difference between production cost and market realization is compensated to fertilizer companies through subsidies, enabling farmers to access urea at controlled prices.
Relief on P&K Fertilizers Under NBS Scheme:
For phosphate and potassic (P&K) fertilizers, the government continues to implement the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme. Subsidy rates are adjusted in line with global price fluctuations to maintain affordability for farmers. In addition, special financial support of up to ₹3,500 per metric tonne has been provided for fertilizers like DAP and TSP. This includes coverage for transportation, handling costs, global price variations, and GST components.
Farmers’ Welfare Remains the Priority: The government’s proactive measures aim to curb black marketing, ensure timely availability of fertilizers, and keep input costs under control.
FAQs:
Q1. What is fertilizer black marketing?
Fertilizer black marketing refers to illegal hoarding, diversion, and selling fertilizers at higher prices.
Q2. How is the government controlling fertilizer black marketing?
Through inspections, license cancellations, and FIRs under strict laws.
Q3. What is the price of urea in India?
The government-fixed price is ₹242 per 45 kg bag (excluding taxes).
Q4. What is the NBS scheme?
It is a subsidy scheme for P&K fertilizers to keep prices affordable.
Q5. Why is fertilizer availability important for farmers?
Timely fertilizer availability for farmers ensures better crop growth and higher yields.
