To ensure the availability of high-quality fertilizers and pesticides to farmers, the Government of India has put in place robust and stringent regulatory systems. Through the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, awareness is continuously being created among farmers for the judicious use of chemical pesticides via Central Integrated Pest Management Centers (CIPMCs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and State Agriculture Departments.
While there is currently no subsidy scheme for the purchase of chemical pesticides, the government ensures strict quality monitoring under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and Rules, 1971. As many as 12,511 pesticide inspectors have been deployed across the country to collect samples from manufacturing units and retail outlets. Between 2020–21 and 2024–25, more than 3.56 lakh pesticide samples were tested, out of which 9,088 were found to be of substandard quality and appropriate legal action was taken.
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme, farmers receive subsidies for the purchase of farm machinery. Special financial assistance is also provided to women farmers for setting up Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs). Additionally, to promote drone technology in agriculture, subsidies of up to ₹5 lakh are being extended to various stakeholders including individual farmers, FPOs, cooperatives, and agri-graduates.
Since 2018–19, the Crop Residue Management Scheme has been in place to tackle stubble burning in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. Under this scheme, subsidies are provided on crop residue management equipment to help farmers adopt sustainable alternatives.
To regulate fertilizer standards, the Government implemented the Fertilizer (Control) Order (FCO), 1985, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This order lays down quality norms for chemical, bio, organic fertilizers, and biostimulants. Section 19 of the FCO prohibits the sale of non-standard fertilizers, with violations punishable by imprisonment ranging from 3 months to 7 years, along with fines. Quality enforcement is carried out by designated state fertilizer inspectors.
Water Conservation and Rainfed Agriculture Support:
Schemes like Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) and Rainfed Area Development (RAD) are also being implemented to promote efficient water use through drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. These schemes further aim to enhance resilience to climate change through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), ensuring sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.
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