The Department of Fertilizers and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare have launched a comprehensive initiative to secure the fertilizer supply chain and ensure adequate availability. This effort includes conducting raids and inspections on retailers and dealers throughout the recent Kharif season and continues during the ongoing Rabi sowing season, as per a government statement.
For the current Rabi season (October-March), the cumulative demand for fertilizers is estimated at 378.73 lakh tonnes, comprising urea (196.05 lakh tonnes), DAP (53.42 lakh tonnes), MOP (15.69 lakh tonnes), complex fertilizers (82.38 lakh tonnes), and SSP (31.19 lakh tonnes). As of October 1, the opening stocks were urea (37.33 lakh tonnes), DAP (20.07 lakh tonnes), MOP (7.14 lakh tonnes), complex fertilizers (35.59 lakh tonnes), and SSP (22.45 lakh tonnes).
In cooperation with state governments, district authorities have executed effective enforcement actions on an unprecedented scale, including raids, inspections, and legal measures aimed at curbing black marketing, hoarding, and the diversion of fertilizers. “These proactive steps have ensured timely availability, reinforced market discipline, and maintained the integrity of fertilizer distribution across regions,” the Department of Fertilizers noted, adding that secretaries from both departments have held multiple joint meetings with state officials.
A total of 317,054 inspections and raids have been conducted nationwide to monitor the fertilizer distribution network, leading to the issuance of 5,119 show cause notices related to black marketing. States have also canceled or suspended the licenses of 3,645 dealers and retailers and registered 418 FIRs since April.
Specific actions include 667 show cause notices, 202 license suspensions or cancellations, and 37 FIRs related specifically to hoarding. For instances of diversion for non-agricultural purposes, 2,991 show cause notices were issued, with 451 licenses canceled or suspended, followed by 92 FIRs under the Fertilizer Control Order as per the Agricultural Ministry in accordance with the Commodities Act.
Uttar Pradesh has reported 28,273 inspections, resulting in 1,957 show cause notices, 2,730 licenses canceled or suspended, and 157 FIRs filed. Other states, such as Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat, have also undertaken extensive raids and inspections. Maharashtra conducted the highest number, with 42,566 inspections and over 1,000 license cancellations for diversion-related offenses. Rajasthan and Bihar reported 11,253 and 14,000 inspections, respectively. The government asserted that these initiatives have helped prevent artificial shortages and price manipulation during the peak agricultural season.
Additionally, there were 3,544 show cause notices, 1,316 license cancellations or suspensions, and 60 FIRs related to the sale of suspected sub-standard fertilizers. “The Department remains committed to ensuring the availability and integrity of fertilizers and urges all citizens to stay alert and responsive,” the statement concluded.
Published on November 13, 2025.
