Lok Sabha Question No. 3410 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: Sale of Counterfeit Fertilisers
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3410 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 08.08.2025

## Sale of Counterfeit Fertilisers

## 3410: DR. PRABHA MALLIKARJUN:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of recent incidents of fake or substandard fertilisers being sold to farmers in the State of Karnataka, including Haveri district, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  any  mechanisms  are  currently  in  place  to  detect  and  prevent  the circulation of counterfeit fertilisers in rural markets, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has issued any guidelines for timely compensation and quality control after such incidents, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether  there  is  any  plan  to  strengthen  fertiliser  quality  testing,  shop inspections  and  digital  tracking  to  prevent  such  risks  in  vulnerable  districts  of Karnataka including Davanagere?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## ( SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL )

- (a) State Government of Karnataka has informed that few instances of fake or substandard  fertilizers  being  sold  to  farmers  has  come  to  the  notice  of  the Government. In the current year, 05 cases/FIRs have been filed in the State. 02 FIRs are filed for sales of fake fertilizers in Bagalkot district (92/2025 and 125/2025) while 01 FIR (114/2025) and 02 cases are booked (CC No. awaited) for sale of substandard fertilizers in Haveri district of the State.
- (b) Fertilizer  Control  Order  (FCO)-1985  has  laid  down  fertilizer-wise  detailed specifications. Any fertilizer, not meeting the said specifications, cannot be sold in the country  for  agricultural  purpose.  Clause  19  of  FCO  strictly  prohibits  the  sale  or manufacture  of  fertilizers  which  are  not  of  prescribed  standards.  Any  sale  of substandard/fake/adulterated fertilizers is punishable under Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Moreover, in order to regulate the sale of fake/adulterated fertilizers in the State, there is a District Quality control mechanism for awareness & vigilance at the field

level and awareness is spread among the farmers on the regular basis through press note, TV talks, Kishan Gosti, Krushimela, Krushi Mahotsav etc.

Furthermore, the State Government of Karnataka has informed that under the direct  supervision  of  Secretary  (Agriculture),  Vigilance  wing  headed  by  Additional Director of Agriculture is in place and assisted by Joint Directors of Agriculture at four revenue sub divisions (Bengaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi and Kalaburgi) of the State.

(c) and (d) As per the information received from State government of Karnataka, no such guidelines have been issued. However,  7  Fertilizer  Control  Laboratories are  notified  for  testing  fertilizer  samples  in  the  State  out  of  which  6  are  NABL accredited. Further, notified inspectors of the State and Davanagere district inspect dealers/ manufacturing units/godowns in their jurisdiction on regular basis and take legal actions against the sale of fake/substandard fertilizers as per the provisions of the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985.

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