Lok Sabha Question No. 2121 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Overcharging and Forced Tagging of Fertilizers
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Charanjit Singh Channi

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2121 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 12.12.2025

## OVERCHARGING AND FORCED TAGGING OF FERTILIZERS

## 2121:  SHRI CHARANJIT SINGH CHANNI:

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

(a)    whether the Government has taken note of complaints, regarding shortage of DAP, alleged overcharging up to Rs. 1,900 per 50-kg bag against the fixed price of Rs. 1,350 from farmers in Punjab, particularly in Sangrur and neighbouring districts, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b)   whether the Government is aware of the instances of dealers forcing farmers to  buy  other  fertilizers  along  with  DAP,  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the reasons therefor;

(c)      whether  any  action  has  been  initiated  against  any  dealer  or  agency  found involved in overpricing or 'tagging', if so, the details thereof along with the action taken thereon and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d)   whether any audit or review of the DAP supply chain in Punjab has been ordered to ensure transparent and adequate distribution, if so, the findings thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e)      whether  the  Government  proposes  additional  measures  to  prevent  such malpractice, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) The availability of DAP in the State of Punjab has remained adequate during the ongoing Rabi 2025-26 season. From 01.04.2025 to 08.12.2025, 4,55,000 Metric Tons of DAP has been made available in the State against the pro-rata requirement of 4,05,000 Metric Tons. The sales during the said period has been 2,98,000 Metric Tons and the State holds closing stock 1,57,000 Metric Tons of DAP. Further,  the  mandate  of  the  D/o  Fertilizers  is  to  ensure  adequate  availability  of fertilizers at State level. However, the assessment and distribution of fertilizers within the State at district level is done by the concerned State government. Accordingly, State  government  of  Punjab  has  informed  that  they  ensure  that  DAP  and  other fertilizers are made available to the farmers according to their demand at their fixed prices. The complaints regarding the same are resolved by them as soon as possible.

(b)  to  (e)  Fertilizers  are  declared  as  an  essential  commodity  under  the  Essential Commodities  Act,  1955  and  notified  under  Fertilizer  Control  Order,  1985. State Governments are empowered to take action against persons involved in blackmarketing/ overpricing, as per provisions of EC Act. Any complaints received at  Department  of  Fertilizers  level  regarding  black  marketing/over-pricing  of fertilizers  is  sent  to  concerned State  Government  to take  appropriate action under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and Fertilizer Control Order, 1985.

Accordingly, as informed by the State government of Punjab, during the FY 2025-26, 04 FIR's have been registered and 03 Letter of Authorizations have been cancelled as an enforcement action against the dealers/agencies found involved in overpricing/hoarding/tagging.

Further,  tagging/linking  of  other  products  with  DAP  and  other  fertilizers  is  not encouraged by Department of Fertilizers. In this regard,  D.O.  letters  are  regularly written to State Governments requesting them to take strict action as per extant rules to  prevent  tagging.  Besides,  suitable  directions  are  issued  to  fertilizer  companies directing them not to indulge in such practices.

Moreover, following steps are taken  by the Government every season for ensuring timely  and  adequate  availability  of  fertilizers  in  the  country,  including  the  State  of Punjab:

(i) Before the commencement of each cropping season, Department of Agriculture and  Farmers  Welfare  (DA&FW),  in  consultation  with  all  the  State  Governments, assesses the State-wise & month-wise requirement of fertilizers.

(ii) On  the  basis  of  requirement  projected  by  DA&FW,  D/o  Fertilizers  allocates adequate  quantities  of  fertilizers  to  States  by  issuing  monthly  supply  plan  and continuously monitors the availability.

(iii) The movement of all major subsidized fertilizers is monitored throughout the country  by  an  on-line  web-based  monitoring  system  called  integrated  Fertilizer Management System (iFMS).

(iv) The State Governments are regularly advised to coordinate with manufacturers and importers for streamlining the supplies through timely placement of indents.

(v) Regular  Weekly  Video  Conference  is  conducted  jointly  by  DA&FW  and  D/o Fertilizers with State Agriculture Officials and corrective actions are taken to dispatch fertilizer as indicated by the State Governments.

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