The Department of Fertilizers and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare jointly undertook a comprehensive drive to secure the fertiliser supply chain and ensure adequate supply by conducting raids, inspections on retailers, dealers during last Kharif season and have been continuing the same efforts in the ongoing Rabi sowing season.

The current Rabi season’s (October-March) cumulative demand has been estimated at 378.73 lakh tonnes (lt) — urea 196.05 lt, DAP 53.42 lt, MOP 15.69 lt, complex (combination of nutrients) 82.38 lt and SSP 31.19 lt. On the other hand, the opening stock on October 1 was urea 37.33 lt, DAP 20.07 lt, MOP 7.14 lt, complex 35.59 lt and SSP 22.45 lt.

Working in close coordination with State governments, effective enforcement action on an unprecedented scale including raids, inspections, and legal measures to curb black marketing, hoarding, and diversion of fertilizers has been taken by the district authorities, the government said in a statement Thursday.

“These proactive and strict steps taken by the States ensured timely availability, reinforced market discipline, and upheld the integrity of fertilizer distribution across all regions of the country,” the Department of Fertilizers said adding secretaries of both the Departments held several joint meetings with the States.

A total of 3,17,054 inspections and raids were conducted across the country to monitor the distribution network, resulting in as many as 5,119 show cause notices issued for black marketing. The states have also cancelled/suspended licenses of 3,645 dealers/retailers and registered 418 FIRs since April so far.

The government also said that, out of the total actions, 667 show cause notices, 202 license suspensions/cancellations, and 37 FIRs were issued/registered only for hoarding. Similarly, for diversion towards non-agriculture purpose, 2,991 show cause notices were issued while 451 licenses got either cancelled or suspended, followed by registration of 92 FIRs, under the Fertilizer Control Order, issued by the Agriculture Ministry in accordance with the Commodities Act.

Uttar Pradesh carried out 28,273 inspections, after which 1,957 show cause notices were issued for black marketing, and 2,730 licenses cancelled/suspended as well as 157 FIRs registered.

Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat were among other states which also conducted multiple raids/inspections.

Maharashtra’s campaign witnessed maximum 42,566 inspections/raids and over 1,000 license cancellations for diversion-related violations; Rajasthan conducted 11,253 inspections, Bihar reported 14,000 inspections. “These initiatives prevented artificial shortages and price manipulation during the peak agricultural season,” the government claimed.

There were also 3,544 show cause notices 1,316 license cancellations/suspensions and 60 FIRs with regard to selling of suspected sub-standard fertilizers.

“The Department remains committed to ensuring the availability and integrity of fertilizers and calls on all citizens to remain alert and responsive” it said.

Published on November 13, 2025