After repeated complaints from farmers about fertiliser shortage and forced sales of non-subsidised products, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday tried to pass on the responsibility to State governments by asking them to focus on how to prevent diversion of urea for non-agricultural purposes and curb the sales of fake fertilisers.
With higher area under paddy and maize aided by good rainfall, there is also a resultant increase in demand for urea in the ongoing Kharif sowing season.
The minister urged all state agriculture ministers to ensure proper use of urea by forming monitoring committees and strengthening oversight mechanisms, the union agriculture ministry said in a statement. He also advised ministers to gather data on fertiliser requirements for the next Rabi season.
Chouhan, who held a meeting with State ministers virtually, also requested them to ensure that only 600 certified bio-stimulants are sold in the market, down from around 30,000 uncertified products being sold earlier.
“If the demand is genuinely for farming needs, urea will certainly be supplied and the ministry is working promptly on this. However, if there is any suspicion of misuse, it will be seen as a serious matter that will invite strict action,” Chouhan said.
On bio-stimulants, he said around 30,000 such products were being sold earlier, many without proper certification. “But, only 600 bio-stimulants have been certified and we will ensure only these certified products are sold to farmers,” he said.
Chouhan also reviewed preparations for the National Mission on Natural Farming, which will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 23. He has directed officials to ensure full readiness to meet the mission’s targets and discussed progress under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana in 100 districts.
After the much hyped Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan failed to make a significant dent in farmers’ decision as reflected from the overall sowing areas under oilseeds and pulses this Kharif season, the minister has emphasised the need for raising production of pulses and oilseeds. He urged State ministers to personally lead and promote these missions and schemes. “The country must strengthen production of pulses and oilseeds to meet our national demand,” he said.
Chouhan also informed that a two-day conference on the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ for the Rabi season will be organised in New Delhi on September 15-16, with the formal campaign launch on October 3, coinciding with Vijay Parv. The 15-day campaign will run from October 3 to Dhanteras on October 18.
Ministers from Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh reported about crop damage due to natural disasters and sought additional financial assistance from the Centre.
Published on August 14, 2025