The Centre has intensified its crackdown on fertilizer hoarding and black marketing, cancelling over 6,800 licences and launching widespread enforcement actions to protect farmers’ interests. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State Anupriya Patel said fertilizers are regulated under the Essential Commodities Act and the Fertilizer Control Order, enabling strict action against violators.
Since April 2025, authorities have conducted over 4.66 lakh raids, issued more than 16,000 show-cause notices, cancelled or suspended 6,802 licences, and registered 821 FIRs. In February 2026 alone, multiple notices and enforcement actions were recorded against hoarding cases, reflecting sustained vigilance.
The government said fertilizer availability remains adequate during the ongoing Rabi 2025–26 season, with sufficient stocks of urea, DAP, MOP, and NPKS. To keep prices affordable, urea is sold at a fixed MRP of Rs 242 per 45-kg bag under the subsidy regime, while the Nutrient-Based Subsidy scheme ensures price stability for phosphatic and potassic fertilizers amid global fluctuations.
Officials said strict monitoring and policy support aim to ensure timely supply and shield farmers from market distortions.
