Linking Urea and DAP Sales to Other Products to Become a Criminal Offence

Maharashtra Cracks Down on Fertiliser Black Marketing; 21 Shop Licences Cancelled Permanently

Mumbai, August 12: The Maharashtra government has issued a stern warning to fertiliser dealers against forcing farmers to purchase additional products along with essential fertilisers such as urea and DAP. The Agriculture Department has made it clear that such “linking” of fertiliser sales will no longer be tolerated and that violators could face criminal action.

Farmers often complain that dealers insist on the purchase of other fertilisers, pesticides or agricultural products along with urea or DAP. The government has now directed that farmers cannot be compelled to buy any additional product while purchasing these essential fertilisers.

Agriculture Minister Ashish Jayswal has ordered strict action against dealers who engage in such practices. Farmers have also been urged to report complaints through the Agriculture Department’s toll-free helpline and other designated channels.

21 Fertiliser Shops Lose Licences Permanently

As part of a major crackdown on black marketing and illegal linking of fertiliser sales, the Nagpur division has formed seven special inspection squads. So far, inspections have been conducted at more than 6,199 fertiliser shops across Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts.

Action has been taken against dealers found violating the rules. Licences of 183 shops have been suspended, while the licences of 21 shops have been cancelled permanently. In addition, the sale of fertilisers at 185 counters has been stopped with immediate effect.

The Agriculture Department has also warned companies against directly engaging in such violations and ordered strict action wherever evidence of malpractice is found.

Farmers Can Buy Fertilisers Without Additional Purchases

The department has clarified that farmers should not face any difficulty in obtaining fertilisers. They should not be forced to depend solely on online portals, and offline sales of fertilisers must also continue in accordance with the rules.

Complaints have also been received regarding farmers being compelled to purchase ammonium sulphate along with other fertilisers. The administration has taken immediate action on such complaints and directed officials to ensure that farmers are not subjected to such coercive practices.

The government has warned that any attempt to exploit farmers through compulsory purchases, black marketing or illegal linking of fertiliser sales will invite strict action. The crackdown is aimed at ensuring transparent distribution of fertilisers and protecting farmers from unfair trading practices.