'Stop forced sale of nano-fertilisers and biostimulants to farmers': Shivraj Singh Chouhan tells CMs

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has asked the Chief Ministers of all states to make sure that the forced sale of nano-fertilisers and biostimulants to farmers be immediately stopped by tagging them to conventional fertilizers like urea and diammonium phosphate.

Chouhan wrote to the Chief Ministers, highlighting complaints that retailers are not selling subsidised conventional fertilisers such as urea, DAP to farmers unless they purchase nano-fertilisers or biostimulants.

“It is illegal to forcibly force farmers to purchase other products by tagging them with conventional fertilizer bags,” Chouhan wrote, in the letters posted to the Chief Ministers.

“Forced tagging of nano-fertilizers or bio-stimulant products along with conventional fertilizers should be stopped immediately. In such cases, legal action should be taken against the culprits as per law,” Chouhan further said in the letters.

He also directed the Chief Ministers to make sure that strict action is taken against the sale of spurious and substandard fertilisers.

Further emphasising on the issue, he said that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and to ensure stability in farmers’ income, it is essential to provide them with quality fertilisers at the right time, at affordable prices and of standard quality.

"Strict legal action, including cancellation of licenses and registration of FIRs, should be taken against the culprits, and effective prosecution must be ensured to secure conviction," Chouhan said.