Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has called for tough action against the sale of fake fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, describing them as a serious threat to farmers’ livelihoods.
Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Agriculture Ministry and ICAR in New Delhi on August 18, 2025, Chauhan warned that those responsible for producing and selling spurious farm inputs would face the strictest legal action.
Citing his recent field inspection, the minister said he had seen how a pesticide wiped out entire soybean fields, leaving hundreds of farmers helpless. “The medicines had no effect and crops were destroyed. People cheating farmers must not be spared,” he emphasized.
To curb the menace, Chauhan directed officials to:
Launch large-scale surprise raids.
Seal factories and shops selling substandard products.
Ensure immediate prosecution of violators.
He underlined that protecting farmers is the government’s duty and promised swift resolution of every complaint. “If something wrong is happening, we cannot allow it. Acting in farmers’ interest is our responsibility,” he said.
The minister also urged state governments to coordinate with the Centre for tighter enforcement and awareness campaigns to prevent farmers from being misled by fake suppliers.
In addition to farm inputs, Chauhan ordered strict monitoring of subsidies for poly houses, greenhouses, and farm mechanisation, insisting on regular verification to ensure transparency and timely delivery of benefits to farmers.
With these directives, the Agriculture Ministry is preparing for nationwide inspections and awareness drives to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and guarantee access to both genuine agricultural products and government support schemes.