The licences of at least 50 fertiliser traders in Tamil Nadu were suspended or cancelled during the 2025–26 kharif marketing season after authorities detected widespread malpractices, including the sale of duplicate and substandard fertilisers, black marketing, hoarding and diversion of stocks for non-agricultural use.
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Jagat Prakash Nadda informed Parliament on Friday that five FIRs were registered against errant dealers following enforcement action across the state.
Replying to a query raised by South Chennai MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian in the Lok Sabha over an alleged fertiliser shortage in Tamil Nadu, the minister said overall availability of key nutrients — urea, DAP, MOP and NPKS — remained largely adequate during the kharif season.
Providing stock and supply details for the period from October 1, 2025 to February 2026, Nadda said Tamil Nadu’s requirement of urea stood at 4.97 lakh metric tonnes (MT), while availability was higher at 6.06 lakh MT. In the case of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), demand was pegged at 1.26 lakh MT, against an available quantity of 1.89 lakh MT.
For complex fertilisers (NPKS), availability was reported at 5.58 lakh MT, significantly exceeding the assessed requirement of 1.38 lakh MT.
However, in the case of muriate of potash (MOP), the state required 1.38 lakh MT, while availability stood slightly lower at 1.27 lakh MT. Of this, about 0.8 lakh MT had already been sold during the review period, the minister told the House.
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Nadda said the Centre, in coordination with state authorities, carried out extensive inspections to curb irregularities and ensure fertilisers reached farmers at regulated prices. A total of 20,727 raids were conducted across Tamil Nadu during the 2025–26 kharif season, resulting in 165 show-cause notices being issued to dealers and manufacturers.
“These enforcement drives led to the suspension or cancellation of 50 licences and the seizure of over 200 metric tonnes of duplicate fertilisers,” he said, adding that action was taken under provisions of the Fertiliser Control Order.
Officials said the inspections were aimed at preventing artificial shortages and protecting farmers from counterfeit inputs, which can severely impact crop productivity. The ministry has also directed states to strengthen monitoring at retail points and warehouses, particularly during peak sowing periods.
The minister reiterated that the Centre continues to closely track fertiliser movement through digital platforms and field-level surveillance to ensure timely availability in rural markets. He added that states have been advised to conduct regular joint inspections involving agriculture and revenue officials to deter hoarding and illegal diversion.
The disclosures come amid farmer complaints in parts of Tamil Nadu earlier this season over uneven distribution and alleged localised shortages. The government maintained that supply at the macro level remained sufficient, and that enforcement measures were intensified wherever complaints surfaced.
With the rabi season underway, the Centre has assured states of uninterrupted fertiliser supplies and warned dealers of strict action in cases of overpricing, stock concealment or sale of substandard products.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
