Chief Minister Orders Uninterrupted Fertilizer-Seed Supply to Farmers, Strict Crackdown on Black Market

Raipur – Despite the limited national availability of DAP in the Kharif 2026 season, the Chhattisgarh government under Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai is fully committed to protecting farmers’ interests. The CM has issued clear directives that every farmer in the state should receive fertilizer‑seed on time, without any unnecessary hardship, and that strict action be taken against those indulging in black‑market sales or charging above the prescribed price. Accordingly, the Agriculture Department is continuously monitoring the availability, distribution and price control of fertilizers across the state. The department officials said that the target for DAP in Kharif 2026 is 3 lakh metric tonnes, while as of 21 July 2026 the state has stored 1,84,413 metric tonnes and has already distributed 1,26,360 metric tonnes. About 58,054 metric tonnes remain in warehouses, compared with 37,535 metric tonnes left at the same time in Kharif 2025. Officials also reported that, following the recommendations of agricultural scientists, farmers are being encouraged to use NPK and other balanced fertilizers along with DAP to meet crop nutrient needs and reduce over‑reliance on DAP. Approximately 70‑80 % of DAP and 30‑40 % of NPK are imported, and global supply constraints have affected availability and prices, prompting fertilizer suppliers to raise the maximum retail price (MRP) as per central government policy and market conditions. The department clarified that setting fertilizer prices is not a state function, but it is ensuring that sellers do not charge beyond the prescribed MRP through continuous inspection. Under the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 and Essential Commodities Act, 1955, strict action is being taken against over‑pricing, black‑marketing and artificial scarcity. To date, 4,878 fertilizer sale centres have been inspected; 625 notices issued; sales prohibited at 183 centres; 98 centres had fertilizer seized; licences of 97 centres suspended and 11 licences cancelled; 56 cases filed in courts and FIRs lodged in 7 cases. In areas affected by heavy rainfall and double‑sowing, district administrations and the agriculture department are maintaining constant monitoring, providing technical guidance, seeds and fertilizers, and necessary assistance as per government provisions. Under the leadership of CM Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, the state government is prioritising farmers’ welfare, ensuring availability, distribution, price control and strict monitoring to prevent any exploitation. Farmers are urged to purchase fertilizers only from authorised dealers and cooperative societies at the prescribed price and to report any over‑pricing, black‑market activity or irregularities to the agriculture department or district administration for swift action.