Odisha Tightens Vigil on Fertiliser Supply, Cracks Down on Hoarding and Misuse

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified monitoring of fertiliser supply and distribution across the state to ensure adequate availability for farmers ahead of the agricultural season, while also launching strict enforcement measures against hoarding, black marketing and diversion of fertilisers for non-agricultural purposes.

Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the state government has been receiving monthly allocations of various fertilisers, including urea, DAP, SSP, MOP and complex fertilisers, from the Government of India. Officials said fertiliser supply to Odisha remains smooth and sufficient compared to the allocation scheduled till the end of May 2026.

Under the supervision of Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, the Agriculture Department has strengthened surveillance mechanisms to prevent misuse of agricultural-grade urea in industries such as plywood, cattle feed, diesel exhaust fluid and resin manufacturing.

District Collectors have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance over fertiliser distribution networks and take immediate action against irregularities. Special focus has been placed on preventing diversion of fertilisers to neighbouring states and monitoring unusual spikes in fertiliser sales during non-cropping seasons.

To streamline supply, fertiliser manufacturers have been directed to provide 60 per cent of total fertiliser stock to MARKFED for distribution through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS). Several PACS and LAMPCS with larger storage facilities have also been identified to function as fertiliser wholesalers.

The state government has formed block and district-level enforcement squads to conduct stock verification drives and curb black marketing and hoarding. Nigrani Samitis have also been constituted at gram panchayat, subdivision and district levels to monitor misuse of fertilisers and promote balanced nutrient application among farmers.

Agriculture officials said Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) scientists are conducting awareness programmes at the grassroots level to educate farmers on balanced fertiliser use and sustainable farming practices. In addition, the Krushi Ratha programme launched on Akshay Tritiya is promoting reduced dependence on chemical fertilisers and encouraging adoption of organic farming methods.

The issue of fertiliser availability was also reviewed recently by the Chief Minister during a meeting with district Collectors. The Chief Minister has additionally urged the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers to ensure uninterrupted fertiliser supply to Odisha during the ongoing agricultural season.

As part of intensified enforcement activities, officials have conducted raids at 3,574 dealer points across the state. The department has issued 1,284 show-cause notices and 312 stop-sale notices, while suspending 101 licences and cancelling 21 others. Authorities have also carried out two seizures and lodged one FIR in connection with fertiliser-related violations.

The government has appealed to farmers not to panic over rumours regarding fertiliser price hikes and assured that sufficient stock is available across the state.