"Strict laws are needed for this": Rajasthan Minister on problem of duplicate fertilisers and seeds

Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], July 24 (ANI): Stressing on the problem of duplicate fertilisers and substandard seeds, Rajasthan Minister for Agriculture, Kirodi Lal Meena, said that he discussed the issue with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who has assured him that preparations to bring a law for the same are underway.
Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Meena said that the state department has recently seized fake fertilisers and seeds.
"... In recent days, our department conducted a program in Rajasthan. During this, fake fertilisers, substandard seeds, and pesticides were seized. A plant for fake biodiesel was also seized... I met with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and told him that strict laws are needed for this. He assured me that preparations for the law have begun, and we will bring a law for this in Parliament," the Rajasthan Minister said.
Earlier on July 13, Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged all States to launch a statewide campaign to eliminate the problem of fake and substandard agricultural inputs from its roots, as per a statement by the Ministry. He further stated that regular monitoring of this work at the State level would lead to an effective and sustainable solution in the interest of farmers.
Union Minister Chouhan wrote to the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories, "directing immediate and strict action" against the issue of counterfeit and substandard fertilisers.
The letter was issued with the objective of curbing the sale of fake fertilisers, black marketing of subsidised fertilisers, and illegal activities such as forced tagging across the country, a statement from the Union Ministry said.
In the letter, the Union Minister emphasised 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.
Union Minister also highlighted that the sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilisers is prohibited under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, which falls under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The letter added that strict legal action, including the cancellation of licenses and the registration of FIRs, should be taken against the culprits, and effective prosecution must be ensured to secure a conviction.
Chouhan directed that regular monitoring of fertiliser production and sale, as well as strict control over counterfeit and substandard products through sampling and testing, must be carried out. He added in the letter that forced tagging of nano-fertilisers or bio-stimulant products along with conventional fertilisers should be stopped immediately.
Earlier, on July 6, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the government is preparing a new, stricter law to address the problem of duplicate fertilisers and seeds. He stated that the current law imposes only a small fine of around Rs 500, allowing offenders to escape easily.
Speaking to the reporters, Chouhan said, "...We are working on bringing a new law to tackle the issue of duplicate fertilisers, seeds... The law will be strict as the present law is not that strict, but just about a compensation of around Rs 500, and hence those who commit this get released easily." (ANI)