Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified enforcement against black marketing, hoarding and diversion of fertilizers during the ongoing Kharif 2026-27 season.
Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards unfair practices in fertilizer distribution.
The government has formed district-level and block-level enforcement squads to prevent black marketing, hoarding and the sale of substandard fertilizers.
Inspection teams and flying squads comprising senior officials from the Revenue, Agriculture and Police departments are conducting regular raids at wholesale and retail fertilizer shops across the state.
Action is being taken under the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, wherever irregularities are detected.
During the current financial year, enforcement teams have conducted raids at 11,684 fertilizer shops across Odisha.
Show-cause notices have been issued to 2,774 persons, while fertilizer sales by 321 dealers have been temporarily suspended.
The licences of 170 dealers have also been suspended for allegedly resorting to unfair practices. Licences of 96 dealers have been cancelled.
Officials have seized fertilizer stocks belonging to 12 dealers. Criminal cases have also been registered against seven of them.
The government said enforcement action has increased substantially compared with 2025-26.
Last year, officials conducted raids at 9,017 fertilizer shops. Show-cause notices were issued to 2,373 individuals, while sales by 48 dealers were halted.
The licences of 53 dealers were suspended or revoked during 2025-26. Fertilizer stocks from 15 dealers were also seized, while legal cases were filed against nine people.
The government said the increased enforcement has made it easier and more affordable for farmers to purchase chemical fertilizers.
A joint raid was conducted at Maa Sabitri Agro Agency in Baliguda Sub-Division of Kandhamal district on August 29.
The raid involved the Tahasildar, Agriculture Department officials, and Police. Officials seized 700 bags of DAP fertilizer and cancelled the shop’s licence.
A criminal case was also registered, while the investigation is continuing.
Raids have also been underway at fertilizer shops in Manamunda Block of Boudh district for the past two days.
The inspections followed information received from multiple sources. Officials are collecting statements from farmers during the inspections.
The Chief District Agriculture Officer of Boudh said appropriate action would be taken if allegations of black marketing or other irregularities are confirmed.
The Odisha government said adequate quantities of fertilizers are available at selling points across the state and there is no need for panic.
The government is closely monitoring fertilizer supply during the Kharif season and has reiterated its commitment to regulating distribution effectively.
Farmers have been advised not to panic over rumours and to purchase fertilizers only from authorised shops at controlled prices.
