Odisha Deploys Enforcement Squads to Curb Fertiliser Black Marketing

08 Aug 2026, 08:13 by Vinay Kakkad · KalingaTV

The Odisha government has stepped up enforcement against the hoarding and black marketing of fertilisers as concerns over the availability of some products emerge amid the prevailing global geopolitical situation. District collectors have been instructed to closely monitor supplies and take strong action against traders found engaging in illegal practices, officials said on Friday.

The government has also sought to reassure farmers that adequate arrangements are in place for the Kharif 2026 season. As reported by the PTI, Officials said fertiliser stocks have been positioned at multiple levels of the distribution network following the Centre’s allocation of different grades to the state, with measures aimed at ensuring supplies reach farmers without disruption.

The State Cooperation Department has directed district administrations to keep a close watch on how available stocks are being utilised. The monitoring is intended to prevent hoarding, black marketing, the creation of artificial shortages and the illegal movement of fertilisers across state borders.

Stock has been placed with Markfed, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Large-sized Adivasi Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS) and authorised retail dealers. According to officials, these arrangements have been made to cover the overall requirement of farmers across the state.

A monthly supply plan has also been prepared to coordinate the movement of fertilisers. The plan was drawn up in consultation with central authorities, manufacturers and stakeholders at the local level, officials said, with the objective of keeping logistics aligned with demand during the cropping season.

The state has further asked manufacturers and Markfed to coordinate allocations based on real-time requirements and the stock position available with grassroots-level credit societies. The approach is intended to ensure that supplies are directed to areas where demand and availability warrant immediate replenishment.

Enforcement has been strengthened alongside the supply arrangements. Dedicated squads comprising officials from the agriculture, revenue and police departments have been deployed at both district and block levels to monitor fertiliser distribution and act against violations.

These teams are carrying out surprise inspections at wholesale and retail outlets as part of efforts to detect and prevent illicit activities. The government has reiterated that its priority is to make quality fertilisers available to farmers at controlled government rates while ensuring that supplies are distributed equitably.

The state’s intervention comes against the backdrop of concerns over the availability of urea and DAP during the current cropping season. As part of efforts to balance supply and demand, the Agriculture Department has also recommended ammonium sulphate as an alternative fertiliser to urea.

District collectors were asked to encourage farmers to consider the substitute. Ammonium sulphate contains 20.5 per cent nitrogen and 23 per cent sulfur and, according to the Agriculture Department, can support higher yields while helping address sulfur deficiencies in the soil.

With the Kharif 2026 season underway, the state administration is therefore combining closer stock surveillance, coordinated supply planning and field-level enforcement with the promotion of an alternative fertiliser to manage potential pressure on supplies. Officials said farmers need not panic, as proactive measures have been put in place to maintain smooth availability and equitable distribution across Odisha.