Nadda Details Action Against Fertilizer Black Marketing in Telangana

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers J. P. Nadda confirmed in the Lok Sabha that fertilizer availability in Telangana remained adequate during the ongoing Kharif 2026 season, while outlining enforcement measures taken against black marketing and diversion in districts including Hyderabad, Nizamabad, and Jagtial.

The minister stated that fertilizers are declared as essential commodities under the Essential Commodities (EC) Act, 1955, and notified under the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985. State governments are empowered under the EC Act to take direct action against individuals involved in illegal practices such as black marketing and diversion.

Data provided by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) covering the period from April to July 17, 2026, revealed enforcement actions across Telangana. In connection with the black marketing of fertilizers, authorities issued 28 show-cause notices, cancelled or suspended nine licenses, and registered three First Information Reports (FIRs).

For cases involving the illegal diversion of fertilizers during the same timeframe, officials issued three show-cause notices, cancelled or suspended two licenses, and registered one FIR.

To guarantee the timely supply of Bharat brand fertilizers to farmers in major agricultural districts such as Nizamabad and Jagtial, the central and state governments implemented several monitoring and distribution steps. The Department of Fertilizers allocated stock based on seasonal demand assessments submitted by the state government. Regular review meetings were conducted with railways, fertilizer companies, and other key stakeholders to track production, availability, and movement.

The state government also carried out daily monitoring of fertilizer stocks, dispatches, and retail sales. Supplies were distributed through existing retail networks, with additional stocks arranged whenever localized demand increased.

As of July 21, 2026, a total of 11,529 retailer outlets in Telangana were operational with Point of Sale (PoS) devices to support subsidized fertilizer sales under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The response was provided by Union Minister J. P. Nadda following a question asked by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Arvind Dharmapuri.