The Odisha government has cancelled the licenses of 96 fertiliser dealers and suspended those of another 170 dealers for allegedly indulging in unfair practices during the current financial year, according to officials. This comprehensive enforcement action represents a significant crackdown on unauthorized fertiliser trading practices across the state. The cancellations and suspensions were implemented as part of the state government's stepped-up enforcement measures to ensure adequate and timely availability of fertilisers to farmers during the ongoing kharif season. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo has directed officials to ensure smooth supply of fertilisers and adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards black marketing and diversion of fertilisers for non-agricultural purposes. The government emphasized that adequate quantity of fertilizers is available across the state, with farmers advised not to panic over rumours and to buy fertilizers only from authorised shops at controlled prices.
During the current financial year, raids were conducted at 11,684 fertiliser shops across the state, with show-cause notices issued to 2,774 persons and sales by 321 dealers temporarily suspended for allegedly violating regulations. The Agriculture Department confirmed that raids were being conducted daily and enforcement had been intensified in several districts, including Kandhamal and Boudh. District and block-level enforcement squads were formed to conduct regular inspections and raids at wholesale and retail fertiliser outlets, with the government emphasizing that adequate quantities of fertilisers are available at selling points across the state and there is no need for farmers to panic over unauthorized trading practices. Inspection teams and flying squads comprising senior officers from Revenue, Agriculture and Police Departments are conducting regular raids at wholesale and retail fertiliser shops on the order of Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav.
The enforcement actions resulted in fertiliser stocks belonging to 12 dealers being seized, and criminal cases registered against seven of them under the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. A notable recent development includes a joint raid on August 29, 2026, at Maa Sabitri Agro Agency in Baliguda Sub-Division, Kandhamal, involving Tahasildar, Agriculture officials and Police, which led to seizure of 700 bags of DAP, cancellation of licence and filing of a criminal case. The government is closely monitoring ongoing raids for the past two days at various fertiliser shops in Manamunda Block, Boudh district. This year's enforcement measures have been substantially increased compared to the previous year, with farmers now finding it easier and more affordable to purchase various chemical fertilizers for their agricultural needs.
The current enforcement actions represent a significant escalation from the previous year's efforts. In 2025-26, raids were carried out at 9,017 shops with show-cause notices sent to 2,373 individuals, sales by 48 dealers halted and licenses of 53 dealers suspended or revoked. Stocks from 15 dealers were seized and cases filed against 9 individuals during that period. The government emphasized that adequate quantities of fertilisers are available at selling points across the state and there is no need for farmers to panic over unauthorized trading practices.
