Odisha intensifies crackdown on fertilizer black marketing with 11,684 raids

The Odisha government has intensified its crackdown on the black marketing and hoarding of fertilizers during the Kharif 2026-27 season. Authorities have conducted 11,684 raids on fertilizer shops across various districts in the state.

Under a zero-tolerance strategy led by Deputy Chief Minister Kanaka Vardhan Singh Deo, enforcement squads comprising officials from the revenue, agriculture, and police departments have been formed at district and block levels. These teams are conducting regular inspections of wholesale and retail outlets to prevent unfair practices such as the supply of substandard fertilizers.

As a result of these actions, 2,774 individuals have been issued show-cause notices, 321 dealers have had their sales temporarily suspended, 170 licenses have been suspended, and 96 licenses have been cancelled. Additionally, fertilizer stocks were seized from 12 guilty dealers, and criminal cases have been filed against seven of them. The government stated that sufficient fertilizer supplies remain available at all sales centers.