Rajasthan government cracks down on forced fertilizer tagging

The Rajasthan state government has launched a strict crackdown on agricultural input vendors who force farmers to purchase additional products alongside fertilizers. This practice, known as forced tagging, involves requiring farmers to buy items such as zinc, sulfur, pesticides, or bio-fertilizers when purchasing subsidized urea or DAP.

To combat economic exploitation, black marketing, and overcharging, the Agriculture Department has implemented a mobile app-based inspection system to ensure transparency and accountability. Following more than 9,000 inspections across the state, authorities have taken action against over 250 vendors for various irregularities.

Under the Fertilizer Control Order 1985 and the Essential Commodities Act 1955, proven violations may result in the suspension or cancellation of sales licenses and the filing of FIRs. Agriculture Commissioner Naresh Kumar Goyal stated that the department will also investigate the roles of wholesalers and manufacturers in cases of forced tagging. Additionally, district-level complaint cells have been directed to initiate preliminary action within 24 hours of receiving a farmer's complaint.