Odisha fertilizer supply management and enforcement

In late July 2026, the Odisha state government directed district collectors to promote complex fertilizers and ammonium sulphate as substitutes for di‑ammonium phosphate (DAP) and urea, citing concerns about DAP availability and a possible urea shortfall during the kharif season. The central government pledged large shipments of ammonium sulphate, and the state agency MARKFED was tasked with releasing 60% of fertilizer stocks to prioritize these alternatives while assuring the public that overall fertilizer stocks were sufficient.

By early August 2026, the focus shifted to tighter distribution oversight. Odisha ordered district collectors to monitor fertilizer movement closely, targeting hoarding, black‑marketing, and illegal cross‑border trade. Dedicated enforcement squads comprising agriculture, revenue, and police officials were deployed for surprise inspections of wholesalers and retailers. An integrated monthly supply plan, coordinated with central authorities and manufacturers, was put in place to ensure uninterrupted availability for the kharif cropping season, with officials urging farmers not to panic.

By early September 2026, the government intensified its crackdown on black marketing and hoarding through a “zero-tolerance strategy” led by Deputy Chief Minister Kanaka Vardhan Singh Deo. Authorities conducted 11,684 raids on fertilizer shops across various districts. These enforcement actions resulted in 2,774 individuals receiving show-cause notices, 321 dealers facing temporary sales suspensions, 170 licenses being suspended, and 96 licenses being cancelled. Additionally, stocks were seized from 12 dealers, and criminal cases were filed against seven. Despite these enforcement measures, the government maintained that sufficient fertilizer supplies remain available at all sales centers.