Fertiliser Association of India Urges States to Revisit Restrictions on Non-Subsidised Fertilisers to Protect Farmer Choice and Soil Health

Chandigarh, October 15, 2026: The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) has urged State Governments to reconsider recent restrictions on the sale of non-subsidised fertilisers and speciality crop nutrition products by companies supplying subsidised fertilisers. Such restrictions have been introduced in states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and, more recently, Bihar, affecting farmers’ access to specialised crop nutrition products that are otherwise covered under the regulatory framework of the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985.

FAI cautioned that restricting access to these products, particularly ahead of the important Rabi season, could affect farmers who rely on specialised nutrition solutions for crop- and soil-specific requirements. FAI has called for a balanced approach that addresses concerns around inappropriate selling practices while preserving farmers’ access to legitimate and approved agricultural inputs.

Over the years, the fertiliser policy framework for Indian agriculture has progressively expanded beyond conventional fertilisers towards a broader range of science-based crop nutrition solutions, covering categories such as micronutrients, water-soluble fertilisers, beneficial element fertilisers, liquid and organic-based inputs, bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulants and nano-fertilisers. These products complement conventional fertilisers and are particularly relevant as Indian agriculture deals with multiple nutrient deficiencies, soil-health challenges, low nutrient and water-use efficiency and changing climatic conditions. Specialised nutrition products support balanced nutrient management and can help improve nutrient-use efficiency, crop productivity and produce quality.

FAI highlighted that the impact of such restrictions extends beyond the immediate market. The fertiliser industry has invested significantly in research and product development, field extension, technical services and farmer outreach to develop and promote improved crop nutrition solutions. Restrictions on these products could discourage further investment and innovation and slow the adoption of technologies aimed at improving nutrient-use efficiency and sustainable farming practices.

The Association further cautioned that restricting established fertiliser producers from supplying such products could have unintended consequences for product quality and farmer choice. Reduced availability of quality products from established manufacturers may increase farmers’ dependence on alternative products in the market, with potential implications for soil health, crop productivity and produce quality. This is particularly relevant for farmers cultivating high-value and export-oriented crops, where consistent quality and appropriate crop nutrition are important for achieving better farm returns.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General of FAI, said, “For Indian agriculture to improve productivity sustainably, farmers need access to approved innovations in crop nutrition. The FCO provides a national regulatory framework for these products. State-level restrictions, however, can result in products approved within this framework becoming inaccessible to farmers in individual markets. We need a predictable, science-based approach that protects farmers while also enabling them to adopt modern agricultural solutions.”

FAI acknowledged that the restrictions introduced by states are driven in part by concerns over “tagging”, where the purchase of subsidised fertilisers is linked to the compulsory purchase of other products. While FAI strongly opposes such practices and supports strict action against any company, distributor or retailer found indulging in forced tagging, it emphasised that the response should focus on eliminating the inappropriate practice rather than restricting legitimate products and voluntary transactions. Holding fertiliser producers and marketers responsible for this practice is misplaced, as the supply and allocation of subsidised fertilisers are determined by Central and State Government directives, and not at the discretion of individual companies. The Association pointed to the approach followed in Madhya Pradesh, where measures against forced tagging have been pursued, while farmers continue to have access to both subsidised and non-subsidised fertilisers.

FAI reiterated the fertiliser industry’s commitment to working closely with Central and State Governments to promote responsible marketing practices, balanced nutrient management and access to quality agricultural inputs. It urged State Governments to revisit the restrictions and adopt a targeted approach that acts firmly against forced tagging while preserving farmers’ freedom to voluntarily choose approved crop nutrition products based on their agronomic requirements.