Rajasthan’s Agriculture Minister, Dr. Kirori Lal Meena, has led a significant operation against fake fertiliser factories. This crackdown began in Kishangarh, Ajmer, where officials seized almost 2,800 metric tons of counterfeit fertilisers. The aim is to protect farmers from fraud and ensure they receive genuine products.
The government has uncovered a widespread network producing fake fertilisers not just in Rajasthan but also in other states. Joint raids were conducted by the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Departments, targeting over 30 factories in areas like Jaipur, Kishangarh, and Sriganganagar.
During these raids, officials found shocking practices. Factories were mixing marble slurry, stone dust, and soil with dyes to create fake fertilisers that looked like well-known brands. One factory, Atishi Agrotech, was discovered with large quantities of marble powder and sand, materials commonly used in the illegal production of fertilisers.
These counterfeit products were being marketed as high-quality, organic fertilisers. This deception has put many unsuspecting farmers at risk, potentially harming their crops and soil health. Investigators revealed that these factories were sending out over 200,000 bags of fake fertiliser daily to states like Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
While the crackdown has exposed a serious scam, it has also raised concerns about official negligence. Reports suggest some officials were aware of these operations but failed to act. The Additional Director of the Agriculture Department mentioned that samples have been collected for further investigation.
Minister Meena inspected several factories for two consecutive days. On one occasion, employees of a factory attempted to discard the fake fertiliser as the minister arrived. Officials found numerous empty bags labelled with fake brand names, machinery for production, and evidence of the illegal activities taking place.
Meena stated that these factories had been operating for years without any action being taken against them. He expressed his determination to stop this fraud and ensure justice for farmers. The operation has revealed that around 34 factories in Kishangarh are under investigation for producing fake fertilisers.
In a related issue, a large-scale seed and fertiliser scam was uncovered in the Sri Ganganagar district. Authorities found that seeds were being treated with carcinogenic chemicals to enhance their appearance. Factory owners were buying seeds at low prices, adding harmful dyes, and selling them at inflated prices.
Officials discovered large drums of dye at several factories, indicating a serious risk to public health. Different colours were used for various seeds, but these substances were deemed harmful. Minister Meena confirmed that factories found using these carcinogenic chemicals would be sealed immediately.
So far, more than 40 factories involved in the production of fake fertilisers and substandard seeds have been raided across Rajasthan. The government is taking steps to ensure that farmers receive safe and effective agricultural products. This crackdown not only protects farmers but also aims to restore trust in the agricultural supply chain.
Farmers are encouraged to report any suspicious products or practices. It is vital that they remain vigilant and ensure they purchase fertilisers and seeds from trustworthy sources. As this operation continues, the Rajasthan government hopes to eliminate counterfeit products and safeguard the interests of genuine farmers.