Fertiliser black marketing in Odisha: Over 7,000 retailers inspected, 77 licences cancelled

The Odisha government has intensified its statewide crackdown on fertiliser black marketing and illegal sales, with enforcement squads conducting surprise inspections at 7,001 fertiliser outlets this year.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo placed the details before the State Assembly on Wednesday while responding to a question from BJD MLA Aravind Mahapatra.

In his reply, Singh Deo said the enforcement exercise was launched to prevent diversion, hoarding and unauthorised sale of fertilisers during the ongoing agricultural cycle.

He informed the House that a total of 2,011 violators have been issued show-cause notices, adding that 35 outlets have been sealed and 12 consignments of fertiliser have been seized.

The Deputy Chief Minister further stated that criminal cases have been registered against five retailers, while 77 dealer licences have been cancelled and 30 licences suspended for various violations under the 2011 regulations governing fertiliser trade in the State.

Enforcement Measures Expanded

Singh Deo said enforcement action has been stepped up at both the state and district levels, with field squads conducting routine and targeted inspections. The crackdown comes at a time when Odisha has been facing repeated allegations of fertiliser diversion, particularly urea, during peak agricultural demand.

The Deputy CM, who also holds the Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment portfolios, stated that the government has been monitoring inventory movement closely to prevent attempts at creating artificial scarcity through hoarding.

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Earlier Admission of Black Marketing

The latest action follows the government’s own acknowledgement earlier this year that black marketing of fertilisers had been detected in multiple regions. In September, speaking to reporters, Food and Supplies Minister K C Patra admitted that unauthorised diversion of urea was reported from several districts.

He had, however, assured that stocks were adequate for the season. Patra had also said that hoarding by certain groups appeared to be aimed at creating artificial scarcity.