India - Rise in spurious agricultural inputs: Seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides found sub-standard in 2023-24

The issue of spurious agricultural inputs continues to pose a significant challenge for Indian farmers, as thousands of sub-standard seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers were identified across the country in 2023-24. The data was shared by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. There are multiple laws and regulations that govern the quality control of agricultural inputs, yet the problem remains widespread.

Various legal frameworks such as the Seeds Act, 1966; the Seeds Rules, 1968; the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983; the Essential Commodities Act, 1955; the Insecticide Act, 1964; the Insecticides Rules, 1971; and the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, have been enacted to ensure farmers receive high-quality inputs. Under these laws, State Agriculture Departments appoint inspectors to monitor and test the quality of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. When samples are found to be sub-standard, strict action is taken against the violators as per the legal provisions.

Quality Concerns: Thousands of Samples Fail Testing

As per data accessed by Krishak Jagat, in 2023-24, a total of 133,588 seed samples were drawn for testing across the country, of which 3,630 were found to be sub-standard, accounting for 2.7% of the total samples. Similarly, 181,153 fertilizer samples were analyzed, and 8,988 of them—approximately 4.9%—failed to meet the required standards. Pesticides were also scrutinized, with 80,789 samples tested, out of which 2,222 were deemed spurious, constituting 2.75% of the total.

In addition to these test results, multiple raids and crackdowns have taken place across various parts of the country, uncovering large-scale operations involved in the sale of sub-standard seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers. Reports of counterfeit inputs being seized highlight the urgent need for stricter monitoring and enforcement.

The findings highlight the scale of the issue and the ongoing need for stringent enforcement to protect farmers from low-quality agricultural inputs. However, the actual extent of the problem may be even larger. Just like finding more hidden cracks in a wall as the inspection gets more detailed, if the number of samples tested increases, there is a possibility that the percentage of spurious inputs could rise further. This raises a critical question: Does India have the right infrastructure to test a larger volume of agricultural inputs effectively?

Need for Better Testing Infrastructure and Transparent Processes

Ensuring quality in agricultural inputs is not just about catching violations; it also requires a robust system at the ground level. Testing facilities must be upgraded, and the process should be transparent and efficient, free from any personal interests or external influence. Without proper infrastructure and unbiased enforcement, a mere increase in sample testing may only reveal the depth of the issue without effectively addressing it.

As farmers rely heavily on these inputs for successful cultivation, the presence of low-quality or counterfeit products can severely impact crop productivity and farmer incomes. The government, through its various regulatory mechanisms, continues to strengthen inspections and penalties against defaulters, ensuring that the agricultural sector remains safeguarded against fraudulent practices. However, the focus now needs to shift towards proactive reforms—building a foolproof testing network, increasing accountability, and ensuring that farmers receive only genuine, high-quality inputs.