The Bihar Agriculture Department has stepped up action against alleged black marketing, hoarding and illegal storage of fertilisers during the rabi season, registering FIRs against 31 fertiliser establishments and cancelling the authorisation licences of 83 units. The drive has also led to the seizure of nearly 2,000 fertiliser bags in East Champaran in recent days.
Pankaj Kumar, principal secretary of agriculture, said the state government would not tolerate irregularities in the fertiliser supply chain. “Black marketing, hoarding and illegal storage of fertilisers will not be tolerated. Ensuring timely availability of fertilisers to farmers at prescribed prices is the department’s highest priority,” he said.
The department said inspections and raids are being conducted across the state in coordination with district administrations and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). “Teams from a headquarters-level flying squad have also been carrying out surprise checks of fertiliser outlets, warehouses and other suspected locations across districts, while special teams have been formed in border districts in coordination with the SSB to prevent cross-border diversion and smuggling,” Kumar said.
In one such operation, joint teams raided the Bankatwa block of East Champaran following reports of illegal fertiliser storage. Seizures were made from six locations in Regania and Agarwa villages, including two licensed fertiliser godowns, three private residences and one fertiliser outlet found storing multiple fertiliser types in violation of norms.
The operation led to the recovery of around 1,956 fertiliser bags, including urea, single super phosphate (SSP) and muriate of potash (MOP).
Kumar said the illegally stored fertilisers were seized and legal proceedings initiated under the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985, and other relevant provisions. “Licences are being cancelled, FIRs lodged and all penal provisions are being enforced rigorously against the guilty.”
Earlier this week, Kumar denied any fertiliser shortage in the state. He said that, as of December 24, “Bihar had stocks of about 2.37 lakh metric tonnes of urea, 1.23 lakh metric tonnes of DAP, 2.10 lakh metric tonnes of NPK, 0.40 lakh metric tonnes of MOP and 1.11 lakh metric tonnes of SSP,” which he said were “sufficient” for the rabi season.
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According to the department, FIRs against 31 fertiliser establishments and cancellation of 83 authorisation licences were recorded up to December 24 for irregularities during the 2025–26 rabi season. Special verification drives were also conducted on December 25 and 26 to match stocks shown on point-of-sale machines with physical availability at outlets. District-level agriculture officers carried out inspections under the “zero office day” initiative and interacted with farmers during the checks.
The principal secretary has directed district and block-level fertiliser monitoring committees to convene pending meetings and ensure block-wise sub-allocation based on actual requirement and coverage. He reiterated that any mismatch between recorded and physical stock would invite action under a zero-tolerance policy.
The department also urged farmers to buy fertilisers only from authorised dealers and report overpricing, black marketing or illegal storage to local agriculture offices or the district administration. “The department will continue these enforcement drives with full strictness to safeguard farmers’ interests,” Kumar said.
Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance.
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