Bharatpur. The district administration in Bharatpur has launched a rigorous campaign to curb the illegal hoarding, black marketing, and unauthorized diversion of subsidized fertilizers. With the objective of ensuring that essential agricultural inputs like urea and DAP reach genuine farmers at government-mandated rates, officials have warned that any entity found violating these norms will face immediate legal consequences, including the filing of First Information Reports.
Joint Director of Agriculture (Extension), Radheshyam Meena, stated that the initiative follows specific directives issued by the Rajasthan Agriculture Commissioner on November 4, 2026. The government provides significant subsidies on these fertilizers to support the farming community, yet reports indicate that certain industrial units, including plywood, resin, and animal feed manufacturers, have been illicitly utilizing these subsidized products for non-agricultural purposes.
Under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, fertilizers are classified as essential goods. Violations of these regulations can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment ranging from three months to seven years, alongside substantial fines. Furthermore, authorities have been empowered to seize vehicles involved in the illegal transportation of these materials. The Fertilizer Control Order of 1985 explicitly prohibits the sale or use of agricultural-grade fertilizers for any purpose other than farming.
To enforce these regulations, the administration has mandated that all industrial units utilizing urea must register with the local agricultural department. These entities are now required to submit monthly reports detailing their procurement of urea and the corresponding production output. This transparency measure is designed to allow the department to monitor industrial activities closely and prevent the leakage of subsidized resources.
The administration has also warned that any negligence by agricultural officials in monitoring these activities or failing to act against offenders will result in personal accountability. Farmers and the general public are encouraged to report instances of black marketing or illegal storage to the agriculture department to help safeguard the integrity of the subsidy program and ensure that resources remain available for those who need them most.