Mysuru: Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy has issued a stern warning to fertiliser dealers against forcing farmers to purchase additional or unwanted products along with urea, stating that strict action will be taken against such practices.
Chairing a meeting of fertiliser suppliers, dealer representatives and officials at the Zilla Panchayat on Friday, he emphasised that farmers must be allowed to buy only the fertilisers they require, without any coercion or “linking” conditions.
Focus on ensuring adequate supply for monsoon
Highlighting the importance of uninterrupted supply during the 2026–27 monsoon season, the Deputy Commissioner directed fertiliser companies and dealers to strictly follow guidelines issued by the Agriculture Department. He stressed that there should be no shortage of urea in the district during the peak agricultural period.
Companies have been instructed to submit rake (shipment) details to the Joint Director of Agriculture before distributing stocks to dealers. Upon arrival of urea and DAP consignments, 40–50% of the stock must be maintained as buffer at facilities operated by Karnataka State Seeds Corporation and Karnataka State Cooperative Marketing Federation to meet demand during critical periods.
Warning against hoarding and diversion
Issuing a strong warning against malpractice, Reddy said that any dealer or company found hoarding fertilisers meant for farmers or diverting them for industrial use would face cancellation of licence and legal proceedings.
He reiterated that fertilisers are a critical agricultural input and must reach farmers in a fair and transparent manner, especially during the monsoon cropping season.
Mandatory digital tracking of urea sales
The Deputy Commissioner also directed that all urea sales must be recorded through the Urea Distribution App and point-of-sale (POS) software. Fertilisers are to be sold strictly based on farmers’ land records available under the FRUITS ID system.
He clarified that supply should be limited to prescribed quantities for specific crops, and any excess distribution would be treated as a violation of norms.
Scientific use and monitoring measures
Reddy further stated that the Agriculture Department will soon issue guidelines on the scientific use of chemical fertilisers to prevent overuse and promote sustainable farming practices. Dealers have been instructed to comply with these norms once they are implemented.
Taluk-level agriculture officers have been directed to conduct daily inspections and ensure accurate data entry in digital systems. Any discrepancies or lapses in urea distribution will lead to accountability and action against concerned officials.
Transparency in pricing and stock display
Joint Director of Agriculture K.H. Ravi instructed dealers to prominently display stock availability and price details at their outlets. He also mandated issuing proper bills in the prescribed format to ensure transparency in transactions.
Additionally, he informed that adequate seed stocks are available in the district and have been sent for quality testing. Sales will begin once the test reports are received.
Officials attend review meeting
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Zilla Panchayat CEO Yookesh Kumar and Additional Superintendent of Police Mallik, along with representatives of fertiliser dealers’ associations.
Conclusion
The directives issued by the Deputy Commissioner aim to safeguard farmers’ interests and ensure fair distribution of essential agricultural inputs. With strict monitoring and enforcement measures in place, authorities hope to prevent malpractices and ensure timely availability of fertilisers during the upcoming monsoon season.