J&K Govt notifies fertiliser rates, warns dealers against overcharging farmers

Ziraat Times Team Report

Srinagar/Jammu, June 1: The Directorate of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Jammu, has issued a notification directing all fertilizer dealers and retailers across Jammu and Kashmir not to sell fertilizers above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on the bags.

The notification, issued by the Controller of Fertilizers, J&K, states that the directive has been issued under Clause 2(e) of the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985, read with Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act (ECA). It warns that any sale of fertilizers at prices higher than the prescribed MRP will attract punitive action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

According to the notification, the MRP of a 45-kg bag of Urea/Neem-Coated Urea has been fixed at ₹266.50 for products supplied by major fertilizer companies, including IFFCO, NFL, CFCL, IPL and KRIBHCO.

For a 50-kg bag of Imported DAP, the notified MRP is ₹1,350. The notification also specifies the MRP of certain other fertilizers, including NPK (16:16:16) at ₹1,300 per 50-kg bag and SSP at ₹675 per 50-kg bag. In the case of MOP, dealers have been directed to adhere to the MRP printed on the fertilizer bags.

The Agriculture Department said the measure aims to protect farmers from overpricing and ensure the availability of fertilizers at government-approved rates during the agricultural season.

The notification has been circulated to senior officials of the Agriculture Production Department, directors of agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Agriculture Officers of all districts, and other field-level functionaries for strict implementation and monitoring.

Officials have urged farmers to report any instances of overcharging, reiterating that violations of the notified rates would invite legal action under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act.