FAI seeks revocation of ban on sales of non-subsidised fertilisers in UP

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The industry body has also said that restricting access to these products in current Rabi season, could affect farmers who rely on specialised nutrition solutions for crop- and soil-specific requirements

By BL New Delhi Bureau

Updated - October 16, 2026 at 07:28 PM. | New Delhi

The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) has urged Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar to reconsider restrictions on the sale of non-subsidised fertilisers and speciality crop nutrition products by companies supplying subsidised fertilisers.

Pointing out that such restrictions have been introduced in states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and, more recently, Bihar, FAI said that it has affected farmers’ access to specialised crop nutrition products that are otherwise covered under the regulatory framework of the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985.

The industry body has also said that restricting access to these products in current Rabi season, could affect farmers who rely on specialised nutrition solutions for crop- and soil-specific requirements.

In a statement issued on Thursday, FAI has called for a balanced approach that addresses concerns around inappropriate selling practices while preserving farmers’ access to legitimate and approved agricultural inputs.

The association has also highlighted that Indian agriculture has progressively expanded beyond conventional fertilisers towards a broader range of science-based crop nutrition solutions such as micronutrients, water-soluble fertilisers, beneficial element fertilisers, liquid and organic-based inputs, bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulants and nano-fertilisers over the past few years.

“These products complement conventional fertilisers (Urea, DAP, MoP) and are particularly relevant as Indian agriculture deals with multiple nutrient deficiencies, soil-health challenges, low nutrient and water-use efficiency and changing climatic conditions,” FAI said adding specialised nutrition products support balanced nutrient management and can help improve nutrient-use efficiency, crop productivity and quality of the produce.

Stressing that the fertiliser industry has invested significantly in research and product development, field extension, technical services and farmer outreach to develop and promote improved crop nutrition solutions, it said restrictions on these products could discourage further investment and innovation and slow the adoption of technologies aimed at improving nutrient-use efficiency and sustainable farming practices.

The Association further cautioned that restricting established fertiliser producers from supplying such products could have unintended consequences for product quality and farmer choice. Reduced availability of quality products from established manufacturers may increase farmers’ dependence on alternative products in the market, with potential implications for soil health, crop productivity and produce quality. This is particularly relevant for farmers cultivating high-value and export-oriented crops, where consistent quality and appropriate crop nutrition are important for achieving better farm returns.

“For Indian agriculture to improve productivity sustainably, farmers need access to approved innovations in crop nutrition. The FCO provides a national regulatory framework for these products. State-level restrictions, however, can result in products approved within this framework becoming inaccessible to farmers in individual markets. We need a predictable, science-based approach that protects farmers while also enabling them to adopt modern agricultural solutions,” said Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General of FAI.

At the same time FAI has also acknowledged that the restrictions introduced by States are driven by concerns over “tagging”, where the purchase of subsidised fertilisers is linked to the compulsory purchase of other products. While FAI strongly opposes such practices and supports strict action against any company, distributor or retailer found indulging in forced tagging, it emphasised that the response should focus on eliminating the inappropriate practice rather than restricting legitimate products and voluntary transactions.

Published on October 15, 2026

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