The consortium of fertilizer industry associations, IPNM SPC, has welcomed the Maharashtra government’s decisions to streamline the quality inspections for fertilizers, strengthen quality control and ban bundling of subsidised and non-subsidised fertilizers.
“The industry views these decisions as a positive step towards building a more transparent, efficient and farmer-focused agri-input system,” it said in a statement.
The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by State Agriculture Minister Dattatray Vithoba Bharne on April 28, in Mumbai. The decisions are practical steps towards improving transparency and efficiency in the agri-input sector, the consortium said.
A key outcome of the meeting was the rationalisation of the quality control inspection (QCI) system, where responsibilities have been clearly restructured across taluks, district, divisional and state levels. By streamlining the role of inspectors, who inspect the quality of fertilizers and introducing a more structured approach—including part-time inspectors where required—the government has addressed a long-pending demand of the industry, it said.
“This is expected to reduce duplication, bring clarity and make inspections more effective rather than excessive,” said the consortium.
It said the new framework also brings in a more practical system of inspections. It focuses on planned and need-based checks, supported by technology-driven platforms, along with provisions for randomised inspections and lot-wise sample testing. At the same time, stronger monitoring at higher levels will ensure better coordination and timely action.
Another key decision is the ban on forcibly bundling and selling non-subsidised products with subsidised fertilizers, an issue that IPNM SPC had consistently raised. A policy similar to the recent policy implemented in UP is under active consideration and expected to be notified soon, said the group.
The approach strengthens action against challenges such as black marketing, hoarding and spurious inputs. With better complaint mechanisms at retail points and increased awareness among farmers, the system is expected to become more transparent and accountable at the ground level, it said.
Rajib Chakraborty, from the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association, welcomed the rationalisation of the inspection system and curb on linking sales as a much-needed step. He said, “Discretionary business registration, product registration and source registration systems in Maharashtra need to be urgently looked upon, enabling importers and manufacturers to support farmers with suitable alternative fertilizers in the face of wartime supply disruptions and the El Niño crisis.”
Dr Suhas Budhe, Policy Advisor, SFIA and Convenor, IPNM SPC, called for a balanced and forward-looking approach, stressing the need for a high level of preparedness to address potential global supply chain disruptions and the El Niño impact. He said the Centre’s push to promote alternative fertilizer use can only be effectively realised by empowering indigenous manufacturing of specialty and organic nutrient solutions, which is currently under strain due to excessive regulatory pressures”.
Dr Rahul Mirchandani, President, Indian Micro Fertilizer Industry Association, said the decision to rationalise inspector powers—limiting oversight to two Quality Control Officers for manufacturers and two inspectors for dealers—marks a significant step toward a more balanced, transparent and efficient regulatory environment.
Vipin Kasliwal, General Secretary, Maharashtra All India Dealer & Distributor Association, said the reforms will not only bring relief to dealers but will also prove highly beneficial for farmers.
Published on May 1, 2026