(a) whether some cases of selling spurious/substandard seeds and pesticides to the farmers by
leading companies have been reported recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the names of such companies alongwith the action
taken against these companies;
(c) whether there are reports of some companies including the Indian Potash Limited
importing such spurious/ substandard seeds and pesticides; and
(d) if so, the reasons therefor and the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF
STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a)to(d): No case of large scale sale of spurious fertilizers, seeds and pesticides by
major companies has been brought to the notice of the Government. Samples of
fertilizers, seeds and pesticides are drawn and tested regularly. The quality and sale of
fertilizers, seeds and pesticides are regulated under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985,
the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the Seeds Act, 1966, the Seed Rules, 1968 and the Seeds
(Control) Order, 1983 and the State Governments are adequately empowered to take
action for sale of sub-standard material.
There have been instances of import of fertilizers by companies, including Indian
Potash Limited, wherein fertilizers were not found as per specifications laid in the
Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985. In such cases the importing company is liable for
action under the provisions of the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 as well as the
Essential Commodities Act, 1955.