Uttar Pradesh Prohibits Forced Tagging of Non-Subsidized Fertilizers
26 February 2026, Lucknow: In a significant policy decision aimed at strengthening transparency and farmer autonomy, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has prohibited the forced sale (tagging) of non-subsidized fertilizers along with subsidized products. The move is expected to enhance fairness in fertilizer distribution and provide farmers greater freedom to choose products best suited to their crop and soil requirements.
The reform is being viewed as a progressive step toward ensuring a more transparent and competitive fertilizer market. By ending compulsory tagging practices, the state government has addressed long-standing concerns about restricted farmer choice and market imbalances affecting manufacturers, importers, and retailers.
Welcoming the decision, the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA) described the move as forward-looking and farmer-centric. The association noted that such measures will help create a balanced and competitive market environment where MSME manufacturers, importers, and retailers can operate on a level playing field.
Rajib Chakraborty, President, SFIA, stated, “The decision by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to prohibit the forced sale (tagging) of non-subsidized fertilizers is a forward-looking initiative. This will significantly enhance fairness in fertilizer distribution, while empowering farmers with the freedom to choose products best suited to their crop and soil requirements. SFIA has consistently advocated for a balanced and competitive market environment where MSME manufacturers, importers, and retailers can operate on a level playing field. This reform is a positive step towards ensuring equal opportunities for all stakeholders and will further encourage innovation-driven agriculture. We sincerely appreciate the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath and Hon’ble Agriculture Minister Shri Surya Pratap Shahifor introducing this progressive measure. We hope that other states will also adopt similar reforms to strengthen a farmer-centric and transparent agricultural ecosystem across the country.”
Industry stakeholders believe the decision could serve as a model for other states, helping to promote transparency, competition, and innovation-driven agriculture while safeguarding farmer interests across India.
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