Rampant Counterfeit and Adulterated Agri-Inputs Pose a Major Threat

The Indian agricultural sector, the backbone of rural livelihoods and food security, is facing a silent yet deeply damaging crisis: the infiltration of counterfeit and adulterated agri-inputs. As highlighted by R. G. Agarwal of Dhanuka Agritech, the growing presence of fake seeds, spurious pesticides, and diluted fertilizers is undermining both productivity and farmer welfare.

The Scale of the Problem

Estimates from various industry bodies suggest that nearly 20–25% of pesticides and fertilizers in circulation are either fake or substandard. For seeds, the figures are equally alarming, with reports of counterfeit hybrid seeds leading to poor germination and drastically lower yields. This rampant infiltration has a two-fold effect: farmers incur heavy financial losses, and the nation’s agricultural output suffers at a time when food demand is rising sharply.

Impact on Productivity and Farmer Livelihoods

Counterfeit and adulterated inputs often fail to protect crops against pests or provide adequate nutrition. A farmer investing ₹5,000–₹10,000 per acre in such spurious products may see their yield reduced by half or even more. This is not just an economic loss but also a psychological setback, eroding the trust of farmers in modern agri-technologies. In states where cotton, rice, and vegetable cultivation depend heavily on high-quality seeds and crop protection chemicals, fake inputs have already led to cycles of debt and distress among smallholders.

Broader Economic Consequences

The issue extends beyond individual farmers. Lower yields mean reduced market supplies, affecting food prices and inflation. At the same time, counterfeit agri-inputs weaken India’s export potential in high-value crops such as basmati rice, spices, and horticultural produce, where global buyers demand strict quality standards. If left unchecked, the problem could dent India’s competitiveness in global agri-trade.

Why the Menace Persists

Several systemic issues fuel this crisis:

• Weak enforcement of quality standards and inspections at retail levels.
• Information asymmetry—farmers often cannot distinguish between genuine and fake inputs.
• Fragmented supply chains, where intermediaries exploit gaps to push counterfeit products.
• Inadequate deterrence, with penalties often too small to discourage large-scale malpractice.

Policy and Industry Response

Tackling the menace requires a multi-pronged approach. Stronger enforcement of existing laws under the Seeds Act and Insecticides Act is essential. Digital traceability systems—such as QR-coded packaging or blockchain-based supply chains—can ensure farmers receive authentic products. Industry players must also invest in farmer awareness campaigns, training cultivators to identify and avoid spurious goods.

Additionally, public-private partnerships could set up testing labs at the district level, where farmers can verify seed or fertilizer quality before sowing. Financial support for victims of counterfeit inputs could also cushion the blow and discourage rural indebtedness.

Conclusion

Counterfeit and adulterated agri-inputs represent more than just an economic crime—they are an assault on farmer livelihoods and national food security. As R. G. Agarwal rightly points out, this infiltration poses a major threat to productivity and trust in agriculture. Unless regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers act in coordination, the damage will continue to deepen, leaving farmers vulnerable and undermining India’s agricultural growth story.

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