New Delhi: The Union government on Thursday said it had signed an agreement to tackle fake agri-inputs by introducing a secure, digital, and fully traceable system for transporting samples of seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur shared the information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. He said the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Posts on January 7, 2026.
The agreement aims to operationalise a standardised and faceless logistics mechanism. Officials said the system ensures secure, time-bound, and tamper-proof movement of samples from collection points to designated laboratories. The framework also allows end-to-end digital tracking of each sample.
Under the new arrangement, the government has digitised key quality control processes. These include fixation of inspection targets at the State level, collection and dispatch of samples, and laboratory analysis. Authorities will also generate digital test reports and initiate prosecution wherever required.
Digital tracking to strengthen action against fake agri-inputs
The minister said the initiative strengthens enforcement by improving transparency and accountability. Legal action, when needed, will follow the respective Acts governing seeds, fertilisers, or pesticides.
Officials said the system reduces delays and human intervention in sample handling. It also helps prevent the circulation of sub-standard or spurious agricultural inputs in the market.
By ensuring faster testing and reporting, the framework supports timely availability of quality inputs to farmers. The government said this approach safeguards crop productivity and protects farmers’ interests during critical agricultural seasons.
The Ministry believes the use of the postal network will improve reach and reliability. The Department of Posts provides nationwide coverage, which allows uniform implementation across States.
The Centre said the move formed part of broader efforts to improve agri-input regulation and enforcement. The minister placed the details before the Rajya Sabha on February 6 through a written reply.
