India’s top fertilizer producer IFFCO has issued a statement cautioning farmers against unauthorised sale of its products from e-commerce platforms. However, as the statement also has a veiled threat against e-commerce platforms, experts have suggested a re-look at archaic Fertiliser Control Order of 1985, a product of pre-liberalised economy, to help farmers get wider choice in buying inputs.
“This is for the kind attention of all farmers, buyers and retailers, that Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (Iffco), has not granted permission to any of the e-commerce platforms to sell its products. Purchases made from these online platforms are entirely at the buyer’s own risk and liability. These unauthorised platforms are misleading buyers, charging unfair rates and selling discarded products,” the cooperative had said in a statement last week.
Iffco also said it will initiate legal action against those involved in the unauthorised sale of its products without an FCO license or the required “O” Form from Iffco as per regulations governing online fertilizer sales. “Only our authorised retailers can sell our products through approved channels. The official prices for all Iffco products, including nano-fertilizers, are available on the official website,” it said.
Listing rejected
While farmer producer organisation (FPO) like Sonipat’s (Haryana) Kathura Producer Company or Soyagold FPO of Yavatmal (Maharashtra) which have dealer’s licenses from Iffco and are selling on ONDC platforms such as My Store, there are other FPOs which have faced problems as their products got de-listed.
“We have a dealership from Iffco and selling its products online through My Store. However, today one listing (for 12:61 mono ammonium phosphate water soluble fertilizer) was rejected,” said Vaibhav Meshram, CEO of Soyagold FPO. He said My Store has attributed the rejection to geographical boundary issue as dealership permit only within Maharashtra, whereas anyone can buy from online. However, there is no issue with other Iffco products, he said.
Kathura FPO’s manager Ashish said it has not faced any issue so far, and hopes to continue the online sales, which has generated a revenue of about ₹2-3 lakh after the FPO listed the products on My Store last kharif season.
‘Needless control’
A soil scientist said when farmers are buying online and in packs of 1 kg, the government should facilitate those and the “archaic Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) of 1985 should be suitably amended”, if cannot be repealed.
Experts said there should be a debate whether non-subsidised fertilizer should be completely de-controlled or partially controlled as there are several aspects involved including unhindered availability, rates and quality. “There will be no progress in agriculture if those ready to pay for the better inputs are also unnecessarily put to a control regime like where to buy what,” said a former deputy director general of ICAR. He said while Iffco’s intention may be good to ensure genuine products reach farmers, but restriction on platform may take away a choice.
Iffco’s statement said: “We strongly advise and caution everyone to beware of such fraudulent activities, including those offering fake Iffco franchises or soliciting money in the name of Iffco. To ensure that you are purchasing genuine Iffco products, always check with our authorized stores or directly through Iffco’s website.”
