Centre steps in as Andhra Pradesh fertilizer dealers found ‘cooking the books’

Vijayawada: The Union govt has launched a major investigation into suspected irregularities in the sale of subsidised fertilizers in Andhra Pradesh after shocking discrepancies were detected in DAP and urea sales at several retail outlets, particularly in West Godavari and Konaseema districts.The probe was initiated after fertilizer monitoring agencies identified inflated sales figures at certain shops that were disproportionate to their historical averages and local agricultural demand. Officials suspect large-scale diversion, hoarding and possible black marketing of subsidised fertilizers meant for farmers.According to preliminary findings, a fertilizer outlet in West Godavari district, which reportedly sold an average of only 20 bags in April in the past three years, recorded sales of nearly 7,600 bags during the corresponding period this year. Authorities described the jump as “highly abnormal” and impossible under normal cultivation conditions.In another case, a fertilizer dealer in Bandi Atmakur village of Nandyal district, whose average monthly sales were only 825 bags over the last few years, reportedly sold nearly 5,850 bags this April alone. Yet another outlet in Koyyalagudem of Eluru district, which usually recorded sales of around 10 bags, allegedly sold over 3,700 bags during the same period. Similarly, a shop in Adoni of Kurnool district showed current sale of around 5,050 bags, while its last three years’ average was just 117 bags, officials found.Officials said these figures raised suspicion because there was no corresponding increase in cultivated acreage or changes in crop patterns to justify such massive fertilizer consumption. The unusual surge was identified during data analysis carried out through the Centre’s fertilizer monitoring system and point-of-sale tracking mechanism.Following the findings, Central teams, along with agriculture department officials, began inspections at fertilizer outlets, warehouses and distribution points. Authorities are tallying stock registers, transportation records, digital sales entries and farmers’ purchase details to determine whether subsidised fertilizers were diverted illegally. Investigators suspect that fertilizers may have been moved to other states or sold in bulk through unofficial channels using fake or repeated farmer credentials. Officials are also probing whether point-of-sale systems were manipulated to inflate transactions and conceal actual beneficiaries.Sources said the Centre has taken the issue seriously as fertilizer subsidies involve massive public expenditure and any diversion directly impacts genuine farmers. The Union chemicals and fertilizers ministry has reportedly sought a comprehensive report from Andhra Pradesh authorities on district-wise sales, stock availability and the action initiated against suspicious dealers.Inspections are also focusing on whether dealers maintained proper records and complied with fertilizer distribution norms. In several locations, officials reportedly found discrepancies in stock documentation and unusual patterns in bulk purchases. Agriculture department officials, however, maintained that fertilizer stocks remain sufficient in the state and there is no immediate shortage, but also acknowledged that the abnormal sales patterns warranted a thorough investigation.Farmer organisations demanded strict action against dealers involved in diversion and black marketing, alleging that artificial scarcity often affects genuine cultivators during peak farming seasons. They urged authorities to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure that fertilizers reach actual farmers.The Centre has reportedly directed officials to intensify surveillance of fertilizer movement through real-time tracking systems and conduct surprise inspections across vulnerable districts. Authorities have indicated that dealership licences could be cancelled and criminal cases filed if large-scale irregularities are confirmed in the ongoing investigation.