Mismatch in fertiliser DBT buyers and PM-KISAN data raises red flags for panel

NEW DELHI: Amid concerns over the diversion of subsidised fertilisers, a parliamentary panel has recommended that the govt expedite the integration of Aadhaar authentication with a comprehensive “farmer’s registry” to ensure better targeting of fertiliser subsidies and prevent unauthorised buyers from exploiting the system.

The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers, in its report submitted to Parliament on Tuesday, noted the fertiliser department’s submission that its Integrated Fertiliser Management System (iFMS) portal has “identified approximately 18.7 crore unique buyers under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system and 6.25 crore buyers have availed the fertiliser subsidy till Jan, 2025 which contradicts the farmer population when compared with the PM-KISAN database of agriculture ministry, which records 9.8 crore farmers”.

It said this highlights the need for further scrutiny to identify genuine beneficiaries.

The panel headed by Congress MP Kirti Azad recorded its concern that buyer identification under the DBT in fertiliser subsidy scheme is established only through Aadhaar authentication on a ‘no denial basis,’ without a well-defined mechanism to ascertain the actual beneficiary.

“As a result, subsidised fertilisers, particularly urea, are susceptible to diversion for stocking, black-marketing, and use in industrial sectors such as resin/ adhesives, plastics/ foams, textiles/ leather, and paper/ pulp industries. It is apparent that different syndicates might be functional in this field to benefit from the shortcomings of the DBT system in place allowing purchase of subsidised fertilisers in connivance of implementing agencies creating shortages and black-marketing,” it said.

As per the current provision, each beneficiary can purchase up to 50 bags of subsidised fertiliser per month.

Taking note of the efforts made by the department to explore the use of the PM-KISAN database and integration of the farmer’s registry with the digital platform of fertilisers department, it has recommended that all necessary measures should be taken for early integration of iFMS platform with farmers’ registry incorporating landholding, cropping patterns, and soil health data besides broadening the Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) Scheme to select districts of different regions to correctly understand the fertiliser purchase behaviours of farmers for a comprehensive understanding of the constraints in the DBT.

The panel has recommended that necessary modifications should be made to the DBT system to ensure that benefits percolate directly to both landowners and landless farmers who cultivate leased land.
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