Sindh Targets Fake Fertilizer’s in Province-Wide Crackdown

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The Sindh government has announced a province-wide operation to curb the distribution of counterfeit fertilisers and agricultural medicines, in a move aimed at safeguarding crop quality and protecting farmers’ livelihoods.

Sindh Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, along with Agriculture Secretary Muhammad Zaman Narejo, chaired a high-level meeting with representatives of farmer associations to discuss urgent issues affecting the province’s agricultural sector.

Among the top priorities was the enforcement of the Sindh Seed Act, with the government seeking to ensure that only certified cotton varieties are made available to growers. The officials highlighted the growing concerns about substandard seeds and fake agro-chemicals flooding the market, which have negatively impacted yields and posed health risks.

The upcoming crackdown will focus on identifying suppliers and distributors involved in the illegal trade of non-certified products. The agriculture department has been directed to step up market inspections and coordinate with law enforcement to take legal action against violators.

Farmers present at the meeting raised issues surrounding shortages of fertilizer’s, particularly during peak sowing seasons. They also discussed the recurring challenge of water scarcity, which continues to affect key cropping regions across Sindh.

In response, the provincial government committed to improving the continuous supply of agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides. Officials also pledged to work closely with federal agencies to ensure timely procurement and distribution, particularly in districts where shortages have been most acute.

The Sindh Agriculture Department has also announced plans to increase awareness among farmers about identifying genuine versus counterfeit agricultural products. An educational campaign will be launched in collaboration with local farmer unions, aiming to equip growers with the knowledge to spot fake labels, understand certification marks, and report suspicious products to authorities.

Secretary Narejo stressed that the success of the crackdown depends not only on enforcement but also on collaboration with stakeholders across the farming sector. He urged farmer leaders to report incidents promptly and support the department’s inspection efforts.

The province, which contributes significantly to Pakistan’s cotton and wheat output, has seen rising concern from growers over declining productivity and increasing input costs. The government hopes that by addressing the problem of counterfeit products head-on, it can help reverse the trend and boost agricultural performance in the coming seasons.

The campaign is expected to roll out in phases, starting with the most affected regions, and will include strict penalties for those found guilty of producing or selling fake agricultural goods.