Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) is a crucial regulatory framework implemented by governments to ensure the quality, availability, and proper use of fertilizers. It serves as a mechanism to monitor and regulate the production, distribution, labeling, and sale of fertilizers, with the ultimate goal of promoting sustainable agriculture and safeguarding the interests of farmers and consumers. The FCO encompasses a wide range of provisions and regulations that govern various aspects of the fertilizer industry. One of its primary objectives is to ensure the quality of fertilizers available in the market. The FCO sets specific standards for nutrient content, physical characteristics, impurities, and labeling requirements. By enforcing these standards, the FCO aims to prevent the sale of substandard or adulterated fertilizers that could have detrimental effects on crop productivity and soil health. Another key aspect of the FCO is the regulation of fertilizer pricing. Governments often intervene to control the prices of fertilizers to make them affordable for farmers. The FCO may include provisions to monitor and control the pricing of fertilizers, ensuring that they remain accessible to farmers while preventing price manipulation and exploitation. The FCO also addresses the licensing and registration of fertilizer manufacturers, importers, and distributors. Manufacturers and importers are required to obtain licenses or registrations from the designated regulatory authorities. This helps in maintaining a record of fertilizer producers and suppliers, ensuring accountability, and enabling traceability in case of any quality-related issues or non-compliance. To ensure compliance with the FCO, regulatory bodies are empowered with inspection and monitoring mechanisms. They conduct regular inspections of fertilizer manufacturing facilities, storage sites, and distribution channels to verify compliance with quality standards, labeling requirements, and other provisions of the FCO. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, fines, or even suspension of licenses, acting as a deterrent for violations and promoting adherence to the regulations. The FCO also addresses the issue of fertilizers' safe and efficient use. It may mandate the inclusion of information on fertilizer labels regarding dosage, application methods, and safety precautions. This helps farmers make informed decisions about fertilizer application, preventing excessive or improper use that can lead to environmental pollution, nutrient imbalances, and crop damage. The FCO may also encourage the promotion of organic and biofertilizers, providing incentives and support for their production and utilization.

1. Fertilizer Control
Order
SUBMITTED TO,
Dr. MAGESHEN VR
Dr. Sabareeshwari V
Assistant professor
(Soil Science)
19SAC301 – Manures, Fertilizers & Soil Fertility Management 3 (2+1)

2. Introduction
• Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) is a regulatory
framework established by the Government of
India to ensure the quality of fertilizers sold in
the country.
• The main purpose of FCO is to regulate the
manufacture, distribution, sale, and import of
fertilizers to protect farmers from substandard
or adulterated fertilizers.
• Fertilizers play a crucial role in agriculture by
providing essential nutrients to crops to
enhance their growth and yield. Therefore,
regulating fertilizers is essential for ensuring
food security and sustainable agriculture in
India.

3. Background of
FCO
The first
Fertilizer
Control Order
was introduced
in 1957 to
regulate the
quality and
distribution of
fertilizers in
India.
Over the years,
several
amendments
were made to
the original
order to keep
pace with the
changing needs
of the industry
and the
agricultural
sector.
In 1985, FCO
was amended to
include stricter
quality control
measures and
labeling
requirements to
ensure that
farmers have
access to high-
quality
fertilizers.

4. Objectives
The main objectives of FCO are to ensure the quality of fertilizers, protect
farmers from substandard or adulterated fertilizers, and promote
sustainable agriculture.
FCO aims to achieve these objectives by regulating the manufacture,
distribution, sale, and import of fertilizers and by specifying quality
standards, labeling requirements, and licensing and registration procedures.

5. Types of Fertilizers
Fertilizers can be broadly
categorized into two types: organic
and inorganic.
Organic fertilizers are derived from
natural sources such as animal
manure, plant residues, and
compost, while inorganic fertilizers
are synthesized from chemicals.
Inorganic fertilizers are further
classified into three types:
nitrogenous, phosphatic, and
potassic, based on their nutrient
composition.

6. Quality Control
FCO specifies quality parameters for various types of fertilizers to ensure that
they meet the minimum standards of purity, strength, and composition.
These quality parameters include the minimum percentage of nutrient content,
maximum permissible limits of impurities, and physical characteristics such as
particle size and moisture content.
Fertilizer samples are collected from manufacturers, importers, and distributors,
and tested in accredited laboratories to determine whether they meet the quality
standards specified in FCO.

7. Labeling and Packaging
FCO mandates that
all fertilizers sold
in India must be
labeled with
specific
information to help
farmers identify
the product and its
quality.
The label must
include the name
and address of the
manufacturer or
importer, the
brand name, the
type of fertilizer,
the nutrient
content, and the
batch number.
The packaging must also
comply with certain
specifications, such as
being tamper-proof and
resistant to moisture, to
ensure that the fertilizer
remains safe and
effective during storage
and transportation.

8. Licensing and Registration
• FCO requires all fertilizer manufacturers and importers to obtain a license or
registration from the government before they can start their operations.
• The license or registration is granted only if the applicant meets the eligibility
criteria, such as having the required technical and financial resources, and
complying with the quality standards and labeling requirements specified in
FCO.
• The license or registration must be renewed periodically, and the authorities
can revoke it if the licensee violates any of the provisions of FCO.

9. Enforcement of FCO
• The enforcement of FCO is the
responsibility of various authorities, such as
the Central Fertilizer Quality Control and
Training Institute (CFQC&TI), State
Fertilizer Control Laboratory, and Fertilizer
Control Order Enforcement Wing.
• These authorities conduct inspections,
collect samples, and test fertilizers to ensure
compliance with the provisions of FCO

10. FCO specifies penalties for violating its provisions, which include
imprisonment and fines.
The severity of the penalty depends on the nature and extent of the
violation, such as selling substandard or adulterated fertilizers,
mislabeling, or operating without a license.
The authorities can also seize and destroy the non-compliant
fertilizers to prevent their sale to farmers.

11. Impact of
FCO FCO has had a significant impact on the fertilizer
industry and the agricultural sector in India.
It has helped to improve the quality of fertilizers
sold in the country and protect farmers from
substandard or adulterated fertilizers.
FCO has also promoted sustainable agriculture
by encouraging the use of high-quality fertilizers
that are effective and safe for the environment.
Overall, FCO has played a crucial role in ensuring food
security and promoting rural development in India.

12. Challenges and
Future Prospects
• FCO faces several challenges, such as the
proliferation of spurious and counterfeit
fertilizers, inadequate testing facilities, and lack
of awareness among farmers.
• To address these challenges, the government
needs to strengthen the enforcement of FCO,
invest in testing facilities, and increase
awareness among farmers about the importance
of using high-quality fertilizers.
• The future outlook for FCO is positive, with the
government committed to promoting sustainable
agriculture and ensuring food security through
effective regulation of fertilizers.

13. • The Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) is a vital regulatory framework in
India that governs the production, distribution, and sale of fertilizers.
It ensures that farmers receive high-quality fertilizers that are safe for
the environment and beneficial for crop growth. The FCO sets quality
standards for fertilizers, including their nutrient content, labeling,
packaging, and maximum permissible limits for various chemical
compounds.
• The FCO's implementation has helped to increase agricultural
productivity and promote food security in India. The mandatory
registration of fertilizers with the Central Fertilizer Quality Control
and Training Institute (CFQC&TI) ensures that only quality fertilizers
are sold in the market, and non-compliance with the FCO can result in
legal action, including fines, cancellation of registration, and
imprisonment.
• The FCO is a dynamic regulation that evolves with changes in
technology, scientific knowledge, and agricultural practices, and its
continued implementation is crucial for the sustainable development
of the agricultural sector in India.
Conclusion

14. Reference
• "Fertilizer Technology and Control" by S. S. Kapur
• "Handbook of Fertilizers" by S. M. Mukherjee
• "Fertilizer Manual" by R. P. Singh and M. S.
Randhawa
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357867071_I
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15. Submitted By,
Kaaviya AV
CB.AG.U4AGR
20029