Online Agri-Shopping Is Growing — But So Are the Risks
India's agricultural input market is worth over Rs 2 lakh crore annually. More farmers are trying to buy fertilizers online. The convenience is real — but so are the risks of counterfeit products.
Why Counterfeit Agri-Inputs Are a Serious Problem
The All India Crop Protection Association estimates that 30-40% of pesticides sold in India may be substandard or fake. Signs your agri-input may be counterfeit:
- Price is significantly lower than the MRP
- No valid batch number or manufacturing date
- Label has spelling errors or missing regulatory information
- Seller is unregistered or has no physical address
5 Rules for Safe Online Agri-Input Buying
1. Only Buy from Verified Sellers
Fertilizer dealers require a licence under the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO). On KrishiDukaan, all listed retailers are registered and verified.
2. Check for a Physical Address
Any legitimate agri-input seller has a physical shop. If a seller only has WhatsApp, that is a red flag.
3. Be Suspicious of Deep Discounts
A product sold at 40-50% below MRP is almost certainly fake. A 5-15% discount from a licensed retailer is normal.
4. Always Read the Product Label
Every legitimate product must carry: manufacturer name, registration number, batch number, manufacturing and expiry date.
5. Keep Your Invoice
A registered seller will always provide a bill — your proof of purchase if you need to complain.
The safest online agri-purchase is one made from a local, registered retailer whose shop you can actually visit. KrishiDukaan brings you exactly that.