Combating Proliferating Counterfeit Agrochemicals

Counterfeiting in India’s agrochemical industry has emerged as a stealthy but serious threat, undermining the country’s agricultural productivity and food security.

- MANOJ KOCHAR, President, Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA)

As farmers increasingly rely on pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers to protect crops and boost yields, the rise of fake agrochemical products—often indistinguishable from genuine brands—is putting harvests, soil health, and consumer safety at risk. Beyond economic losses for farmers and manufacturers, counterfeit agrochemicals pose a long-term danger to the environment and the sustainability of Indian agriculture, calling for urgent attention from policymakers and industry stakeholders alike. The scale of this crisis is expanding at an alarming rate. Counterfeit products are increasingly infiltrating rural markets through poorly regulated distribution channels, leading to severe consequences. If left unchecked, this counterfeiting epidemic could erode consumer trust, undermine legitimate businesses, and compromise the integrity of India’s agricultural supply chain.

Widespread Infiltration

The scale of the problem is both significant and rapidly growing. According to the ASPA-CRISIL Report 2022, the agrochemical sector is among the most severely affected industries in India when it comes to counterfeiting. Fake products have increasingly infiltrated rural markets through loosely regulated distribution networks, placing smallholder farmers—already vulnerable to climatic shifts and market volatility—at even greater risk.

For small and marginal farmers, the use of ineffective or adulterated inputs can result in reduced yields, financial losses, and in some cases, the complete failure of a cropping season. The broader implications extend well beyond the individual farm. A drop in crop productivity impacts national food output, disrupts supply chains, and contributes to rising food insecurity. Furthermore, the widespread presence of counterfeit products weakens consumer confidence and distorts fair market competition.