Revised Fertilizer Control Order Introduces Faster Re-Testing Process Through National Test House and CFQCTI to Improve Quality Assurance

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has detailed the strengthened quality testing mechanism under the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985, following amendments notified on 13 December 2024. The revised framework introduces a structured multi-level testing process aimed at ensuring transparency, timely dispute resolution and higher quality standards for fertilizers supplied to farmers.

According to information shared in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur, the amended provisions establish a clear protocol for first, second and third laboratory analyses, with defined timelines and designated institutions responsible for final quality verification.

Key Highlights

• Revised Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985 strengthens fertilizer quality testing.
• Three fertilizer samples are collected during inspections.
• Manufacturers, dealers or importers can seek re-testing within 15 days of receiving a non-standard report.
• National Test House (NTH) conducts the second analysis.
• Central Fertiliser Quality Control & Training Institute (CFQCTI), Faridabad conducts third analysis in cases of differing test parameters.
• Strict timelines introduced for testing and communication of results.
• 3,906 samples underwent second analysis during 2025-26.
• 1,078 samples required third analysis in 2025-26.

How the Revised Fertilizer Testing Process Works

Under the amended Fertilizer Control Order:

• Three samples are collected by Fertilizer Inspectors.
• One sample is handed to the dealer, manufacturer, importer or marketer.
• One sample is sent to the testing laboratory.
• One sample remains with the designated State Government authority.

If the initial laboratory declares a fertilizer sample as non-standard, the concerned party can apply for a second analysis within 15 days, along with the prescribed fee and their retained sample.

The designated authority then forwards samples to the National Test House (NTH) for referee testing.

Three-Level Quality Verification System

Second Analysis

The National Test House carries out the second analysis through its centres located in:

• Kolkata
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Jaipur
• Ghaziabad

If both the first and second reports identify the same quality parameter as non-standard, the second analysis becomes final.

Third Analysis

If the first and second reports differ regarding the non-standard parameters, the State authority automatically sends the retained sample to the Central Fertiliser Quality Control & Training Institute (CFQCTI), Faridabad.

The CFQCTI report is treated as the final decision.

Testing Statistics

Second Analysis by National Test House (NTH)

2025–26

• Samples received: 3,906
• Found standard: 2,128
• Found non-standard: 1,778

2026–27 (up to June 2026)

• Samples received: 578
• Found standard: 321
• Found non-standard: 257

Third Analysis by CFQCTI

2025–26

• Samples received: 1,078
• Found standard: 215
• Found non-standard: 863

2026–27 (up to June 2026)

• Samples received: 223
• Found standard: 51
• Found non-standard: 172

Strict Timelines for Faster Resolution

The amended rules prescribe defined timelines to improve efficiency:

• State authority must forward samples to NTH within 3 working days.
• NTH must complete analysis within 15 days.
• If required, the State authority must send samples for third testing within 3 working days.
• CFQCTI must complete testing within 15 days.
• Final reports must be communicated to stakeholders within 3 working days.

If the concerned party does not request re-testing within the stipulated 15-day period, the first laboratory report is treated as final.

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Impact

While the revised fertilizer testing framework is primarily aimed at protecting farmers and improving agricultural quality, it also has indirect implications for India’s hospitality and food sectors.

Improved Food Quality

Better fertilizer quality contributes to healthier crop production, supporting consistent quality of fruits, vegetables, cereals and other agricultural produce supplied to hotels, restaurants and food service businesses.

Support for Farm-to-Table Hospitality

Reliable agricultural inputs strengthen farm productivity, benefiting restaurants and resorts that increasingly promote locally sourced ingredients and sustainable dining experiences.

Strengthened Food Supply Chains

Enhanced quality control helps reduce risks associated with poor-quality agricultural inputs, contributing to a more dependable supply chain for India’s HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants and Catering) industry.

Boost for Culinary Tourism

Consistent agricultural output supports regional cuisines and local food experiences, which continue to play an important role in attracting domestic and international culinary tourists.

Why It Matters

The revised fertilizer quality testing mechanism under the Fertilizer Control Order represents an important step towards strengthening accountability and transparency in India’s agricultural input supply chain. By introducing a structured three-tier verification process and fixed timelines, the government aims to ensure faster dispute resolution, improved fertilizer quality and greater confidence among farmers. In the long term, stronger agricultural quality standards also benefit downstream sectors such as food processing, hospitality and tourism through a more reliable agricultural ecosystem.