Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Bengal Minister Calls for Crackdown on Fertiliser Smuggling
The government of West Bengal is worried that people are illegally taking fertilisers from India into Nepal.
This makes it hard for farmers in parts of the state to get the fertilisers they need and forces them to pay more.
The minister, Anandamay Barman, met with border guards and asked them to watch the border more closely.
He also said that cattle that are taken illegally should be given to animal shelters instead of being sold again.
The goal is to stop the smuggling and help farmers get the fertilisers they need at fair prices.
Anandamay Barman, Bengal Minister, urges crackdown on fertiliser smuggling.
Smuggling occurs along the open Indo‑Nepal border, especially the Mechi River area.
Farmers in Matigara, Phansidewa and Darjeeling district face shortages and higher prices.
SSB border guards are asked to increase surveillance and vigilance.
Seized cattle should be handed to gaushalas instead of being auctioned.
- Who
- Bengal Minister of State for Finance and Transport Anandamay Barman
- What
- Calls for a crackdown on fertiliser smuggling across the Indo-Nepal border
- When
- Thursday (date of the high‑level meeting)
- Where
- Indo‑Nepal border along the Mechi River, Darjeeling district, Matigara and Phansidewa
- Why
- To prevent artificial shortages and inflated prices for local farmers
- Minister
- Anandamay Barman
- Issue
- Fertiliser smuggling across Indo-Nepal border
- Border
- Mechi River, Darjeeling district
- Affected areas
- Matigara, Phansidewa
- Action
- Intensify SSB surveillance and redirect seized cattle to gaushalas