Sangma said the state was gradually shifting towards organic and natural farming, with bio-fertilisers being promoted as part of the transition.

"We are not here to encourage but to discourage use of fertilisers. Bio-fertilisers have been introduced. We are in a transition mode, and we hope one day we will not have any chemical fertilisers," he said.

The Chief Minister was responding to concerns raised by VPP president and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit over allegations that farmers were being compelled to purchase single super phosphate (SSP) fertiliser at Rs 900 per bag.

Sangma clarified that the subsidised price of urea is Rs 266 per bag, while SSP is supplied at Rs 800 per bag after a 25% subsidy.

Without the subsidy, the market price of SSP would be around Rs 1,200, he said.

He acknowledged that restricted quantities of fertiliser could create opportunities for misuse but said the government was maintaining continuous surveillance to prevent black marketing.

"Since it is a controlled quantity, there are situations where individuals may try to take advantage, but continuous monitoring is done and whenever black marketing is detected, action is taken," Sangma said.

Agriculture Minister Timothy D Shira said the government has put in place a monitoring system to prevent retailers from overcharging or diverting fertiliser.

According to Shira, 129 inspectors regularly inspect retail outlets, while dealers are required to display government-notified prices and sell fertilisers at those rates.

Every transaction must also be uploaded to the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS), allowing officials to trace sales.

"If one kg is sold in black, that can be traced," Shira said.

He added that the Directors of Agriculture and Horticulture have been authorised to carry out random inspections of fertiliser outlets.

Backing the minister, Sangma said authorities had conducted 1,432 surprise inspections so far. He warned that licences of dealers found violating the rules could be cancelled and legal action initiated.

"Yes, surprise checks are done and 1,432 such surprise checks have been done. If anybody is found to be doing anything, their license is bound to be cancelled. Action will be taken according to law," he said.

Shira also urged farmers to report cases where retailers demand prices above the notified rates.

Complaints can be submitted through the CM Connect grievance redressal platform, he said.

The government is also monitoring the movement of fertilisers to prevent their diversion outside Meghalaya, including to neighbouring states and Bangladesh.

Shira said fertiliser consumption in the Garo Hills remains relatively low and is largely limited to the plain areas.

A significant number of farmers in the region continue to practise traditional natural farming methods, he said.

Fertiliser movement is being tracked through designated portals, while permits are issued by the Directorate to regulate transportation.

Sangma said the government has also identified areas where fertiliser use is permitted, with restrictions imposed elsewhere as part of its broader effort to reduce chemical inputs in agriculture.

"The correct mechanism followed by the rest of the world is testing the soil. We are now moving towards having more and more certification towards organic and Meghalaya is very well poised today," the Chief Minister said.