The Agriculture Department has initiated strict action to ensure quality fertilizers are available to farmers in Dhamtari district at the prescribed rates. Following irregularities discovered during a surprise inspection, the license of a fertilizer dealer was suspended with immediate effect, while show-cause notices were issued to several private and cooperative sales centers.
The department has made it clear that black marketing, overpricing, and irregular sales will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
To ensure quality fertilizers are available to farmers at reasonable prices, the Agriculture Department team is continuously conducting inspections across the district. Department officials, including the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fertilizer, Seed and Pesticide Inspectors, conducted surprise inspections of several cooperative and private fertilizer sales centers in Dhamtari, Kurud, Magarlod, and Nagari development blocks.
During the inspections, serious irregularities were discovered at M/s. Laxmi Traders Bhakhara. The shop’s license was suspended after it was confirmed that fertilizers were sold in excess of the prescribed quantities and were sold to landless individuals. Meanwhile, show cause notices have been issued to Messrs. Cop Care and Trading Jhiriya, Paras Krishi Kendra Sonamagar, Karma Traders Semra, Krishna Fertilizer Kurud and Raj Krishi Kendra Nagari, seeking their response.
The Agriculture Department says that if a satisfactory response is not received, strict action will be taken against the concerned centers as per rules. Keeping in view the Kharif season, the availability of fertilizers and the sales system in the district is being continuously monitored.
The department has appealed to the farmers to use other recommended fertilizers as an alternative to DAP and while purchasing fertilizers, they must buy only at the prescribed price and take the bill. Complaints regarding the quality of fertilizers, black marketing or overcharging have been asked to be lodged immediately at the nearest Agriculture Department office.