- Mahalaxmi Krishi Kendra’s license suspended for 15 days
The administration has intensified its enforcement to ensure timely and priced fertilizers are available to farmers during the Kharif season. Following irregularities in fertilizer distribution in Bemetara district, the fertilizer license of Messrs. Mahalaxmi Krishi Kendra, located in village Ranbod, has been suspended with immediate effect for 15 days. During the suspension period, the establishment will not be able to store, sell, or engage in any fertilizer-related activities.
According to the Agriculture Department, on the instructions of the Directorate of Agriculture, Chhattisgarh, continuous inspections are being conducted in the district to prevent fertilizer black marketing, hoarding, diversion, overpriced sale, and the sale of counterfeit and substandard fertilizers. In this context, a surprise inspection was conducted on June 30th at the Mahalaxmi Krishi Kendra, located in Ranbod, Navagarh development block, which revealed violations of several provisions of the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985.
During the inspection, farmers’ signatures were not found on the cash memos. The maintenance of the storage and sales register was found to be incomplete, monthly information was not submitted in the prescribed format, and fertilizer stocks and the prescribed selling rates were not displayed at the point of sale. The investigation also revealed that a large number of fertilizers were sold to farmers from other districts. Furthermore, a discrepancy was found between the stock recorded in the POS system and the physical stock available on site.
A show-cause notice was issued to the establishment regarding these irregularities, demanding a response within three days, but the department found the explanation provided unsatisfactory. Subsequently, on the recommendation of the Fertilizer Inspector and Co-Incharge Senior Agriculture Development Officer, Navagarh, the Authorized Officer and Deputy Director of Agriculture, Bemetara, exercising the powers granted under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, suspended the establishment’s fertilizer authorization for 15 days. The district administration has clarified that inspections will continue throughout the district to protect farmers’ interests and ensure a transparent fertilizer distribution system. Strict action will be taken against the vendors involved in any irregularities or violations of regulations in fertilizer distribution.
