After raids and inspection by the teams of the Agriculture Department, the licenses of seven fertilisers dealers have been suspended in the district for alleged black marketing and irregular sale of fertilisers in the district.
The action was taken following complaints of irregularity during inspections in the distribution and sale of fertiliser, officials said, adding that the district Collector had given instructions for it. These raids were conducted by the teams of Agriculture Department to make sure that fertilizers are equally shared among farmers during the agricultural season.
Deputy Director of Agriculture Tarun Pradhan said that serious irregularity was noticed during the verification at the shops of the concerned traders. Consequently, all dealers’ licenses were immediately suspended while their licenses are under investigation.
The ones against whom action is being taken are: Komal Prasad Jaiswal, Saradih; Yogesh Kumar Agarwal, Faguram; Sakthi Modern FPO, Bhatmahul; Kisan Manure Stores, Sakti; Vikas Kumar Agarwal, Baradwar; Aditya Traders, Kudhri and Dhan Laxmi Agriculture Centre, Lavasara.
Authorities have sent notices to all seven dealers, each asking for a written explanation in seven days. The department will be in touch with the officials and if they do not provide satisfactory answers within the designated time frame, they might be denied any further application for license.
The Agriculture Department says strict vigilance will be maintained to avoid farmer exploitation in the form of hoarding and overpricing of fertilisers, or through black marketing. Protecting the interests of farmers has remained a top priority and if anyone is found violating the distribution of fertiliser norms or engaging in unfair trade practices, then similar action would be taken, the officials added.