Punjab: Five flying squads formed to prevent hoarding of fertilizers

Punjab: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has constituted five flying squads to ensure seamless and equitable availability of DAP and other fertilizers, quality seeds and pesticides for the Rabi season. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said these teams will conduct raids to prevent illegal hoarding and black marketing of fertilizers, as well as tag unnecessary chemicals with fertilizers. He said these teams will also monitor supplies, maintain standards and ensure quality control through regular checks and sampling. He said the flying squads will visit retailers and wholesalers as well as manufacturing and marketing units of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides and monitor the rates of sale of these products to farmers.

Sharing details about the quality control drive conducted from April 1 to October 31, he said the department collected 2,063 samples of pesticides, resulting in cancellation of 43 licenses due to “misbranding”. Apart from this, 1,751 samples of chemical fertilizers, 100 of bio-fertilizers and 40 of organic fertilizers were also taken. He said that the licenses of 48 firms were cancelled and three FIRs were registered after misbranded samples were found. Four-five districts have been assigned to each team to keep a strict vigil on the sale and supply of seeds, pesticides and fertilizers to protect the interests of farmers. They will also keep an eye on the demand and supply of these agricultural inputs for farmers. He said that no one will be allowed to exploit the farmers. He said that strict legal action will be taken against those found involved in illegal activities.