Intensifying action against the fertiliser dealers during the last week, the Agriculture Department has taken action against those found violating fertiliser sale regulations ahead of the kharif season. According to the District Superintendent Agriculture Office, licences of 14 agricultural service centres have been suspended, three licences have been permanently cancelled and six centres have been ordered to stop sales following the detection of irregularities in fertiliser distribution and record-keeping.

 

A district-wide inspection drive is being conducted by quality control teams to ensure farmers receive quality seeds and fertilisers on time and are not subjected to unfair practices. Thirteen district-level flying squads comprising agriculture and quality control officials have been deployed for the purpose. Officials said action was taken against centres found violating provisions of the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985. Among the centres facing action are Bajrang Krishi Seva Kendra and Gurudev Krishi Kendra in Saoner taluka, Bablu Krishi Kendra and Laxmi Agro Agency in Bhiwapur taluka, and Hagawane Krishi Seva Kendra, Raj Krishi Seva Kendra and Balaji Agro Agency in Katol taluka. The licence of Sonalika Krishi Kendra at Mandwa in Bhiwapur taluka has been permanently cancelled. Ravindra Manohare, District Superintendent Agriculture Officer, said strict legal action would continue against dealers violating regulations and urged farmers to report complaints to the department.