Large Crackdown on Illegal Fertilizer and Pesticide Trade on Chief Minister's Strict Orders

Chief Minister's strict directions lead to a major crackdown on illegal fertilizer and pesticide trade without license storage and manufacturing of two warehouses sealed and large quantity of material seized. During the Kharif season, FIR and legal action will be taken against offenders who toy with farmers' interests. Raipur, under the instructions of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai to provide quality agricultural inputs to farmers on time and to take strict action against counterfeit and substandard fertilizer-pesticide business, a continuous campaign is being run by the Agriculture Department across the state. In this context, under the guidance of Collector Shri Abhijit Singh in Durg district, the district-level flying squad of the Agriculture Department carried out a major operation in the village of Chingri (Anda), sealing two warehouses and seizing a large quantity of material for manufacturing, storing and selling fertilizer and pesticide without valid permission. The flying squad received information about illegal manufacturing and storage of bio-catalysts and pesticides at the Chandrakar Grocery Stores premises in Chingri village. During inspection the warehouse was found closed. The tenant Mr. Varun Tripathi was summoned and asked to cooperate, but due to his uncooperative attitude, a record was prepared in the presence of the landlord, village heads and locals and the warehouse lock was opened. Inspection revealed a complete network of illegal manufacturing and storage. During the inspection raw material, finished products, packaging machines and a large quantity of raw material for manufacturing bio‑catalysts and pesticides without a license were found in the warehouse. The investigation found serious violations of the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 and the Pesticide Act and rules. Violations included operating without a valid permit, manufacturing fertilizer without standards, failure to maintain records, refusal to cooperate with inspection, and storing pesticides without sources. Large quantities of fertilizer, pesticide and machinery were seized. During the operation a large amount of bio‑catalyst, pesticide, fertilizer, raw material, drums filled with chemicals, packaging and sealing machines and other equipment were seized. All material was confiscated under the provisions of the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 and the Pesticide Act, 1968 and the warehouses were sealed. FIR will be filed against the perpetrators. The Agriculture Department has initiated the process of filing an FIR against the involved operator under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 and the Pesticide Act, 1968. Legal action is being taken as per the law. No relief will be given to those who toy with farmers' interests. Deputy Agriculture Officer Shri Sandeep Bhai clearly stated that strict action will continue against those who create artificial scarcity of fertilizers and pesticides, engage in black marketing, and manufacture or sell counterfeit or substandard agricultural inputs. Licenses of violating sellers and manufacturers will be suspended or cancelled and legal action will be ensured. He directed all fertilizer sellers and cooperative societies to provide fertilizer to farmers at the prescribed rate. Any overpricing, black‑marketing or any irregularity will attract immediate strict action. During the Kharif season, a vigorous campaign will continue across the state. The Agriculture Department is continuously monitoring the availability, quality and distribution of fertilizers and pesticides during the Kharif season. Farmers are urged to report any sale of counterfeit, substandard or overpriced fertilizer or pesticide to the nearest Agriculture Department office. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, leading the state government, has made it clear that no compromise will be made on farmers' interests. Strict and continuous action will continue across the state against those involved in counterfeit agricultural inputs, black‑marketing and illegal trade.