Agri Dept official warns fertiliser dealers against black marketing

To ensure an uninterrupted supply of fertilisers to farmers during the ongoing agricultural season, Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Amarjit Singh Dosanjh held a meeting with wholesale fertiliser dealers in the district and issued strict directions regarding transparent distribution and the timely availability of fertilisers.

The meeting was convened to instruct dealers to maintain adequate supplies for retailers across all parts of the district so that farmers do not face any shortage. Dr Dosanjh emphasised that fertilisers must be sold at government-approved control rates and that no dealer should compel retailers or farmers to purchase any other agricultural inputs along with fertilisers.

The official warned that hoarding, black marketing and the unnecessary tagging of products with fertilisers would not be tolerated. He also directed Block Agriculture Officers to closely monitor fertiliser availability in their respective areas and ensure that farmers receive fertilisers without any additional conditions.

Dr Dosanjh asked dealers to regularly update stock details on Point of Sale (POS) machines and ensure that digital records match the actual stock available. He said accurate stock reporting would help the government assess demand and ensure the timely supply of urea and other fertilisers.

The dealers were also instructed to keep their licences and other documents up to date, display daily stock details on stock boards and issue proper bills for every sale of fertilisers, seeds and pesticides.

Warning of strict action, Dr Dosanjh said any dealer found selling agricultural inputs without bills, indulging in black marketing or forcing customers to buy unwanted products would face legal action under the Fertiliser Control Order and other relevant laws.

He also appealed to farmers to always obtain a proper bill while purchasing fertilisers, seeds or pesticides and report any irregularities to the concerned Block Agriculture Officer or the nearest Agriculture Department office.