MLA Dhaliwal conducts surprise checks to curb black marketing of DAP fertiliser

To curb black marketing of DAP fertiliser and ensure its fair availability to farmers, Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday conducted surprise inspections of fertiliser shops across the constituency.

Accompanied by officials of the Agriculture Department and other concerned wings, Dhaliwal personally reviewed the stock registers and warned of strict action against those indulging in illegal sales or hoarding. Earlier in the day, the MLA convened a special meeting with departmental officials, instructing them to take immediate steps to prevent black marketing and to act tough against those selling fertiliser above the government-fixed rates.

Dhaliwal said complaints were being received that some wholesale dealers and cooperative societies were selling DAP on the black market. He directed officials to verify the stock records of each dealer to check how much fertiliser was received and to whom it was sold.

Dhaliwal said he had taken up the matter with the minister concerned and secretary and assured that any official or dealer found guilty of wrongdoing would face strict legal action. Every shopkeeper must display the availability of fertiliser stock publicly to maintain transparency and prevent exploitation of farmers.

The MLA appealed to all dealers not to take undue advantage of the crisis, but stand by the farmers in their difficult times. He warned traders against forcing farmers to buy unnecessary additional goods along with DAP fertiliser. Dhaliwal reminded that the government-fixed rate for DAP is Rs 1,350 per bag, TSP Rs 1,300, NPK (12:32:16) Rs 1,900 and ASP (20:20:0:13) Rs 1,400. He cautioned that anyone selling above these rates would face immediate legal action.

Calling the present time a difficult phase for farmers, Dhaliwal said it is every citizen’s duty to support the “annadata” rather than exploit him. Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Baljinder Singh Bhullar, Block Agriculture Officer Harpinder Singh, Dr Kanwaljeet Singh, former Sarpanch Baljeet Singh Arraiya, Dr Jagjit Singh, and other officials were also present during the inspection.