Samples of ‘fake’ pesticides, seeds collected in Gohana

Tribune Reporters

Sonepat/Kuruksehtra, Mar 11

Teams of the Chief Minister’s flying squad led by DSP Ajit Singh collected samples of pesticides, seeds and fertilisers from shops in Gohana on Monday following complaints by farmers of fake products being sold to them.

A machine used in changing the expiry dates of the products was seized from a shop at Bahalgarh village in Sonepat district, the DSP said, adding that on seeing the raiding team, several shopkeepers closed their shops and fled.

Rajinder Pal Mehra, Sub Divisional Agricultural Officer, Gohana, said the team raided four shops in the Gohana grain market and collected samples of fertilisers, seeds and pesticides.

Pesticides banned by the Agriculture Department were also found in the shops.

The DSP said the raids were also conducted in Yamunanagar and Pehowa.

In Pehowa, one godown was raided. It is located on the Arunai road.

It is suspected that godown owner was supplying expired farm chemicals in the market.

Ravinder Singh, DSP, CM's flying squad, Pehowa, told the media farmers had complained about substandard pesticides being supplied to them. He said experts had been called to examine the quality of the stock.

The DSP said the matter was being investigated and legal action would be initiated on the basis of the outcome of the probe.