Karnal: 33 samples of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides fail quality test
Parveen Arora
Karnal, January 18
Thirty-three samples of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides have fallen short of quality standards across the district over the past nine months, according to the data of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department.
436 collected
- In all, 436 samples were collected for verification by the department
- These included 165 samples of seeds, 96 of fertilisers and 175 of pesticides
- Nine samples each of seeds and fertilisers and 15 of pesticide were identified as substandard or misbranded
The revelation has raised concerns about the quality of agricultural inputs in the region, causing losses to farmers.
In all, 436 samples were collected for verification by the department. These included 165 samples of seeds, 96 of fertilisers and 175 of pesticides. Nine samples each of seeds and fertilisers and 15 of pesticide were identified as substandard or misbranded.
“We collect samples of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides periodically to check their quality. In the current financial year, out of the 436 samples, 33 were found to be either substandard or misbranded. Notices were also issued to the manufacturers,” said Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA).
The department has suspended the licences of 11 traders who allegedly failed to maintain the record of their stock, he added.
The authorities concerned assert that they regularly monitor the quality to ensure that farmers receive only high-quality seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. The DDA said, “Farmers are advised to purchase agro-inputs from licensed shopkeepers only and also obtain receipts for their purchases.”
Farmers have already highlighted this issue, emphasising the need for enhanced monitoring and regulatory measures to guarantee the quality and authenticity of essential agricultural inputs.
