8 MT misbranded fertiliser seized

The authorities in South Kashmir’s Shopian district conducted a major enforcement action on Saturday and seized eight metric tons of misbranded fertiliser viz vermicompost/ organic manure.

A spokesperson said the operation was carried out based on specific inputs by Chief Agriculture Officer Farooq Ahmad in coordination with the Enforcement Wing of the Agriculture Department and other officials.

Following the confiscation, the concerned shop owners were served a show cause notice as well. The spokesperson said officials have reiterated that strict action will be taken against individuals engaged in the sale of misbranded or substandard agricultural inputs, which pose a threat to farmers and crop yields.

Officials said the investigation into the matter is currently underway and shall be prosecuted in the court of law. Following the directions of District Development Commissioner, Shopian, block-wise teams comprising officials from the agriculture, horticulture, and revenue departments, led by authorized personnel, are actively monitoring the sale of agricultural inputs across the district.