JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11: In a decisive action to safeguard farmers’ interests and ensure strict compliance with the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 (FCO), the Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department, Jammu, has intensified enforcement measures and is conducting regular inspections and raids against dealers and manufacturers found violating prescribed norms.
During recent inspections conducted by the Law Enforcement Agency headed by the Assistant Director Law Enforcement (ADLE), Jammu at the premises and godowns of fertilizer retailers M/s Surinder Kumar Fertilizer Store, Village Rathana Morh, Bishnah and M/s Satpaul Fertilizer, Talli Morh, Jammu, several farmers present on the spot complained that fertilizers were being sold at rates higher than the prescribed Maximum Retail Price (MRP), thereby constituting a violation of Clause 3(3) of the FCO, 1985.
Taking cognizance of the gravity of the violations, the Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Manohar Lal Sharma, in exercise of powers conferred under Clause 31 of the FCO, 1985 ordered suspension of the licences of the erring dealers for a period of 30 days from the date of issuance of the orders. During the suspension period, the dealers have been debarred from carrying on the business of fertilizers.
The Agriculture Department reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any malpractice, overpricing, hoarding or violation of statutory provisions in the trade of agricultural inputs under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985. The Department warned that stringent action, including licence cancellation and legal proceedings, will be initiated against any dealer found indulging in unfair trade practices.
