Agri dept warns of crackdown on fertiliser overpricing in Kalaburagi

Kalaburagi: Fertilisers must be sold to farmers at govt-fixed prices, and strict action under the Fertilizer Control Order and Essential Commodities Act will be taken against those overcharging, joint director of agriculture Samad Patel warned traders in Kalaburagi district.Speaking to TOI, Patel said teams of agriculture officials carried out surprise raids on agricultural marts and fertiliser outlets in Jewargi, Yadrami, Chittapura and Sedam taluks, inspecting distribution practices and stock records.He said the raids were launched following complaints from farmers about fertilisers being sold at inflated rates, and were aimed at initiating strict action against violators.Patel said officials have been directed to issue notices to vendors found violating norms. He added that warehouses in market areas would also be raided and legal action against licences would follow in the coming days.Action has been initiated against agricultural marts and vendors across the district, with 28 stores inspected in Jewargi, Yadrami, Sedam, Chittapura and Chincholi. Show-cause notices have been issued to 26 stores, he said.He added that the raids would continue for the next two months to curb overpricing of seeds and other agricultural inputs. Farmers have been urged to report any such instances in their taluks so that officials can take prompt action.Patel also cautioned farmers against fraudsters selling fake seeds and advised them to purchase inputs only from government-licensed outlets to avoid spurious products.