Bio-stimulants worth over Rs92L seized in Akola

Akola: In a major crackdown ahead of kharif season, agriculture department in Akola has busted an alleged bogus fertilizer stock and seized bio-stimulants worth over Rs92 lakh from a warehouse in MIDC Phase IV. The action was carried out on Tuesday following intelligence inputs.A flying squad led by district agriculture development officer Tushar Jadhav and district quality control inspector Satishkumar Dandge raided the premises of Agrotonic Asian Industries, where a large quantity of bio-stimulant products was found stored.During inspection, officials detected 27 different types of plant growth regulator (PGR) products stored in bulk. When asked to produce valid licences and agreements for the products, the persons present at the site failed to furnish the required documents, officials said.A total of 3,827 litres and 31,141 kg of bio-stimulants were seized, with the total value of the stock estimated at over Rs92 lakh.Based on a complaint by agriculture officer (quality control) Sudhakar Khandare, an FIR has been registered at MIDC police station under the provisions of Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985.Officials said samples of the seized products have been sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine whether the fertilizers are substandard or bogus. Further action will depend on the test reports.The raid was carried out by a joint team including agriculture officer Rohini Moghade, Sudhakar Khandare, Pankaj Jagtap, Pankaj Zare and other staff members.The operation was conducted under the guidance of senior officials, including district collector Varsha Meena and zilla parishad CEO Anita Meshram.