Agri dept says 16k tonne fertilizers available, warns against misuse

Trichy: The agriculture department has assured that sufficient chemical fertilizers are available across Trichy district for the ongoing farming season with a total stock of 16,121 tonne. The department has also issued strict instructions to wholesale and retail fertilizer dealers to prevent misuse and diversion, warning of licence cancellation and criminal action for violations.According to the department, 4,066 tonne urea, 2,226 tonne DAP, 1,366 tonne MOP, 7,424 tonne complex and 1,039 tonne SSP are available. These stocks are maintained at agricultural extension centres, private outlets and primary cooperative societies for distribution during the current farming season.Joint director of agriculture B Vasantha has strictly instructed wholesale dealers not to divert or sell fertilizers to other districts. They are also prohibited from purchasing from outside the district. All consignments must carry proper price lists and documents.The department has directed retail dealers to mandatorily record Aadhaar details and fingerprint of farmers at the time of sale. They should not sell beyond actual requirement or large quantities to any single person.The joint director has warned that the retail sales licence will be cancelled without prior notice if excessive sales are detected in specific farmers' names.