Punjab News: In a proactive move to safeguard farmers’ interests and boost crop yields this Rabi season, the Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has launched five dedicated flying squad teams. These teams will oversee the availability and quality of essential agricultural inputs such as DAP, fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, ensuring they reach farmers without unfair practices.
Crackdown on Fertilizer Hoarding and Black Marketing
In light of concerns over fertilizer hoarding and price manipulation, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian emphasized that these specialized teams will conduct thorough inspections across the state. The squads will target illegal hoarding, black marketing, and bundling of unnecessary chemicals with essential fertilizers like DAP, crucial for Rabi crops.
Quality Checks and Sampling Drive
The initiative includes stringent quality checks to maintain high standards in the sale and distribution of agricultural inputs. Between April and October 2024, the Agriculture Department conducted an extensive quality control drive, collecting 2,063 pesticide samples. Due to misbranding, 43 licenses were canceled. In addition, 1,751 chemical fertilizer samples, 100 bio-fertilizer samples, and 40 organic manure samples were tested, resulting in 48 more license cancellations and three FIRs filed against violators.
Focused District Monitoring and Support for Farmers
In a display of strong support for the state’s agricultural community, each flying squad team is tasked with covering four to five districts. They are mandated to keep a close watch on both retail and wholesale dealers, as well as manufacturing and marketing units. These squads will verify that farmers are receiving fair rates, ample supplies, and quality products, while monitoring demand to prevent shortages.
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