SRINAGAR: Authorities in Shopian district seized 8 metric tons of misbranded fertilizer, including Vermicompost/Organic Manure, during a crackdown on substandard agricultural inputs.
The operation was conducted based on specific intelligence inputs by Farooq Ahmad, Chief Agriculture Officer, in coordination with the Enforcement Wing of the Agriculture Department and Naib Tehsildar Shopian, Sajad Ahmad.
Following the seizure, shop owners were issued show-cause notices by the Law Enforcement Inspector, and the shops were sealed in the presence of the Naib Tehsildar.
Officials emphasized that strict action will be taken against individuals involved in selling misbranded or substandard fertilizers, as such products pose a serious risk to farmers and crop yields. The case is currently under investigation and will be prosecuted in a court of law.
Notably, under the directions of the District Development Commissioner, Shopian, block-wise teams comprising officials from the agriculture, horticulture, and revenue departments are actively monitoring the sale of agricultural inputs across the district.
During the enforcement drive, the Chief Agriculture Officer advised farmers to request testing reports and verify licenses before purchasing agricultural inputs. Farmers have also been urged to report any suspicious products or activities to the Law Enforcement Inspector at 9596182640 for prompt action.
