SRINAGAR: The Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department has intensified enforcement across Jammu district, ordering strict inspections and surprise raids to curb overpricing and other violations in the sale of fertilisers, officials said on Tuesday.
Acting under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985 (FCO), the Department’s Law Enforcement Agency, led by the Assistant Director Law Enforcement (ADLE), carried out inspections at the premises and storage facilities of two fertiliser retailers — M/s Surinder Kumar Fertiliser Store at Rathana Morh in Bishnah and M/s Satpaul Fertiliser at Talli Morh, Jammu.
During the inspections, several farmers present at the sites alleged that fertilisers were being sold above the prescribed Maximum Retail Price (MRP). Officials said the complaints indicated violations of Clause 3(3) of the FCO, 1985, which mandates that fertilisers must be sold strictly at notified rates.
Taking note of the complaints and findings, Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Jammu, Manohar Lal Sharma, exercised powers under Clause 31 of the Order and suspended the licences of both dealers for 30 days with immediate effect. During the suspension period, the dealers have been barred from carrying out any fertiliser trade.
Department officials said the action was part of a broader drive to protect farmers from unfair pricing and to ensure transparency in the supply of agricultural inputs, especially during the ongoing agricultural season when demand for fertilisers remains high.
Reiterating its stance, the Agriculture Department said it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against overpricing, hoarding, and any breach of statutory norms under the Fertiliser (Control) Order. It warned that further violations could attract stricter penalties, including licence cancellation and legal proceedings.
Officials added that inspections and enforcement activities will continue across the district to ensure that fertilisers are made available to farmers at government-approved rates and without malpractice.
