 Early Times Report
SAMBA, Apr 3: An intensive enforcement drive was conducted in District Samba under the leadership of Director, Law Enforcement, Balbir Singh and Joint Director Agriculture (Extension), Jammu, Sanjay Anand accompanied by Assistant Director Law Enforcement (ADLE) Jammu Kuldeep Singh, District Agriculture Officer (Extension), Samba Shri Sanjay Badyal, Enforcement Inspector Samba Yog Raj Sharma, along with field officers and staff of the Agriculture Department.
The primary objective of the drive was to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) and to curb any irregularities in the distribution and sale of fertilizers.
During the drive, surprise inspections were conducted at the premises of several fertilizer dealers including Jai Chandi Maa (Rarian), Rohit Fertilizer (Rarian), Neha Fertilizer (Nandpur), Brothers Fertilizer (Ramgarh), Kissan Khidmat Ghar (Koulpur) and Malkeet Fertilizer (Koulpur).
The inspection teams thoroughly examined stock registers, sale records and Point of Sale (POS) data to detect any discrepancies, hoarding, diversion or unauthorized sale of fertilizers. Detailed verification of stock recorded in POS machines was carried out and cross-checked with the physical stock available at the premises of various dealers and retailers.
During the inspection in District Samba, notices were issued to six dealers where discrepancies and violations were observed. Additionally, similar enforcement drives were conducted in other districts, wherein notices were issued to four dealers in Udhampur, two dealers in Doda, four dealers in Rajouri and six dealers Kathua. The concerned dealers have been given two days' time to submit their explanations, failing which strict action, including cancellation of licenses, shall be initiated as per rules.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Law Enforcement, Balbir Singh emphasized that the department is committed to ensuring strict adherence to the Fertilizer Control Order and warned that any violation, including hoarding, black marketing or diversion of fertilizers, will not be tolerated. He further stated that such enforcement drives will continue across all districts to safeguard the interests of farmers.
Joint Director Agriculture (Extension), Jammu, Sanjay Anand reiterated the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in fertilizer distribution. He stressed that ensuring timely availability of quality agricultural inputs to genuine farmers remains a top priority of the department and that regular monitoring and surprise inspections will be intensified.
The farming community has been assured that the Agriculture Department remains fully committed to protecting their interests by ensuring fair distribution, availability and quality of fertilizers across the Union Territory. |
