 Early Times Report
KATHUA, July 4: In pursuance of the directions of the Director, Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department, Jammu, Shri Anil Gupta, a joint inspection of fertiliser and pesticide dealers was conducted at Chadwal, Dayalachack, Sanji Morh, Thanger Morh, Kunde Chak and Palli in Kathua district to ensure compliance with the provisions governing the sale and distribution of agricultural inputs.
The inspection was carried out by Plant Protection Officer, Jammu, Shri Raju Mahajan, along with Assistant Director, Law Enforcement, Jammu, Shri S. Kuldeep Singh, and Law Enforcement Inspector, Kathua, Shri Anil Gupta. The joint enforcement drive was aimed at ensuring strict adherence to the provisions of the Fertiliser (Control) Order and the Insecticides Act, 1968, read with the Insecticides Rules, 1971.
During the inspection, the enforcement team conducted a comprehensive verification of fertiliser and pesticide business establishments. The team examined the sale and distribution practices, verified the sale rates of fertilisers and pesticides, and scrutinised the maintenance of statutory records, including stock registers, sales registers, invoices, cash memos and other documents prescribed under the relevant laws and regulations.
The inspection team also interacted with dealers, distributors and retailers and sensitised them about their statutory responsibilities. They were advised to strictly comply with the provisions of the Fertiliser (Control) Order and the Insecticides Act, 1968, and the Insecticides Rules, 1971. They were specifically instructed to maintain all mandatory records in an updated and transparent manner, ensure the sale of only authorised agricultural inputs, display price lists wherever applicable and comply with all licensing conditions and regulatory requirements.
The officers emphasised that the Agriculture Department remains committed to protecting the interests of the farming community by ensuring the availability of quality fertilisers and pesticides at prescribed rates. They reiterated that regular joint enforcement drives would continue across the Jammu Division to strengthen regulatory compliance and curb any malpractice in the sale and distribution of agricultural inputs.
The Department further warned that any violation of the provisions of the Fertiliser (Control) Order or the Insecticides Act and Rules would invite appropriate legal action under the relevant statutory provisions.
The Agriculture Department appealed to all fertiliser and pesticide dealers to conduct their business in accordance with the law and extend full cooperation to the enforcement authorities in maintaining transparency, accountability and quality standards in the supply of agricultural inputs, thereby safeguarding the interests of the farming community. |
