Dabwali farmers allege fraud in pesticide, seed sales

In the Dabwali region of Sirsa, farmers have raised concerns about fraud in the sale of pesticides, seeds and fertilisers. Lakhwinder Singh Aulakh, state president of the Bhartiya Kisan Ekta (BKE), blamed the Agriculture Department for its failure in regulating the sale of agricultural products, leading to exploitation of farmers.

Farmers Chandramuni and Arvind Beniwal from Raipur village purchased seeds and sulphur from a shop in Sirsa’s new grain market. When they asked for a bill, the shopkeeper refused, raising their suspicion about the quality of the products. Upon further investigation, they discovered that the sulphur lacked proper labelling from the manufacturer, confirming their doubts about it being counterfeit.

Aulakh and the farmers called in agriculture officials, who visited the shop. After much delay, the shopkeeper provided a bill, but failed to produce any records of sulphur purchases. The officials collected a sample for testing and issued a notice to the shop to provide relevant documentation.

Farmers have also expressed frustration over the government’s silence on such issues. Arvind Beniwal stated they would get the sulphur tested in a private lab to ensure accuracy, fearing corruption. Aulakh criticised the state government for taking action against farmers for stubble burning, but staying silent on the exploitation by agricultural product sellers.

He called for strict action not only against the fraudulent sellers, but also against the agriculture officials who enable such practices. Aulakh also urged the Agriculture Department to ensure that all shops display proper signboards with complete information and advised farmers to always demand a bill to avoid being cheated.