Vigil up in Karnal to curb hoarding, black marketing of DAP, fertilisers

In a bid to curb hoarding, black marketing and smuggling of fertilisers ahead of the rabi season 2024-25, the Karnal district administration has ramped up its efforts by forming teams at the subdivision level headed by the SubDivisional Magistrates (SDMs) concerned. Besides, it has set up checkpoints at the inter-state and inter-district borders. The focus is on the distribution and availability of fertilisers such as DAP and urea, which are in high demand for the upcoming sowing season.

The SDMs have been appointed as nodal officers of these teams, with tehsildars, naib tehsildars, subdivisional agriculture officers, quality control inspectors and subject matter specialists or block agriculture officers serving as members of the monitoring teams. These teams have been tasked to conduct surprise inspections and ensure that fertiliser distribution remained transparent and free from malpractice, said Uttam Singh, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Karnal.

The DC also warned that any irregularities in the distribution process, including overcharging, would be dealt with strict action. To ensure smooth distribution at the village level, 40 per cent of the total fertiliser supply will be managed through Hafed and cooperative societies, including the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). A similar arrangement has been made for NPK and other phosphatic fertilisers, with strict micro-management at the district level to prevent pilferage to neighbouring states, he added.

The administration has stressed that the record of arrival and sale would be maintained. The stock and prices would be displayed at each outlet, the DC said.

“Police checkpoints have also been strengthened to prevent smuggling across the borders,” said the DC, emphasising that hoarding, black marketing, and smuggling will not be tolerated under any circumstances. “Vendors are instructed not to compel farmers to buy pesticides or other products along with the fertilisers,” Singh said, further adding that strict action would be taken against anyone found violating these directives.

Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA), Karnal, said as per an estimate, Rabi crops were cultivated across 4,62,750 acres in Karnal district. Wheat, the primary crop, covers 4,25,000 acres, while oilseeds, pulses, sunflower, barley and sugarcane are grown on smaller portions of land. The district’s current fertiliser requirements for the season stand at 1,04,800 metric tonnes (MT), with 25,000 MT needed in October alone. However, only 6,900 MT has been received so far. Similarly, out of the 33,400 MT requirement for DAP, the district has received 1,709 MT in October, against a demand of 15,000 MT this month, the DDA added. More on P3