Will Fake Fertiliser Sellers Face Severe Action Under NSA?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Zero-tolerance policy against fake fertilisers.
- Severe penalties, including NSA provisions, for offenders.
- Over 5,000 shops inspected; many licenses revoked.
- Surprise inspections being conducted to ensure accountability.
- Farmers encouraged to report black market activities.
Lucknow, 18 Dec (NationPress) The Yogi Adityanath administration has implemented a strict zero-tolerance approach towards the illegal sale of fertilisers and has warned of harsh penalties for those who exploit farmers by dealing in counterfeit fertilisers.
This initiative to penalize the fertiliser mafia under rigorous regulations follows a thorough examination of their activities over recent years. In the last two years alone, over 5,000 fertiliser retail outlets have been rigorously reviewed, resulting in the suspension and revocation of numerous licenses.
Surprise audits are being conducted at storage facilities to ensure accountability among officials, while daily stock reports are being compiled to uncover any illegal activities or hoarding.
“As per the directives of the Chief Minister, any actions harming agriculture and farmers' welfare will be met with zero tolerance. Strict measures, including invoking the National Security Act (NSA), will be employed against those involved in the fertiliser mafia,” stated a government announcement.
During a recent meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized that individuals profiting at the expense of farmers are not just violating laws, but jeopardizing the country's and state’s food security. Such offenders will not be treated as mere lawbreakers, and if necessary, stringent provisions like the NSA will be activated against them to prevent them from posing a societal threat.
The Yogi government has mandated the immediate registration of FIRs regarding complaints of fertiliser black marketing, hoarding, and price gouging.
District authorities have been granted the power to take decisive actions on-site. The Chief Minister remarked that it is unacceptable for farmers to be inconvenienced in their quest for fertilisers.
Upon receiving any information regarding black market activities, officials are directed to intervene and ensure legal repercussions for the offenders.
To enhance the fertiliser supply chain, the state administration has fortified the system of surprise inspections. These checks will scrutinize stocks, sales records, pricing lists, and distribution methods. If any collusion or negligence is uncovered, actions against the implicated officials will follow.
The Chief Minister has instructed that this initiative should transcend mere statistics, aiming to create a tangible impact for farmers. The state government has assured that there is no shortage of fertilisers for the Rabi season 2025–26. Official data indicates that the total availability of Urea, DAP, and NPK exceeds 130 lakh metric tonnes.
Additionally, the Chief Minister has urged farmers to promptly report any cases of black marketing, price hikes, or forced tagging of fertilisers to the state authorities.
The government stands firmly behind the farmers and will act on every complaint received, stated a senior government representative. A stern warning has also been issued to the fertiliser mafia that the law will enforce stricter measures than ever before.