Did Rajasthan Minister Discover a Fake Fertiliser Factory?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rajasthan's Agriculture Minister discovers a counterfeit fertiliser factory.
- The factory was found using harmful materials like marble powder.
- Minister Meena promises a thorough investigation and legal action.
- Concerns raised about local governance and oversight.
- Over three dozen similar operations may exist in the area.
Jaipur, May 29 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena made a significant discovery on Thursday by identifying a fraudulent fertiliser production facility in the Udaipur Kalan region of Kishangarh.
This facility was purportedly creating counterfeit fertilisers using materials such as marble powder, gravel, soil, and synthetic dyes.
The situation unfolded while Minister Meena was traveling to Bhilwara after participating in the launch event for the Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan at Ralawata village in Kishangarh.
At approximately 2 PM, Meena noticed a vehicle on the highway that appeared to be carrying illegal fertiliser.
Taking immediate action, he halted his vehicle and directed the officials accompanying him to pursue the suspicious vehicle, leading them to Bhumi Agro Industries.
Upon inspection, the minister discovered that the facility was using discarded marble, gravel, and paint to create fraudulent fertilisers.
According to him, the culprits were combining ingredients such as marble powder, gravel, and soil at elevated temperatures to manufacture the counterfeit products.
He stated that blackened marble powder was misrepresented as DAP, whitened powder as SSP, and brown-tinted powder as Potash.
The minister further disclosed that the operation was quite extensive, estimating that more than three dozen similar establishments might be functioning in the vicinity.
“We also discovered packaged fertilisers with fake brand labels, alongside a significant quantity of empty bags, filling machines, and labelling materials,” he noted.
Minister Meena condemned the long-standing illegal operations, asserting that such widespread production had persisted for years, evading the notice of both government officials and law enforcement.
“This constitutes nothing short of a betrayal to our farmers. The deceit has gone on for far too long, and it represents a serious betrayal of the agricultural community,” he said.
He assured that a thorough investigation would be initiated and rigorous legal measures implemented against all involved parties.
“We will not show any leniency towards those profiting at the expense of our farmers,” he added.
After the raid, Meena also inspected other fertiliser production facilities in the area to assess their practices.
Meanwhile, Kishangarh MLA Vikas Choudhary, a member of the Congress party, reacted critically to the findings.
He remarked that the revelation of a fake fertiliser factory by the Agriculture Minister himself raises serious doubts about the capabilities and intentions of the local administration.
“The fact that such illegal activities persisted in the minister's own constituency indicates a severe administrative failure,” he stated.
Choudhary called for immediate and stringent actions against those deceiving farmers and advocated for enhanced oversight of agricultural industries.