Jaipur, June 20 (IANS) Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena on Saturday conducted surprise inspections of several fertiliser and agricultural input units operating in Jaipur’s Vishwakarma Industrial Area (VKI), exposing a major network allegedly involved in the production and distribution of spurious and unauthorised agricultural products.

During the inspections, unauthorised manufacturing and storage of bio-stimulants, bio-fertilisers and spurious potash were detected at three separate locations.

A serious irregularity came to light after officials found that Muriate of Potash (MOP) was allegedly being manufactured from salt and sold to farmers as potash fertiliser.

In addition, several products lacked mandatory information such as manufacturing and expiry dates and did not comply with the provisions of the Fertiliser (Control) Order (FCO), 1985, despite being sold to farmers at premium prices.

Meena stated that the use of spurious and substandard agricultural products not only damages farmers’ crops and incomes but also adversely affects soil fertility.

Such products can compromise the quality of food grains and pose risks to human health.

He emphasised that the state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against those who endanger farmers’ land, crops and livelihoods.

During the inspection, the Agriculture Minister directed officials to reopen a unit operating under the name Nandi Fertilizers in the VKI area, which had earlier been sealed by the Agriculture Department due to the absence of its owner.

Upon examination, it was found that the Muriate of Potash being manufactured at the facility was allegedly being produced from salt waste.

Describing the matter as a serious fraud against farmers, Meena ordered a detailed investigation.

The Minister also inspected a Carrying and Forwarding (C&F) warehouse, Samriddhi Services, located on Road No. 7, where unauthorised supplies of biostimulants were allegedly being distributed.

The sale of biostimulants is currently prohibited in Rajasthan.

Similarly, another firm, Chittari Agri Care, was found to be storing biostimulants and other agricultural products without the required authorisation.

Officials also discovered stocks of liquid and fermented organic fertilisers at a C&F warehouse, despite these products not being covered under the existing licence.

Investigations are underway into allegations that a subsidy of Rs 1,500 per tonne may have been claimed from the Government of India for these products without proper authorisation.

Meena directed officials to immediately halt the sale of products from the suspected units, collect samples for laboratory testing and initiate strict legal action against any company found guilty.

He instructed that FIRs be registered wherever necessary and ordered the launch of a special statewide inspection drive targeting similar warehouses, manufacturing units and distribution centres.

The Agriculture Minister reiterated that the Rajasthan government remains steadfast in protecting the interests of farmers and will continue its campaign against those involved in defrauding them.

He affirmed that safeguarding the rights, livelihoods and welfare of the state’s farmers remains the government’s highest priority and that no negligence in this regard will be tolerated.

–IANS

arc/pgh