The authorities in Shopian district conducted a major enforcement action today and seized 8 metric tons of misbranded fertilizer viz Vermicompost/Organic Manure.
The operation was carried out based on specific inputs by Farooq Ahmad, Chief Agriculture Officer in coordination with the Enforcement Wing of the Agriculture Department and Naib Tehsildar Shopian, Sajad Ahmad.
Following the confiscation, the concerned shop owners were served a show cause notice by the Law Enforcement Inspector, and the shops were sealed in the presence of Naib Tehsildar.
Officials have reiterated that strict action will be taken against individuals engaged in the sale of misbranded or substandard agricultural inputs, which pose a threat to farmers and crop yields. The investigation into the matter is currently underway and shall be prosecuted in the court of law.
Pertinently, following the directions of District Development Commissioner, Shopian, block-wise teams comprising officials from the agriculture, horticulture, and revenue departments, led by authorized personnel, are actively monitoring the sale of agricultural inputs across the district.
During the enforcement action, the Chief Agriculture Officer advised farmers to request testing reports and permissions from licensed holders before purchasing agricultural inputs.
Farmers have also been urged to report any suspicious products or activities in the market to the Law Enforcement Inspector wing on phone number 9596182640 for prompt action.