Kupwara, Sep 4: Authorities on Friday conducted surprise inspections of fertilizer wholesalers and retailers across Handwara market to check the availability, quality and regulated distribution of agricultural inputs.

The inspection was led by Director Law Enforcement Kashmir Sardar Balbir Singh and involved senior departmental officials, law enforcement inspectors and technical staff from Baramulla and Kupwara.

During the inspections, officials examined records and permissions maintained by fertilizer dealers, along with statutory documents and product test and analysis reports.

The inspection team also cross-checked fertilizer quantities recorded through Point of Sale (POS) machines against the physical stocks available at the dealers' premises.

The verification was carried out under the provisions of the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, with officials focusing on identifying any mismatch between recorded and actual stocks.

Authorities said the exercise was aimed at improving transparency in the fertilizer supply chain and preventing practices such as hoarding and black marketing.

The drive also sought to ensure that farmers receive quality agricultural inputs at prices prescribed under the applicable regulations.

Officials said any violations detected during the inspections would invite action under the law.