Black marketing of fertilizers: Assam Agriculture Department takes actions against dealers and shops

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Agriculture Department has started taking action against dealers and shops involved in the black marketing of fertilizers in the State.

Sources in the department said Agriculture Minister Atul Bora recently directed the Directorate of Agriculture to conduct an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in distribution and black marketing of fertilizers. Based on the inquiry, the Agriculture Department has issued show-cause notices to 30 wholesale dealers for their alleged involvement in the black marketing of fertilizers. There are 344 wholesale dealers in the State. Out of the 1,615 retail dealers, the department has issued show-cause notices to 380. The licences of three retail dealers have been suspended. While 16 retail shops have been sealed, a warning notice has been served to one shop.

The Sentinel recently carried out a news report as to how the shortage of urea fertilizer has hit the tea industry hard in Assam. The urea crisis has turned to be a perennial one allegedly due to the lack of monitoring and vigilance by the Agriculture Department and the black marketing of urea by a section of unscrupulous traders.

Urea is a must for the tea crop that is applied in three splits (phases) – March-April, June-July and August-September. The Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Ltd (BVFCL) and Indian Potash Limited (IPL) are the authorized suppliers of subsidized fertilizers in Assam. There is a permanent urea shortage for the last few years all over the State.

The Indian Tea Association (ITA) is in constant touch with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and the Directorate of Agriculture, Assam in this regard. The association is demanding an early solution to the crisis.

Also Read: Assam Agriculture Department Gears up to Curb Black Marketing of Fertilizers

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