After farmers complained of shortage of fertilizer in the last grievance resdressal meeting here, Collector U. Sagayam has directed officials to do a check following which, in about three days time, fertiliser stocks arrived.
But, four days ago, farmers again came out with another complaint — that many traders sold at higher prices than the MRP (maximum retail price).
This time, Mr. Sagayam despatched a squad which found it to be true and after an enquiry suspended licence of erring traders for about a week.
Confirming the action on Tuesday, officials at the Collectorate said that a team led by PA (Agriculture) Jayasingh Gnanadurai and staff from the Agriculture Department conducted a search on a shop at Melur.
They went to the outlet in the guise of consumers and found that urea was sold at Rs. 320 (Rs. 100 more than the MRP). The squad also found that the trader had stocked aluminium phosphate for which he had no licence. Based on his confession, officials recommended suspension of the licence to sell both fertilizers and pesticides from November 29 to December 5. Further investigation is on.
In another locality near Melur, when some farmers had objected to the high price, the trader had allegedly refused to sell the fertilizer. An inquiry is on.
Similarly, complaints poured in from Usilampatti and Perayur area where fertilizer dealers not only sold at high prices but also refused to issue receipts. The licence of a shop there had been suspended.
Mr. Sagayam has urged the Agriculture department officials to keep a close watch on dealers. Any complaint should be handled locally and nonchalant attitude on the part of officials would attract action.
“Complain over phone”
The farmers can complain about high price of fertilizers, hoarding and any other grievance on 94421 64009. The information received by the Agriculture department officials would be kept confidential, a senior official said.
