Sale of fertilizers in 53 retail shops in Tiruchi district have been temporarily suspended after irregularities were detected during surprise inspections conducted by flying squads comprising Agriculture Department officials on Wednesday.
The flying squads inspected 75 retail fertilizer shops following complaints received by the District Collector alleging that some traders were selling the fertilizers at prices much higher than the stipulated rates. Acting on the instructions of the Collector, the inspections were conducted. Irregularities such as failure to maintain the stock registers properly and to display the prices of fertilizers, in contravention of the provisions of the Fertilizer Control Order, were detected at the 53 shops during the inspections, an official press release said. Department officials said the shops would be allowed to resume sales on rectification of the defects.
The release also cautioned retailers against selling fertilizers at a premium and warned of stern action if such irregularity was detected. A control room has been established at the office of the Joint Director of Agriculture in Tiruchi and farmers could lodge complaints, if any, over the telephone by dialling 2420554 between 10 a.m. and 5.45 p.m.
ADVERTISEMENT