Exploitation of farmers won’t be tolerated: Min | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi reiterated on Tuesday that complaints of irregularities in the availability, pricing, and sales system of fertilisers, or exploitation of farmers, will not be tolerated at any cost. He said that strict action will be taken against those involved in forced tagging, overpricing, and black marketing of fertilisers.The minister gave the instructions during a review of the availability of urea, DAP, NPK, and other fertilisers in the state, in the presence of senior officials of various fertiliser companies and departmental officers. The meeting reviewed in detail the supply, distribution, and sales system of fertilisers in view of the current Rabi season. Shahi said that the forced sale (tagging) of any other products along with subsidised fertilisers is completely illegal. “If such a complaint is found in any district, an FIR will be registered against the concerned company, wholesaler, and retailer, and action will be taken to cancel their licences,” he said. He said that it came to notice that in some places, farmers are being provided with urea only if they are forced to buy other fertilisers or products. “This is not only a violation of the law but also direct harassment of farmers, which will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said. Shahi said that attempts were being made to tarnish the image of the state govt due to irregularities related to fertilisers, which is unacceptable. He instructed the officials to immediately investigate and ensure strict action in the areas where incidents of tagging, overcharging, or withholding of supply were reported. He also instructed that the sale of products of companies or agencies violating the rules should be stopped immediately, and the material should be sealed and kept safe. He said that stock and sales should be monitored through weekly inspections.
