J&K agriculture dept intensifies crackdown on spurious, substandard farm inputs
A comprehensive review meeting of the Enforcement Wing of the Agriculture Department, Jammu, was held today under the supervision of Director Law Enforcement, J&K, S. Balbir Singh, to review ongoing enforcement activities and strengthen the quality control mechanism for agricultural inputs across the Jammu Division.
The meeting was attended by Assistant Director Law Enforcement, Jammu, S. Kuldeep Singh, along with Law Enforcement Inspectors from various districts of the Jammu Division.
The meeting focused on reviewing enforcement activities and ensuring the availability of standard and quality-certified seeds, pesticides and fertilizers to farmers. Detailed deliberations were held on measures to curb the sale and distribution of misbranded, spurious and substandard agricultural inputs and to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of relevant Acts and Rules.
The status of court cases initiated by the Enforcement Wing was also reviewed, with emphasis on their timely follow-up and effective prosecution. The officers were directed to ensure proper documentation, regular monitoring and prompt action in all pending cases as per the provisions of the relevant Acts and Rules.
Special emphasis was laid on achieving prescribed sampling targets and intensifying field-level inspections. The functioning of Point of Sale (POS) machines in fertilizer distribution was also reviewed. The officers were directed to closely monitor fertilizer transactions and take appropriate action against defaulters. Particular attention was given to verifying whether fertilizers recorded as supplied through the distribution system actually reach genuine and authorized retailers.
The meeting further emphasized regular sampling of bio-fertilizers and organic fertilizers, in addition to seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, to ensure that all agricultural inputs supplied to farmers conform to prescribed quality standards.
Addressing the officers, Director Law Enforcement, J&K, S. Balbir Singh, stressed the need for strict vigilance, proactive field inspections and swift action against violations. He called upon the enforcement teams to discharge their duties with dedication and ensure that the interests of the farming community remain paramount.
The Enforcement Wing reiterated its commitment to working round the clock for the welfare of farmers and ensuring the availability of genuine, standard and quality agricultural inputs across the Jammu Division.