Patiala: An FIR was registered against a Haryana’s Jhajjar-based firm with a godown in Malerkotla for allegedly storing and selling unauthorised fertilisers and insecticides, following a complaint by the Punjab department of agriculture and farmers welfare.Punjab agriculture and farmers welfare minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that during a surprise inspection, stock of unauthorised fertilisers and insecticides were found on the premises of M/s Unitech Crop Science.The minister said the unauthorised stock was seized to prevent its sale and distribution to farmers, along with other necessary action under the provisions of the Fertilizers (Control) Order, 1985, the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the Insecticides Act, 1968. He added an FIR was also registered under Section 318 (4) of BNS at Amargarh police station in Malerkotla district.Khudian said the CM Mann-led Punjab govt is committed to ensuring the availability of quality agricultural inputs to farmers across the state. “We will not tolerate any violation of statutory provisions related to fertilizers and insecticides. Strict action will continue against any individual or firm found involved in the manufacture, storage or sale of unauthorised agricultural products,” he asserted.Punjab director (agriculture Gurjit) Singh Brar said the agriculture department had intensified inspections to safeguard farmers’ interests.
