Hooghly, 30 July (H.S.): State Agriculture Minister Dudh Kumar Mondal conducted a surprise inspection at a fertiliser wholesale shop in Arambagh on Thursday to check alleged black marketing and overpricing of fertilisers.

The minister stopped at a fertiliser wholesale outlet in the Kalipur area of Arambagh while travelling to West Midnapore to attend a government programme. He inspected the stock of fertilisers stored at the shop’s warehouse and examined documents related to their storage and sale.

During the inspection, the minister reportedly found that despite holding a wholesale licence, the shop was allegedly involved in selling fertilisers at the retail level. He issued a stern warning to the shop authorities.

Mondal made it clear that fertilisers cannot be sold to farmers above the prescribed Maximum Retail Price (MRP) under any circumstances. He said the government was maintaining strict vigilance to protect farmers’ interests.

Speaking to reporters after the inspection, the Agriculture Minister said complaints of black marketing and the sale of fertilisers at inflated prices were being received from different parts of the state.

“We are conducting regular surprise inspections so that farmers do not face any difficulties. If an allegation is proved for the first time, the concerned dealer is being warned. However, if a similar complaint is received again, strict administrative action will be taken,” Mondal said.

He added that Agriculture Department officials would also be instructed to maintain special surveillance over fertiliser stocks and sales.

The minister reiterated that the state government was committed to ensuring that farmers received fertilisers at fair and regulated prices.

The surprise inspection created a stir in the area. A section of local farmers welcomed the move and urged the administration to intensify monitoring to prevent fertiliser black marketing and overcharging.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey