Jhargram, 05 August (H.S.): Acting on repeated complaints from farmers, the district administration launched a surprise inspection drive against fertilizer dealers allegedly selling products above the government-fixed prices. On Wednesday morning, a team from the District Enforcement Branch conducted raids at several fertilizer shops across Jhargram town.

According to sources, farmers had been alleging for some time that certain traders were creating an artificial shortage of fertilizers and charging prices well above the prescribed rates. The surprise inspections were carried out to verify these allegations.

During the operation, Enforcement Branch officials inspected fertilizer stocks, purchase and sales records, and other relevant documents at multiple shops. They also interacted directly with farmers to determine whether fertilizers were being sold at the government-approved prices. The officials cross-checked the selling prices displayed at the shops with the official rate charts issued by the government.

An Enforcement Branch official said that the administration would not tolerate the sale of fertilizers at prices higher than the prescribed rates. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against any trader found involved in black marketing or overcharging farmers.

The sudden raids created panic among dishonest fertilizer traders in the area. The district administration stated that such surprise inspections and monitoring drives would continue across Jhargram to safeguard the interests of farmers and ensure fair distribution of fertilizers.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey