Berhampur: The Ganjam district administration has launched a toll-free number and a WhatsApp helpline to help farmers report black marketing, overcharging and hoarding of fertilisers during the ongoing kharif season.
The move comes as the administration steps up measures to ensure that farmers get fertilisers at prescribed rates and that dealers maintain transparency in the sale and distribution of stocks.
Ganjam Collector Keerthi Vasan V on Monday said fertilisers are being stocked at the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS) level to facilitate smooth distribution to farmers.
“We have instructed all retail fertiliser outlets to mandatorily display the rate chart prominently in front of their shops. Dealers have also been asked to display details of the fertilisers available in stock and the quantity available to ensure transparency,” the collector said.
The district administration has also launched an awareness drive through social media and other platforms, urging farmers to remain vigilant and report any irregularities in the sale of fertilisers.
“If anyone is involved in black marketing or selling fertilisers at a higher price, farmers can lodge a complaint on the toll-free number 0680-2233262,” Keerthi Vasan V said.
Farmers can also report irregularities through WhatsApp at 7789032620. They can send photographs of retail outlets, rate charts and stock positions if dealers fail to display the mandatory information, the collector said.
“Farmers can send pictures of shops through the WhatsApp number if the rate chart or stock position is not displayed. We will conduct an inquiry based on the complaints received,” he said.
The administration has warned fertiliser dealers of strict action if they are found violating the guidelines or engaging in overpricing, hoarding or black marketing.
“If anyone is found not following the guidelines, strict action will be taken against them,” the collector said.
The administration has urged farmers to make use of the helplines and report violations promptly to ensure the fair and transparent distribution of fertilisers during the kharif season.
