Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up its crackdown on the black marketing of fertilisers, with enforcement squads formed at the state and district levels to conduct inspections and take action against those involved in the illegal practice, Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta said on Monday.
The minister said enforcement teams comprising officials from various departments have been constituted at the state level to monitor the availability and distribution of fertilisers and prevent their black marketing.
“At the state level, the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Additional Secretary and four departmental officials have been included in the enforcement team. Officials from the Cooperation Department, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, and Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department are part of the squads,” Samanta said.
The teams have already visited several places to check the distribution of fertilisers, he said, adding that inspections are also being carried out whenever information regarding black marketing is received.
“Whenever we receive information, the teams go to the concerned places and conduct enquiries. Collectors have also formed teams at their respective levels and they are conducting enquiries,” the minister said.
Samanta said the government was monitoring every aspect of fertiliser distribution to ensure that farmers do not face difficulties due to illegal hoarding or black marketing.
“This time, we are working on every aspect to stop the black marketing of fertilisers. If anyone is found indulging in such activities, strict action will be taken,” he said.
