Jharsuguda: The State Government has initiated action against the Secretary of the Kirmira Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS), for illicitly selling urea.
The Cooperation Department suspended Budhadeb Sahu after he was caught in a joint raid by the Tehsildar, District Agriculture Officer, Block Agriculture Officer, and Fertiliser Inspector. The raid was carried out following complaints against him by local farmers.
An FIR has been registered, and the Cooperation Department has issued a suspension order against Sahu. He has been directed to report to the Sambalpur Central Cooperative Bank’s Laikera branch and is not allowed to leave without prior permission.
This action is part of the Odisha government’s intensified efforts to curb fertiliser black marketing across the state. Officials have been instructed to take immediate action against any irregularities, and enforcement teams are conducting surprise inspections to ensure fertilisers are available to farmers at fair prices.
The government has emphasised its commitment to farmers’ welfare, ensuring the availability of fertilisers at subsidised rates.