Officials from Agriculture Dept. conduct raids at input shops in Kalaburagi district following complaints of overcharging

The Agriculture Department on Friday conducted surprise inspections of agricultural input shops in Jewargi, Yadrami, Chittapur and Sedam taluks of Kalaburagi district following complaints that fertilisers were being sold to farmers at prices higher than those prescribed by the government.

A team of officials led by Joint Director of Agriculture Samad Patel inspected fertiliser distribution records, stock details maintained through the Integrated Fertiliser Management System (IFMS), and transactions recorded on Point of Sale (POS) machines at various outlets.

Mr. Patel warned that strict legal action would be initiated under the Fertiliser (Control) Order and the Essential Commodities Act against dealers if they were found charging farmers above the notified rates or indulging in other irregularities.

The inspections were carried out as part of a special drive launched in response to the complaints from farmers and members of the public regarding overpricing and other violations in the sale of fertilisers, he said.

Officials also inspected godowns attached to the shops and issued notices to dealers suspected of violating provisions of the Act. Mr. Patel directed the officials to initiate legal action, including proceedings against licences, wherever violations are established.

According to the department, 28 agricultural input shops were inspected across the four taluks. Show-cause notices were issued to 26 establishments, while sale of fertilisers was suspended at 10 outlets pending further action.

In Jewargi taluk alone, the officials seized and withheld 192.4 tonnes of fertiliser stock valued at approximately ₹45.75 lakh.

Deputy Director of Agriculture Balaraj Gangarao, Sedam Deputy Director of Agriculture Anasuya Hoogar, Assistant Directors of Agriculture from the enforcement wing, and agriculture officers from the respective taluks participated in the drive.