Fertilizer dealer licence will be cancelled, if found overcharging, says Minister

Koppal district in-charge Minister Shivraj S. Tangadagi issued a warning to fertiliser dealers on Tuesday stating that those selling fertilisers at prices higher than the government-fixed rates will face cancellation of licence and criminal proceedings.

Chairing a meeting of fertiliser dealers at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Koppal, Mr. Tangadagi, who is also Minister for Backward Classes Welfare and Kannada and Culture, warned that unauthorised hoarding and artificial scarcity will not be tolerated.

“Any attempt to create panic among farmers by making them stand in queue outside shops to give an impression of scarcity will see immediate action. The State government will take strict steps if any dealer is found charging even one rupee more than the prescribed rate,” the Minister said.

He clarified that there is no shortage of fertiliser in Koppal district and that district-level vigilance committees comprising the Deputy Commissioner, CEO of the Zilla Panchayat and the Superintendent of Police will ensure smooth distribution.

At the taluk level, tahsildars and officials from the Agriculture Department will be appointed as nodal officers to monitor availability.

“There is no need for farmers to panic or hoard. Fertiliser stocks are being replenished regularly. The district is expected to receive 800 tonnes by Wednesday and another 1,200 tonnes each on Friday and Sunday. Dealers should share this information with the farming community,” he said.

The Minister also warned that spurious fertiliser sales will not be tolerated. “One unauthorised fertiliser packing unit has already been shut down. The State government will not allow harm to come to our farmers,” he said, directing agriculture officials to keep him updated regularly on the distribution status.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Suresh B. Itnal, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Varnita Negi, Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sidrameshwar, Joint Director of Agriculture Rudreshappa T.S., president of District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority Reddy Srinivas, vice-president of the authority Manjunath Gondbal, Deputy Director of Agriculture L. Siddesh, officials from various departments, taluk-level agriculture officers and fertiliser dealers.