FARMERS RECEIVE POOR QUALITY FERTILISERS, SEEDS, PESTICIDES; OVER 1000 SAMPLES FAIL TEST

As many as 1006 samples of fertilisers, pesticides and seeds given to the farmers from 2015-16 to 2021-22 found to be of substandard quality.

On an average, more than 165 samples of above agri-goods were reported of lower quality. Out of the total samples found substandard, 423 fertilisers failed to meet the parameters, followed by 431 and 150 substandard samples of pesticides and seeds, respectively.

The data also revealed that either penalty had been imposed on 96 defaulters or sentenced imprisonment or both for their involvement for non-compliance of norms as they were found selling substandard products.

The department concerned has set a target of taking samples of fertilisers, pesticides and seeds to tighten the noose around the neck of defaulters and ensure the compliance of norms.

The acute shortage of the fertiliser in Haryana has been an issue during the recent Rabi season which also led to annoy the farmers across the state. Long queues of farmers sitting outside fertiliser stores were reported in the state.

A senior farmer leaders said: “First, the farmers continue to face acute shortage of fertiliser and moreover, now the cases of poor quality of pesticides, seeds and fertilizer have surfaced. Apart from this, hailstorm and unseasonal rain caused a huge loss to the standing crop in the state and compensation for the same is still unpaid on the part of the government.”