680 bags of subsidised fertiliser seized in Karnataka, Kerala diversion suspected
Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Agriculture Department has seized 680 bags of subsidised fertiliser worth around Rs 18 lakh near Siruguppa in Ballari district, with preliminary investigations indicating that the stock was being diverted to Kerala, officials said on Saturday.
The department’s vigilance squad conducted a late-night raid on Thursday, following directions from Agriculture Minister P.M. Narendra Swamy to intensify action against the illegal trade and diversion of agricultural inputs.
According to the department, officials intercepted a lorry near Siruguppa and seized 680 bags of fertiliser suspected of being transported illegally outside Karnataka. Preliminary findings suggest that the subsidised fertiliser had been procured from a distributor and was being moved to industrial units in Kerala. A police complaint has been lodged in connection with the case.
The department said the crackdown forms part of a wider drive to curb the sale of substandard seeds and pesticides, as well as the illegal stocking and black-market sale of fertilisers.
According to the department, agricultural inputs worth a total of Rs 2.88 crore, including seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, were seized during the past month. A total of 49 cases have been registered in connection with the violations.
The department said 113.05 quintals of seeds valued at Rs 50.22 lakh were seized during the period. Of these, seeds worth Rs 50.13 lakh were found to have been sold without valid licences. Paddy and maize seeds were seized in Chikkaballapur, Hassan and K.R. Pet in Mandya district.
The department also seized 487.8 metric tonnes of fertilisers valued at Rs 1.89 crore.
Among the major seizures was 86.2 metric tonnes of subsidised urea worth Rs 51.52 lakh, which had allegedly been stocked for transportation for non-agricultural purposes. The urea was seized in Kalaburagi and Ballari districts.
In another case, 139.02 metric tonnes of mixed fertilisers valued at Rs 86.49 lakh were seized for being stocked without a valid licence. A case has been filed before a court in Davanagere district in connection with the seizure.
The department also seized 2,640 litres of bio-products valued at Rs 9.12 lakh and 662.9 litres and 2,492 kg of pesticides worth Rs 49.46 lakh.
Officials also seized pesticides worth Rs 32.24 lakh, comprising 375 litres and 1,982 kg, in Koppal, Raichur and Vijayapura districts. The pesticides were allegedly being sold without being included in the relevant licence and included expired products.
The Agriculture Department said vigilance and enforcement operations would continue across the state to prevent the illegal diversion and sale of agricultural inputs and ensure that farmers receive quality seeds, fertilisers and pesticides.