Admin orders vigilance in black marketing of seeds, fertilizer

AMRAVATI: Taking cognisance of complaints from farmers about non-availability of seeds and fertilizers in some parts of the division, divisional commissioner Praveen Singh Pardeshi has directed agriculture departmentofficials to ensure sufficient seeds and fertilizers supply immediately. Pardeshi took stock of availability of seed and fertilizers in the region at a meeting held on Tuesday.

Addressing the meeting, Pardeshi directed officials to lodge FIR against shopkeepers indulging in malpractices and black marketing of seeds and fertilizers. He also directed arrest of shopkeepers who extort money from farmers.

Pardeshi further said agriculture officials should ensure sufficient supply of seeds and fertilizers in the region. He also said that distribution of seeds and fertilizers should be held under the vigilance of police. The administration has received complaints from farmers of Warud tehsil of Amravati district and some villages in Melghat about insufficient stock of seeds and fertilizers.

Speaking about crop loans, Pardeshi said State Bank of India, lead bank and DCC bank should convene a meeting to plan crop loans for farmers. He also instructed officials to complete the procedure of distribution of crop loans by July 15, 2011.

He also said that 7/12 documents provided to farmers through Setu offices should be held valid to provide loans to farmers. The administration has also formed 16 flying squads to check black marketing of seeds and fertilizers, with eight more squads in Akola, 14 squads in Buldhana, 7 squads in Washim and 17 in Yavatmal.

Special IG Mohan Rathod, who was present at the meeting, assured that the police department will provide complete cooperation to the agriculture department.