Bokaro: Deputy commissioner Ajay Nath Jha on Thursday ordered a district-wide inspection drive to curb black marketing and hoarding of fertilisers. The inspection was ordered after several farmers complained that urea was being sold at prices higher than the rates prescribed by the govt.Officials said reports were received that some dealers were charging farmers above the notified rates and illegally stocking urea to create an artificial shortage for profit.Jha directed the sub-divisional officers (SDOs) of Chas and Tenughat, along with all block development officers, to conduct intensive inspections of fertiliser sale points and storage facilities in their respective areas.On Wednesday, Hazaribag DC Hemant Sati had inspected fertiliser shops following similar complaints.“Any dealer found indulging in overpricing, hoarding or black marketing would face strict action under the Fertiliser (Control) Order and other applicable legal provisions,” the DC said.Jha also directed field officers to submit detailed reports on inspections and action taken. The district agriculture officer was asked to conduct regular monitoring of fertiliser availability and prepare a consolidated report on inspection findings and enforcement measures.
