Gadchiroli: The Gadchiroli district administration has tightened surveillance along its borders with Telangana and Chhattisgarh, warning of strict criminal action against agro dealers involved in diverting subsidised fertilisers outside the district. The move aims to curb illegal trade and ensure that local farmers receive their entitled supply without disruption.Acting on concerns that fertilisers meant for Gadchiroli are being siphoned off and sold at higher prices in neighbouring states, the administration has directed officials to initiate criminal proceedings against erring Krishi Seva Kendras (agro service centres). The District Agriculture Superintendent and the Agriculture Development Officer issued the directives.To plug leakages, special checkpoints have been activated in sensitive border talukas, including Dhanora, Sironcha, Aheri, Bhamragad, and Desaiganj. Vehicles transporting fertilisers are being inspected to prevent unauthorised movement.In a parallel measure, the agriculture department has launched an audit of transactions recorded on point-of-sale (PoS) machines at all fertiliser outlets. Officials are verifying whether sales are being made to genuine farmers within the district and in appropriate quantities, aiming to detect irregularities and curb fraudulent entries.Authorities have made it clear that action will extend beyond licence cancellations. Dealers found guilty of hoarding, black marketing, or illegal diversion will face prosecution under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, they said.Reaffirming its focus on farmers’ welfare, the administration said it is committed to preventing artificial shortages, particularly in remote areas. Farmers have been urged to report coercive sales practices or overpricing and to insist on PoS receipts for every purchase.
