Koppal District Minister Warns Dealers Against Spreading Rumours Over Fertiliser Procurement

Bangalore, Jul 30 (KNN) Shivraj S. Tangadagi, District Minister of Koppal, Karnataka on Tuesday warned fertiliser dealers that selling fertilisers above government-fixed rates would result in licence cancellation and criminal proceedings.

The Minister issued the warning during a meeting with fertiliser dealers at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Koppal.

Tangadagi stated that unauthorised hoarding and artificial scarcity would not be tolerated. He cautioned against any attempts to create panic among farmers by making them queue outside shops to create an impression of scarcity, emphasising that immediate action would follow such practices.

The Minister stressed that the state government would take strict measures against dealers found charging even one rupee above the prescribed rate.

The Minister clarified that no fertiliser shortage exists in Koppal district and announced the formation of district-level vigilance committees to ensure smooth distribution.

These committees will comprise the Deputy Commissioner, CEO of the Zilla Panchayat, and the Superintendent of Police. At the taluk level, tahsildars and Agriculture Department officials will serve as nodal officers to monitor availability.

Addressing concerns about supply, Tangadagi assured that fertiliser stocks are being replenished regularly. He revealed that the district is expected to receive 800 tonnes by Wednesday, followed by 1,200 tonnes each on Friday and Sunday.

The Minister instructed dealers to share this information with the farming community to prevent unnecessary panic or hoarding.

The Minister also issued a stern warning against spurious fertiliser sales, noting that one unauthorised fertiliser packing unit had already been shut down.

He emphasised the state government's commitment to protecting farmers from harm and directed agriculture officials to provide regular updates on distribution status.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Suresh B. Itnal, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Varnita Negi, Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sidrameshwar, Joint Director of Agriculture Rudreshappa T.S., and other senior officials.

Also present were representatives from the District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority, department officials, taluk-level agriculture officers, and fertiliser dealers.

(KNN Bureau)