Hoshiarpur: Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain has constituted a district-level task force to prevent the unauthorized use and diversion of subsidized urea fertilizer within the district. The task force comprises the Chief Agriculture Officer, the General Manager of the District Industries Centre, and the Superintendent of Police (Headquarters).
Providing details on the initiative, Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain stated that the primary objective of the task force is to monitor—and completely put an end to—the non-agricultural use of subsidized urea fertilizer, which is intended solely for agricultural purposes. She noted that while the Government of India provides substantial subsidies to ensure urea is available to farmers at affordable rates, certain industrial units and factories are currently misusing it.
She further explained that the diversion of urea fertilizer for purposes such as the preparation of animal feed, resin manufacturing, plywood production, and other non-agricultural activities results in financial losses for the government. Moreover, this diversion adversely affects the availability of fertilizer for farmers.
Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Dapinder Singh Sandhu stated that the task force will maintain continuous vigilance over the supply, storage, and utilization of urea fertilizer across the district. He added that should any individual possess information or wish to lodge a complaint regarding the unauthorized use of urea fertilizer, they may contact the relevant Block Office of the Agriculture Department.
Issuing a stern warning, the Chief Agriculture Officer emphasized that strict legal action would be initiated against offenders under the provisions of the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985.