While thousands of farmers across Sirsa struggle to secure even two bags of fertilizer, a massive cache of the “gray gold” was found hidden just kilometers away from the main distribution centers. The raid highlights the deep-rooted challenge of “artificial shortages” currently plaguing Haryana’s Rabi season.
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The Operation: Following reports of DAP being sold in the “black market” at rates as high as ₹1,800 to ₹1,900 (against the government rate of ₹1,350), the CM Flying Squad deployed a decoy customer. The trail led to a nondescript private warehouse where 500 unrecorded bags were discovered.
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Lack of Documentation: The godown owner was unable to produce any valid purchase bills, POS (Point of Sale) entries, or a distribution license. Authorities noted that the stock was being released only under the cover of darkness to avoid detection by regular agricultural inspectors.
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Farmer Outcry: News of the raid spread quickly among farmers at the local Mandi, who have been camping out for days. “We are told every day that the racks haven’t arrived, while people like this are sitting on hundreds of bags. This is why our crops are failing,” said a local farmer representative.
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Legal Action: An FIR has been registered at the City Police Station under the Essential Commodities Act and Fertilizer Control Order. The Agriculture Department has also moved to cancel the licenses of any associated dealers found linked to this hoarding ring.
Community Sentiment
“Seizing the bags is good, but the government must ensure this recovered stock is distributed to those of us standing in line right now. Don’t let this fertilizer rot in a police station while our fields remain empty,” said a farmer from a nearby village who had traveled 20 km for fertilizer.
