In a decisive strike against the fertilizer mafia, Sirsa authorities have uncovered a massive cache of DAP hidden in a nondescript warehouse near the city’s outskirts. This operation marks the largest single-day seizure in the district since the current Rabi season began.
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The Breakthrough: Acting on intelligence regarding a dealer selling DAP for ₹1,950 per bag (against the MRP of ₹1,350), officials raided the facility. They discovered 1,000 bags that were not entered into the Point of Sale (POS) system, a clear violation of government guidelines.
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Agriculture Minister’s Warning: Speaking from Chandigarh, Minister Shyam Singh Rana emphasized that agricultural welfare is a “non-negotiable” priority. “Hoarding fertilizer while our farmers stand in lines for 48 hours is a criminal act. We are prepared to use bulldozers on the properties of those who build their fortunes on the misery of our ‘Annadatas’ (food providers),” he declared.
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Immediate Relief: To prevent further unrest among waiting farmers, the administration moved the 1,000 bags under heavy police guard to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). Distribution of this specific stock will begin tomorrow at 8:00 AM using the Aadhaar-linked token system.
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Legal Consequences: An FIR has been registered under the Essential Commodities Act and the Fertilizer Control Order. The godown owner, who is currently absconding, faces a potential prison term and a permanent ban on any future agricultural trade.
Community Sentiment
“We knew the stock was in the city, but it wasn’t reaching the shops. This raid proves that the shortage isn’t just about supply; it’s about greed. The Minister’s warning needs to be turned into action to scare others who are still hiding bags in their basements,” said a representative from a local farmer union in Sirsa.
