In a significant crackdown, the Rajasthan Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Departments have exposed a large-scale seed and fertilizer adulteration scam in Sri Ganganagar district. The operation revealed a network involved in the production and distribution of toxic agricultural inputs, posing severe risks to farmers and consumers alike.
Authorities conducted raids on over 40 factories, uncovering alarming practices:
Use of Carcinogenic Dyes: Seeds were found to be coated with carcinogenic chemicals to enhance appearance, making them more marketable but hazardous to health.
Adulterated Fertilizers: Fertilizers were mixed with stone powder, sand, and dust to increase volume, compromising their efficacy and safety.
Lack of Proper Licenses: Many factories operated without the necessary licenses, violating regulatory norms.
Poor Storage Practices: Inadequate storage conditions were observed, further deteriorating the quality of the agricultural inputs.
These malpractices were aimed at maximizing profits at the expense of product quality and safety.
The adulterated seeds and fertilizers were not confined to Rajasthan. Investigations revealed that these toxic products were supplied to various states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, indicating a widespread distribution network.
The Rajasthan government has taken serious note of the scam. Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena has ordered the sealing of the implicated factories and the lodging of FIRs against the offenders. He acknowledged the need for stricter legislation under the Fertilizer Act to effectively combat such malpractices and has emphasized the importance of regular inspections to deter fraudulent activities.
The use of adulterated seeds and fertilizers can lead to:
Reduced Crop Yields: Ineffective inputs can hamper plant growth, leading to lower agricultural productivity.
Health Hazards: Carcinogenic substances in seeds pose serious health risks to farmers handling them and consumers of the produce.
Economic Losses: Farmers investing in these fake products suffer financial setbacks due to poor crop performance.
The Rajasthan seed and fertilizer scam has sent shockwaves through the agricultural community. Experts warn that such toxic practices not only endanger health but also threaten long-term soil fertility and food safety across states. Ensuring the integrity of agricultural inputs is crucial for the safety of the food supply chain and the well-being of those dependent on it.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)