Date:23/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/23/stories/2008012359550600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Fertilizers worth 1.8 cr. diverted to black market

Special Correspondent

ONGOLE: Fertilizers worth Rs. 1.8 crore have allegedly been diverted to black market by a fertilizer shop in collusion with four persons, including two journalists, at Parchoor in Prakasam district. Agricultural officials suspended licence of the shop.

Following an agitation by the Congress and other leaders, the officials also lodged a complaint with police against four persons under Fertiliser Control Order and Essential Commodities Act.

Scarcity

It is stated that following shortage of fertilizers in August, the agricultural officials gave directions to fertilizers dealers to sell only five bags of fertilizers to each farmer on the basis of their pattadar passbooks. Agricultural officials, who inspected the shop in September, they found that it sold 30 bags to some farmers. They directed the outlet to follow guidelines given. Undeterred by the warning, Growmore centre sold as many 240 bags to some farmers during October.

Action sought

It sold away 2,332 tonnes (4,664 bags) to just 770 farmers during October when no agricultural officer inspected it.

An all-party committee led by Congress launched an agitation demanding action against the outlet and also against the traders, two journalists and another person for allegedly diverting fertilizers to black market.

Agricultural officials seized the records, issued show cause notice and later suspended the licence of the shop.