Srinagar: There is a proper mechanism in place for sampling the products batch wise in respect of fertilizer in Udhampur district of Jammu division, Govt said.
Replying to a question of Hilal Akbar Lone, Minister for Agriculture production as per news agency JKNS said that there is an established mechanism sampling the products batch-wise in respect of Fertilizers at Udhampur Rack, getting tested from the quality Control Lab at Jammu and the consignments are allowed to move to valley only after the samples test as Standard.
“There is one check point at Lower Munda where the documents of consignments are checked and source is verified and also destination for giving intimation to the concerned District Inspectors for sampling and testing. The sale is allowed only after the samples test and standard. In addition to this the samples are taken at random from stocks of the wholesalers and retailers which too are tested. In case the samples test nonstandard, prosecution is launched against the wholesalers/dealers/retailers.” He said.
“Similar procedure is adopted in respect of the pesticides for proper testing before its sale to the farmers.” He said.
“The Agriculture Production Department has an Enforcement directorate at UT Level and there are Law Enforcement Agency at District Level also who are vigilant to any complaints regarding sub-standard pesticides and fertilizers.” He added.
“The Department has Notified fertilizers and pesticides testing lab for quality assurance. Further, if during the sampling and inspection, any sample or product is found sub-standard, proper action is initiated as per the Insecticide Act, 1968 and the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985.” He added.—(JKNS)