Rajasthan’s Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena has intensified his crackdown on corrupt practices related to counterfeit fertilizers and seeds. A major raid in Bikaner district late Sunday night reinforced the government’s commitment to protecting farmers.
Minister Meena conducted surprise inspections at two fertilizer factories in the Kolayat area, recovering a total of 64,000 fake fertilizer bags. Following the raid, the authorities ordered both factories to be sealed immediately.
The Minister revealed that the counterfeit fertilizers were being supplied as far as Nepal. He stated, “We are taking strict and vigilant action to ensure farmers receive high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. This crackdown will continue until we are fully satisfied.”
Several agriculture department officials accompanied the Minister, receiving on-the-spot directives to ensure that the culprits are not spared under any circumstances. Minister Meena emphasized that the government will not compromise on increasing crop yield and protecting farmers’ interests.
The operation began around 10 PM, when the Minister first reached Nal Bypass and recovered 24,000 fake fertilizer bags from a factory in Khari Gangapura village. Shortly after, another 40,000 bags were seized from a second factory located three kilometers from Sankhla Phante, Kolayat. Minister Meena noted that soil had been mixed into the fertilizers, directly affecting farmers across multiple districts in Rajasthan.
This is not the first such operation. In July, similar raids were conducted in Bikaner, and inspections have also been carried out in Sri Ganganagar and Alwar to detect counterfeit seeds and fertilizers. On 28 September, discrepancies were found in seed company records in Sri Ganganagar, and their sales were immediately halted.
Minister Meena made it clear that no compromise will be made against counterfeit fertilizers and seeds, and strict legal action will be taken against the offenders. The crackdown is not limited to one district; the government will maintain continuous surveillance across the state on those involved in selling fake agricultural products.
He also instructed officials to ensure that high-quality fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides are delivered to farmers on time, reiterating that the well-being and productivity of farmers remain the top priority.
In view of the operation, the state government has begun preparing SIT and SOG teams to carry forward the investigation. Minister Meena assured that strict action will be taken against the guilty, and no one involved in the counterfeit fertilizer and seed business will be spared.
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