Patna, August 4: (ABN) The government has launched a large-scale crackdown in East Champaran (Motihari) against hoarding, black marketing, and sale of fertilizers at prices higher than the fixed rate. During the operation, the licenses of six fertilizer sellers and one seed and pesticide dealer were suspended, while several other shops were asked to provide explanations.

Mukesh Kumar Lal, Director of the Agriculture Department, presided over a review meeting at the Motihari Joint Agricultural Bhavan and then suddenly inspected various fertilizer and seed sales centers. Later, a joint team of the Agriculture Department and the flying squad conducted simultaneous raids in different areas of the district to check irregularities.

Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha termed the operation as part of the "zero tolerance policy" and directed the District Agriculture Officer, Motihari (East Champaran), to report to the Patna headquarters with immediate effect. Additionally, Assistant Director (Crops) Marnal Shastri has been given the additional charge of District Agriculture Officer.

The Minister directed the concerned officers to continue the regular crackdown in the district so that farmers can get fertilizers at the fixed price in sufficient quantities and effective checks can be put on hoarding, black marketing, or sale at exorbitant prices.

Vijay Kumar Sinha clarified that the government is fully committed to protecting the interests of farmers and will take strict action against individuals and institutions involved in any kind of irregularity or illegal activity in fertilizer distribution, as per the law, without any discrimination in the future.