AVN News Desk
KARACHI: The Sindh government has resolved to take stringent measures against those engaged in hoarding urea fertilizer and profiteering through inflated prices.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Secretary Dr Muhammad Fakhre Alam and attended by Agriculture Secretary Syed Aijaz Shah, Karachi Commissioner Muhammad Saleem Rajput, and Director General Extension Manir Ahmad Jamani.
Divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners attended the meeting via video link.
A comprehensive overview of the demand and supply dynamics of urea fertilizer was presented during the meeting. Officials from the agriculture department informed the meeting that penalties totaling Rs 4 million have already been slapped on 175 hoarders across the province, while the licenses of 41 dealers have been temporarily suspended as part of the crackdown.
Commissioners presented strategies aimed at ensuring the availability of fertilizers at discounted rates.
The chief secretary directed all DCs to conduct thorough stock verification of urea fertilizer within their respective districts. Rigorous actions will be taken against those found hoarding urea, including the imposition of increased fines. Repeat offenders will face legal consequences.
He emphasised the need to confiscate and auction stored urea fertilizer at official rates. Moreover, he proposed recommending to the federal government that all DCs be granted access to a dashboard related to urea fertilizer to enhance stock verification capabilities and facilitate effective action against hoarders.
The chief secretary underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to curb urea stockpiling and ensure fair pricing, saying that such practices adversely impact farmers and the agricultural sector.
