Amid rising demand during the Kharif sowing season, Andhra Pradesh authorities have stepped up enforcement in Vizianagaram district to counter black marketing and hoarding of fertilizers. A coordinated operation involving the vigilance, enforcement, and agriculture departments began on July 14, conducting surprise inspections at 219 agri-input shops across the district. These raids uncovered illegally hoarded stock worth ₹10.33 crore, including 41 metric tons of fertilizers and pesticides.
Of the seized inventory, ₹6.38 crore was attributed to fertilizers and ₹3.35 crore to pesticides. Officials suspended the business licenses of 16 shops and booked multiple traders under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. These decisive actions aim to prevent artificial scarcity and curb price inflation affecting farmers in the Krishna Delta and beyond.
Agriculture director S. Dilli Rao reassured farmers that adequate fertilizer stock remains available and urged them not to panic or fall for rumors. Meanwhile, Director-General of Vigilance and Enforcement Harish Kumar Gupta warned of continued inspections and strict legal repercussions against those manipulating supply chains. The state government has stressed ongoing vigilance to sustain market transparency, ensuring uninterrupted access to agricultural inputs throughout the sowing season
#Vizianagaram
#FertilizerCrackdown
#BlackMarketing
#EssentialCommoditiesAct
#KharifSeason
#AgricultureInputSeizure
#APAgriculture
#MarketTransparency
#FarmersProtection
#FertilizerSupply
