Punjab Agriculture Department Seizes Unauthorized Pesticides Worth Over Rs 6 Lakh

The Punjab agriculture department seized unauthorized pesticides in Mansa district. Under the quality control drive, they confiscated 8.82 quintals of powder pesticides and 29 litres of liquid pesticides, totaling over Rs 6 lakh. Six samples were taken for further testing, and steps to lodge an FIR have been initiated.

The Punjab agriculture department on Monday seized unauthorized pesticides in a village in Mansa district, officials said.

Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced that, under the quality control drive, a team led by the chief agriculture officer raided a seed shop in Jhanduke village. They confiscated 8.82 quintals of powdered pesticides and 29 litres of liquid pesticides, collectively worth over Rs 6 lakh.

Khudian added that six samples of various pesticides have been collected per the Insecticides Act 1968 and Rules 1971. The department has begun the process to lodge an FIR in connection with this matter, according to an official release.

Recently, the department revoked the licenses of two fertiliser companies for distributing substandard Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) to state cooperative societies.

Khudian asserted that his department has launched a statewide drive with a target of testing 4,500 pesticides in the 2024-25 period. Sampling of fertilisers and pesticides is being conducted continuously across districts.

Last month, the department also seized 1,200 litres of pesticides in Bathinda. This stock was meant to be sold in a local village without the required sales licence, according to the minister.