An important meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sindh Dr. Muhammad Fakhre Alam. In the meeting, it was decided to take action against those who are stockpiling urea fertilizer and selling it at high prices. Secretary Agriculture Syed Aijaz Shah, Commissioner Karachi Muhammad Saleem Rajput, Director General Extension Manir Ahmad Jamani attended the meeting while other Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners participated in the meeting through video link. A detailed briefing was provided during the meeting regarding the demand for urea fertilizer and its supply to farmers.
The Agriculture Department officials highlighted those penalties amounting to Rs. 4 million have been imposed against 175 hoarders in the province. Furthermore, licenses of 41 dealers have been suspended. In the meeting, the Division Commissioners also gave a briefing on measures to ensure the supply of fertilizers at discounted prices. Chief Secretary Sindh Dr Muhammad Fakhre Alam directed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure 100% stock verification of urea fertilizer in their respective districts.
Strict action will be taken against the hoarders of urea. The amount of fine should also be increased and if the dealer is found repeatedly involved in hoarding, further action should be taken against the dealer as per law.
He further said that the stored urea fertilizer should be confiscated and auctioned at the official rate. In the meeting, Chief Secretary Sindh said that it will be recommended to the federal government that all deputy commissioners should be given access to the dashboard related to urea fertilizer so that stock verification and action against hoarders can be done effectively.
He further said that it will be recommended to the federal government that urea fertilizer supply companies should also be obliged to inform about the dealer’s stock.
The Chief Secretary Sindh directed the Secretary Agriculture to further improve the coordination with the urea fertilizer manufacturing companies.
