To check the sale of illegal agricultural inputs, the Punjab Government has intensified its crackdown, seizing large quantities of banned pesticides and expired stock from two firms in Hoshiarpur. The action is part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s ongoing campaign to ensure only quality products reach farmers.  

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Friday said that a special team led by Joint Director (Extension and Training) Dilbagh Singh raided M/s Janak Raj Narinder Kumar in New Grain Market, recovering 99 packets (100 gm each) of banned Ammonium Salt of Glyphosate 71 percent SG, manufactured by a Haryana-based company. Additionally, expired pesticides such as Pendimethalin, Profenophos+Cypermethrin, and Thiamethoxam were seized. 

A second raid was conducted at M/s Vij Traders, where samples of pesticides, fertilizers, and seeds were collected. The firm was found operating without a valid license, prompting authorities to halt sales immediately. 

Minister Khudian confirmed that an FIR has been registered at Police Station Model Town, Hoshiarpur, under the Insecticides Act, 1968, and stringent action will be taken against violators. The government has also instructed Chief Agriculture Officers across the state to conduct regular inspections of dealers, manufacturers, and marketers to prevent such violations. 

Farmers have been urged to purchase agricultural inputs only from licensed dealers and demand proper bills.