To save the farmers from financial exploitation by ensuring supply of quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department has set up five teams of Flying Squad for Rabi season.

These teams will visit retail or wholesale dealers shop, manufacturing or marketing units of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides besides carrying out regular checks and sampling for quality as well as rates at which the goods are sold to the farmers.

Sharing the information, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Sunday said that four to five districts have been allocated to one team of the flying squad and the flying squad teams, headed by Joint Directors and Chief Agriculture Officers of the Department, will closely monitor the sale of seeds, pesticides and fertilizers in the interest of farmers, besides keeping a watch over the demand and supply of goods to farmers.

Urging the farmers to demand a ‘bill’ for each purchase from the vendor and ensure that they only pay the amount mentioned on the bills, the Agriculture Minister categorically said that if the bills are not given by vendors, farmers should raise a complaint with the concerned officer and strict action will be followed.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment for the welfare of the farmers, Khudian warned that no one will be allowed to exploit the ‘annadata’ by selling spurious seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers. At the same time, he made it clear to the Flying Squad teams that any negligence or laxity on their part won't be tolerated.