Sopore, Jammu & Kashmir 12 Jan:In a proactive move to protect the agricultural community and maintain the integrity of the farming sector, the President of Sopore Fruit Mandi, acclaimed as Asia’s second-largest fruit market, has declared a reward of Rs 50,000. This incentive is aimed at individuals who provide vital information regarding the illicit sale of spurious fertilisers within the market.Fayaz Ahmed Malik, fondly referred to as Kaka Ji, voiced his deep concern over unscrupulous dealers who compromise the agriculture industry’s standards by circulating counterfeit fertilisers. “Farmers are the backbone of our community, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their protection and well-being,” remarked Malik in an interaction with Buzzbytes.Highlighting the detrimental impact of counterfeit fertilisers on crop yields and the broader economic stability of the region, Malik emphasized the urgency of the situation. The cash reward initiative is envisioned to motivate locals to collaborate with authorities, enabling them to identify and dismantle networks engaged in the sale of fake agricultural inputs.Malik further elaborated, “The significant cash reward is a call to action for individuals to actively participate in preserving the authenticity of agricultural practices. Informants providing details about suspected suppliers or dealers will be assured confidentiality to guarantee their safety.”The proactive stance of the Sopore Fruit Mandi President aligns with recent actions taken by the Department of Agriculture, Kashmir. Authorities seized approximately 620 bags of spurious fertilisers during recent raids in Sopore and Kulgam districts. The Director of Agriculture, Kashmir, has issued stern warnings against perpetrators involved in the distribution of counterfeit fertilisers, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities promptly.
Sopore Fruit Mandi President Offers Rs 50,000 Reward to Combat Counterfeit Fertilisers
