DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, feb 13
Director of Agriculture and Controller of Fertilisers for Jammu and Kashmir Anil Gupta is spearheading sustained efforts to ensure authorised pricing and the timely availability of fertilisers across the Union Territory, reinforcing the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of farmers. Recognising the crucial role of fertilisers in agricultural productivity, the department has intensified monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent overcharging, hoarding and irregularities in distribution.
Acting under his direction, the Assistant Director Law Enforcement regularly conducts inspections across various districts to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) 1985. These inspections are aimed at curbing malpractices, ensuring transparency in supply chains and maintaining fair trade practices in the fertiliser sector. By strengthening regulatory oversight, the department seeks to protect farmers from exploitation and guarantee the availability of quality agricultural inputs at government-approved rates.
As part of this ongoing drive, the Enforcement Wing today carried out a detailed inspection of rake operations pertaining to Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited at the Bari Brahmana railhead in Samba district. The inspection focused on monitoring the receipt, storage and onward dispatch of urea consignments to ensure that all procedures were being followed in accordance with established guidelines.
Assistant Director Law Enforcement Jammu Kuldeep Singh, along with Agriculture Extension Assistant Surrender Singh, led the inspection process. Senior representatives of the company were also present during the proceedings, including State Head of Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited Rahul Khatkar, Assistant Manager Jammu Ravi Raushan and H&T BMMN Rajender Gupta.
Their presence facilitated transparent interaction and on-the-spot verification of operational records.
During the inspection, officials thoroughly verified urea bag lot numbers to ensure traceability and accountability at every stage of distribution. This measure is particularly significant in maintaining quality control and tracking consignments from manufacturing units to end users. The team also reviewed the SAP-based invoicing system to confirm that all transactions were being recorded accurately and updated in real time.
Special attention was given to the integration of financial documentation through the Integrated Financial Management System, including the verification of RO challans and demand draft entries. By cross-checking digital and physical records, the enforcement team ensured that there were no discrepancies in billing or payment processes. This level of scrutiny is intended to promote transparency and minimise the possibility of financial irregularities.
In addition, the inspection covered truck movement records and the implementation of 100 per cent STP tracking to monitor the dispatch and distribution of fertilisers. Tracking systems play a vital role in ensuring that consignments reach designated destinations without diversion or delay. By examining transport documentation and tracking data, officials were able to assess the efficiency and compliance of the distribution network.
Following the comprehensive review, the department noted the company’s transparent operational practices and its strict adherence to the provisions of the Fertiliser Control Order 1985. The inspection underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between regulatory authorities and fertiliser companies to maintain a robust supply chain.
Through such proactive enforcement measures, the Agriculture Department aims to strengthen accountability, ensure fair pricing and guarantee uninterrupted fertiliser supply, thereby supporting the agricultural community and contributing to the overall growth of the farming sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
