Bhubaneswar, Aug 10: The Odisha government has intensified its crackdown on the black marketing and illegal hoarding of fertilisers, with enforcement squads constituted at both state and district levels to monitor distribution and take strict action against offenders, Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta said on Monday.

Samanta said a state-level enforcement team comprising officials from multiple departments has been formed to ensure the smooth availability of fertilisers to farmers and prevent illegal practices. The team includes the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Additional Secretary and four departmental officials.

Officials from the Cooperation Department, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, and Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department are part of the enforcement mechanism.

According to the minister, the teams have already conducted inspections at several locations to verify fertiliser distribution. Enquiries are also being undertaken promptly whenever information or complaints regarding black marketing are received.

Samanta said district Collectors have similarly constituted enforcement teams to monitor the situation locally and conduct inspections.

The government is closely monitoring the entire fertiliser distribution network to ensure farmers do not face shortages or exploitation. The minister warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in hoarding, overpricing or black marketing of fertilisers.

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