Fake DAP fertiliser worth over Rs20m seized in Gujrat

The Agriculture (Extension) Department has seized counterfeit DAP fertiliser worth more than Rs20 million

GUJRAT: The Agriculture (Extension) Department has seized counterfeit DAP fertiliser worth more than Rs20 million during a raid at Hasan Rice Mills in Mouza Mohla, Gujrat, in what officials described as a major crackdown on the illegal fertiliser trade.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Director Agriculture (Extension) Gujrat Division Dr Irfanullah Warraich by Assistant Director Agriculture (Extension) and Assistant Controller Fertilizer Muhammad Athar Latif.

During the raid, officials inspected the premises and collected samples of suspected DAP fertiliser for laboratory testing. They also sealed 1,140 bags of fertiliser, each weighing 50 kilograms, with an estimated value of Rs18.24 million.

According to the Agriculture Department, laboratory analysis later confirmed that the fertiliser was counterfeit.

Officials said subsequent investigations revealed that a total of 1,270 bags of fake DAP fertiliser, worth approximately Rs20.32 million, were linked to the operation. Out of these, 1,244 bags were taken into police custody as case property.

A case has been registered against Muhammad Azmat and other suspects under the Punjab Fertilizer Control Act, 2025. Police also arrested Ghulam Hussain, the in-charge of Hasan Rice Mills, during the raid.

The department said the crackdown was aimed at protecting farmers from substandard agricultural inputs that could adversely affect crop production and cause financial losses.

Officials added that counterfeit fertilisers not only reduce crop yields but also undermine farmers’ confidence in certified agricultural products. They urged growers to purchase fertilisers only from authorised dealers and to report any suspicious products or illegal storage facilities to the Agriculture Department.

The department said further investigations are underway to trace the source of the counterfeit fertiliser, identify other individuals involved in its manufacture and distribution, and determine whether similar consignments had been supplied to other markets in the region.

Agriculture officials reaffirmed their commitment to continuing strict enforcement against the production, storage and sale of fake fertilisers to safeguard farmers’ interests and ensure the availability of quality agricultural inputs across Punjab.