Agriculture Minister Punjab Muhammed Arshad Khan Lodhi has said that government is undertaking a crackdown from August 1 against elements engaged in sale of substandard and spurious fertilizers and pesticides.
"Task force has been directed to conduct surprise raids on the outlets to collect samples and cancel the registration of such traders who are dealing in fake agri inputs," he said.
Talking to this scribe on Sunday, the minister categorically announced that no one involved in such practices would be spared no matter how influential they were.
He said that no body would be allowed to undermine the interests of farmers for his selfish ends.
"Pure fertilizers, pesticides and quality seeds play a very important role in getting maximum per acre yield and if these are substandard, labour and money of the growers go waste."
He asked companies, which were running their business honestly and dedicatedly to point out those black sheep who were not only earning bad name for the entire business community but also causing loss to the farming community.
The minister said agricultural research is being revamped and reorganised to effectively respond to the market requirements and develop varieties that not only offer higher yields but also respond well to the local conditions.
"Major investment in research and technology development, along with capacity building of farmers, is planned to enable farmers to use modern implements in agriculture," he added.
Under National Programme for Water Course Improvement, he said, 28,000 watercourses will be improved at a cost of Rs 28 billion in addition to 2,000 micro irrigation schemes in Barani Areas during current fiscal year.