Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has warned that fertiliser dealers will lose their licences if irregularities are found in fertiliser distribution and management, while officials involved in misconduct will face departmental action.

He made the warning on Monday (November 2) at a meeting on fertiliser supply for the upcoming Rabi season at the conference room of the Ministry of Agriculture at the Secretariat.

The meeting was attended by deputy directors of the Department of Agricultural Extension and deputy commissioners from different districts.

The minister said licences of newly appointed fertiliser dealers would be cancelled if allegations of irregularities, corruption or harassment of farmers were substantiated. Officials involved in such activities would also face appropriate action.

Emphasising transparency and accountability, he instructed authorities to determine dealers’ operational areas based on land size, the number of farmers and cropping intensity.

He also directed officials to ensure fertiliser sales at government-fixed prices and display price lists and stock information at every dealer’s shop.

The minister called for mobile court operations and regular drives against artificial shortages, overpricing, hoarding and smuggling of fertiliser across the border.

He further instructed authorities to use farmers’ cards and official farmer lists to ensure fair distribution among genuine farmers.

Amin Ur Rashid said the government was increasing fertiliser allocations and supplies for the upcoming Rabi season and was prepared to meet any rise in demand.

He stressed strict surveillance in border districts to prevent fertiliser smuggling, warning that subsidised fertiliser must not be allowed to leave the country.

He also called for accountability among district administrations over fertiliser-related irregularities and directed monitoring committees to regularly review the situation.