Scam / Fake Fertilizer Scam Rocks Baleshwar

Baleshwar, Aug 19: A major case of fake fertilizer supply has surfaced in Nilgiri block of Baleshwar district, sparking concern among farmers and prompting swift administrative action.

Farmers first raised suspicion when the DAP fertilizer, normally white, appeared black, and potash fertilizer contained salt mixed with colouring.

Their complaints led to laboratory testing, which confirmed the fertilizers were counterfeit. The supply had been made through the Nilgiri Farmers Producer Organization (FPO).

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The accused has been identified as Sasmiprava Raut, CEO of Nilgiri FPO. Following confirmation of the lab report, the Agriculture Department lodged a written complaint against her at Nilgiri police station.

Assistant Agriculture Officer Ratikanta Mohanty and Block Agriculture Officer Mitali Nayak jointly filed the FIR.

According to reports, the fake fertilizers were distributed in Machhua panchayat of Nilgiri block. On August 10, the issue triggered unrest among farmers when an auto carrying fertilizer reached a public hearing in the block.

More than 15 farmers alleged that they had been supplied “Navaratna” brand DAP and potash at prices lower than the market rate by the Nilgiri FPO.

The distribution was facilitated by Krishi Mitras and MBKs under the supervision of the FPO CEO. However, farmers soon noticed irregularities in the fertilizers’ appearance and lodged complaints.

District BJP Krushak Morcha president Tapas Mohanty and other officials inspected the fertilizers and raised the matter during a joint public hearing with the Collector. Samples were collected and sent for testing, which confirmed the fertilizers were fake.

The Agriculture Department and local administration have now initiated action against the FPO. Questions remain over how fertilizers were procured from Bhadrak without a valid license and distributed to farmers in Nilgiri. Authorities also lack clarity on the exact number of farmers affected, the panchayats involved, and the total quantity of fake fertilizers supplied.