DOT Desk: To check quality of fertilisers and pesticides, samples of different chemical fertilisers and pesticides under a special programme are being collected from local markets, reports The Daily Observer. According to sources at Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), the farmers use different fertilisers and pesticides in their croplands to increase crop production. The department is collecting the samples and testing those at laboratories.
Agriculturist Serajul Islam, Sadar Upazila agriculture officer, said due to climate change, different diseases attack crops when pesticide use is necessary. So, the department provides advice and help to the farmers to overcome the trouble. Besides, the department also monitors the market so that the farmers are not cheated while buying fertilisers and pesticides.
If any sample is found problematic after lab test, the department conducts drive against fertiliser and pesticide traders and punish them through mobile court. Deputy Director of the DAE Agriculturist Sudhendra Nath Roy said they have taken a zero tolerance policy to check the sale and use of adulterated fertilisers and pesticides. Due to motoring by the department, many shops selling substandard fertilisers and pesticides have been closed.
He also said there are 256 shops out of total 330 in Sadar Upazila, which sell quality fertilisers and pesticides.
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