Sachchida Nanda Dey, Ashashuni (Satkhira)

Adulterated pesticides, low-quality fertilizers, and rice seeds are being sold in the shops of Ashashuni Upazila's 11 unions, according to complaints.

It is alleged that unscrupulous businessmen are pocketing the hard-earned money of ordinary farmers. It is reported that fake pesticides and low-quality fertilizers have flooded the markets of areas like Budhhatta Paithli, Kalibari, Naktara, Mahishkura, Khazra, Anulia, Bardal, Protapnagar, Dargapur, and Kadakati. Upon visiting the pesticide shops, it was found that the labels on the packets were unclear, without production dates or registration numbers.

Even when present, the expiry dates were unreadable. The packaging indicated the products were made in Dhaka, China, and India, but there was no detailed information about the companies' locations in those countries. The labels lacked batch numbers, registration numbers, production dates, expiry dates, and even specific addresses of the companies. These fake and counterfeit pesticides include magnesium, boron, gypsum, sulfur, metalisk granular pesticides, various types of rice seeds, and other chemicals. Farmers have reported that these fake pesticides have been sold to them for a long time. During the Aman season, many unregistered companies sell these products to gullible farmers, taking away huge sums of money.

Similarly, fake fertilizers are being sold with attractive packaging, deceiving farmers into not knowing which pesticides are fake or whether the fertilizers are genuine.Sources reveal that certain touts and unscrupulous traders are bringing these chemicals and fertilizers from various parts of the country and selling them in Ashashuni's markets for huge profits. As a result, ordinary farmers are suffering. On one hand, the use of fake pesticides is expected to result in lower yields, and on the other hand, the farmers risk losing large sums of money.In response, the Upazila Agriculture Officer said, "We are vigilant about the issue of fake pesticides. We encourage you to share information with us, and we will ensure that no fake pesticides are sold." According to sources from the Agricultural Office, there are 16 conditions attached to the pesticide licenses.

One of the primary conditions is that licensed dealers are only allowed to sell pesticides from government-approved companies. If they violate this condition, their license will be revoked. However, dealers are not adhering to these conditions and are promoting fake and low-quality pesticides for more profit.

Although licenses are issued and renewed annually by the Agriculture Office, no action is taken against businesses that resort to illegal practices. Despite a ministry order to test pesticides every three months, this directive is not being followed properly.Experts believe that since Bangladesh is an agriculture-dependent country, strict legal action is necessary against all kinds of counterfeit pesticides, unscrupulous traders, and manufacturing companies to protect the nation's agriculture.