Suhas Buddhetributors, and manufacturers have alleged excessive oversight and concerns about ease of business. “According to a new Government Resolution, 23 different level officials have been designated as quality control inspectors,” said Vinit Kasliwal, general secretary, Maharashtra Fertiliser Pesticide Seeds Dealers Association. Maharashtra is one of top consumers of fertilisers, pesticides and other inputs as it is leading producer of horticulture and other commercial crop like cotton and sugarcane.
“According to a new GR, 23 inspectors would be visiting the input units,” said Vinit Kasliwal, general secretary, Maharashtra Fertiliser Pesticide Seeds Dealers Association. Maharashtra is one of top consumers of fertilisers, pesticides and other inputs as it is leading producer of horticulture and other commercial crop like cotton and sugarcane.
The Maharashtra Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Seeds Dealers Association (MAFDA) and the All India Dealer Association (AIDA) have threatened to go on an indefinite strike, while it will observe a one-day shutdown on April 27.
”Maharashtra government’s move to increase the number of inspectors for agri‑inputs will hurt ease of doing business as it will lead to repeated sampling at company and dealer levels,” said a senior industry executive, who requested not to be identified.
“We have requested Maharashtra government to retain the inspector‑free model and have appealed to strengthen laboratories, digital traceability, and audits instead of blanket physical inspections,” said the executive.
Vijay Thakur, President, OAMA (Organic Agro Manufacturers’ Association) said, “This is a collective step to safeguard the dignity of agri-entrepreneurs.”About 85,000 shops selling various agricultural inputs have threatened to observe the strike.
Dr. Suhas Buddhe, representative of the agri input industry said, “A fair, transparent, and balanced regulatory approach is essential to protect both farmers’ interests and the stability of the agri-input industry.”