The Punjab government on Wednesday launched helpline numbers for farmers in the state to report any pesticide dealers who label other products with diammonium phosphate (DAP) or other fertilizers. Farmers can also report issues such as price gouging, illegal hoarding or the black market in DAP fertilizer.

Sharing the details, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that farmers can call the helpline number 1100 or send a WhatsApp message to the contact number – 98555- 01076 – to file complaints against pesticide dealers engaged in corrupt practices.

Reiterating the state government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, he said labeling other unnecessary chemicals with fertilizers or selling fertilizers at inflated prices, or s ‘engaging in the black market of fertilizers was a legal offense and strict action would be taken under the provisions of the law. The Fertilizers Control Ordinance, 1985, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, who indulged in this malpractice.

Meanwhile, the minister also urged farmers to follow the suggestion of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) experts regarding the use of alternative fertilizers including NPK (12:32:16), triple super phosphate ( TSP) and single super phosphate (SSP). which can be used as an alternative source of phosphorus.