Lahore: Punjab’s Agriculture Department, following orders from Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, is intensifying efforts to combat the distribution of fake and adulterated pesticides across the province, adhering to a zero-tolerance policy.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab announcement issued on 11 August 2024, a significant operation was conducted by the Pest Warning team in district Okara, led by Director Pest Warning Zulfiqar Ali Ghori. The team raided Abdullah Agricultural Corporation, where they seized illegal and unregistered agricultural drugs valued at approximately 45.72 lakh rupees. These substances were handed over to local law enforcement for further action.

During the raid, samples of the agricultural drugs were collected and sent to a laboratory for chemical analysis to confirm their composition and quality. Following these findings, Pesticides Inspector Mohammad Akbar lodged a formal complaint, leading to the initiation of legal proceedings at Gogira police station against the offenders.

This crackdown is part of a broader initiative by the Punjab government to safeguard the agricultural sector from the detrimental impacts of substandard pesticides, ensuring the protection of farmers and the integrity of their crops.