New Delhi: Government has launched "Grow Safe Food" campaign to improve agriculture output without comprising on nutrition and quality of the produce.
It has also directed licensed dealers and retailers of crop protection products to refrain from selling, exhibiting and distribution of such products.
"The government, therefore, request licensed dealers and retailers of crop protection products to come forward and participate to make the endeavour success by adhering to the following advisory...," according to a circular issued by the Agriculture Ministry.
The Ministry has asked dealers and retailers to refrain from stocking/distributing/exhibiting/ sale of fake products. "This is illegal and will attract penal provisions of the Insecticides Act, 1968," it said.
It has also asked not to sell and stock the products without a valid registration committee registration, while warning that such activities are illegal and will lead to prosecution under the law.
Dealers and retailers are asked to procure their stocks from legitimate sources with proper bill and invoice. They have also been told not to sell pesticides past their date of expiry, the circular said.
"Please advise the farmers to read instruction on the label and leaflet of the pesticides before use. Do not give any advice to the farmer which is contrary to the instructions on the label and leaflet," it added.
