A case of crop damage has emerged in Tohana due to the use of fake pesticides, affecting 60 acres of ripe paddy fields. Farmers reported that after spraying ‘Instar Top’, a fungicide from a private company, their paddy crop, including varieties of parmal and basmati, began to wither.

The crops did not produce grains, leaving them completely destroyed. One farmer claimed his loss exceeded Rs 30 lakh.

BKE Media spokesperson Gurlal Bhangu said the affected farmers, Telu Singh and Karnail Singh from Ratta Theh village, approached farm leader Lakhwinder Singh Aulakh, who along with Mandeep Singh Nathwan, visited the fields to assess the damage. They have warned the local pesticide vendor through social media to compensate the farmers or face protests in front of his shop.

BKE president Lakhwinder Singh Aulakh alleged that this was not the first incident of damage caused by this pesticide. Similar complaints had been reported across Haryana and Punjab, including multiple cases in Sirsa, where other vendors had compensated farmers for their losses, he said. However, in this instance, instead of offering compensation, the vendor reportedly filed a complaint against the farmer with the Economic Cell, he added.

Aulakh expressed his frustration, accusing the police of pressuring farmers for a settlement rather than addressing their grievances. He said the role of Economic Cell officials involved in the case would also be reviewed. Several local farmers, including Tarsem Singh, Kaka Singh, Manpreet Singh and others, were present in solidarity.

The farmers are urging authorities to take strict action against vendors selling fake pesticides and demanding immediate compensation for their losses.

Source - https://www.tribuneindia.com