The Agriculture Department of Karnataka suspended the retail fertiliser sale licence of Chandrika Agro Syndicate, a dealer located at Nehru Gunj in Kalaburagi, after an inspection reportedly revealed major discrepancies in stock records, and alleged sale of fertilisers above the prescribed rates.

According to an order issued by Assistant Director of Agriculture Arun Kumar Mulimani, officials inspected the dealership following complaints from the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, and directions issued by the Joint Director of Agriculture.

The inspection revealed significant variation between the stock of DAP fertiliser recorded in the Point of Sale (PoS) machine and the quantity physically available in the godown. While the PoS records showed a stock of 35.85 tonnes of DAP fertiliser, only 13 tonnes were reportedly found during physical verification.

The inspection team also found discrepancies between the stock displayed on the stock board, and the stock reflected in the PoS system. Examination of a bill dated June 12, 2026, allegedly revealed a difference of ₹2,019 between the amount charged to a farmer, and the actual value of the fertiliser supplied, raising suspicion that fertilisers had been sold above the maximum retail price fixed by the government.

Officials further stated that stock registers were not properly maintained, and relevant records were not produced during the inspection.

The department stated that the dealership had prima facie violated provisions of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, including Rule 35(1)(a) and (b), and licence conditions relating to maintenance of records and stock management.

Invoking powers under Rule 31(1) of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, the licensing authority suspended the retail fertiliser licence of Chandrika Agro Syndicate with immediate effect until further orders.

The dealer has been directed not to sell any fertiliser during the suspension period. The order warned that any violation would attract action under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, including prosecution before the competent court.