Counterfeit Agricultural Products Allegedly Sold to Orchardists and Horticulturists
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against two individuals in connection with an alleged counterfeit fertiliser fraud involving fake “Glo Potash” agricultural products in the Kashmir Valley.
The chargesheet has been filed before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sopore, after completion of investigation in FIR No. 33/2018.
Accused Identified in Chargesheet
The accused have been identified as:
- Shahbaz Ahmad Bhat
- Kursheed Ahmad Mir
According to EOW Kashmir, the accused allegedly conspired to distribute and sell counterfeit agricultural products to orchardists and horticulture stakeholders for wrongful financial gain.
The case was registered under Sections 420 and 120-B of the erstwhile Ranbir Penal Code, along with Section 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act.
Complaint Triggered Investigation
The investigation began after a complaint alleged that fake products were being circulated in the Valley under the name Glo Potash.
During the probe, investigators reportedly collected evidence suggesting that counterfeit agricultural goods were being sold in a manner that could cause financial loss to farmers, orchard owners, horticulture stakeholders, and the company linked to the genuine product.
Counterfeit Fertilisers Can Damage Crop Quality
EOW Kashmir stated that adulterated or counterfeit agricultural inputs can cause serious harm to crop health, productivity, and quality.
For orchardists and horticulturists, such products can result in:
- Reduced crop output
- Poor fruit quality
- Financial losses
- Soil and plant health issues
- Loss of trust in agricultural supply chains
Authorities view such cases not only as economic offences but also as matters affecting public welfare and agricultural stability.
Public Asked to Report Fake Agricultural Products
EOW Kashmir has urged citizens to remain alert against fake fertilisers and fraudulent business practices.
Farmers and orchard owners have been advised to purchase agricultural inputs only from authorised dealers and verify:
- Product packaging
- Batch numbers
- Dealer licences
- Manufacturer details
- Invoice records
- Product authenticity marks
Any suspicious product or dealer activity should be reported to the authorities.
Court Proceedings to Continue
With the chargesheet now filed, further proceedings will take place before the competent court.
The allegations against the accused are based on the findings of the investigating agency. The final determination of guilt or innocence will depend on evidence presented during judicial proceedings.
Shunyatax Global Insight
The alleged fake Glo Potash fertiliser case highlights how counterfeit agricultural products can directly affect farmers’ livelihoods and regional food productivity. Strong dealer verification, supply-chain monitoring, and product authenticity checks are essential to protecting orchardists and horticulture-dependent communities from economic fraud.
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