Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, September 23: Vociferously taking up the cause of the cotton growers in the state, Punjab Congress Legislature Party leader Sunil Jakhar demanded resignation of Agriculture Minister Tota Singh saying he had no right to continue in officer.
Participating in the discussion in the Vidhan Sabha today on the issue of damage to the cotton crop due to white fly, Jakhar revealed that the director (research) had not recommended the pesticide that had d ineffective leading to the damage. Moreover, the company with which order was placed was only a supplier and not its manufacturer. This pesticide was not tested in any state laboratory.
He said the issue would be taken to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
He lambasted the state government on the issue of low basmati prices also.
He said the government had absolved itself of its responsibility by suspending director, agriculture, Mangal Singh Sandhu. He was involved in the 2010 seed scam too. However, the government rewarded him by promoting him.
He alleged the pesticide to control white fly was purchased at a higher rate and the state government wrote to that company not to sell in Punjab at the rate less than that purchased by it..
He pointed out that the three pesticides that were recommended by director (research) were not only effective against white fly but also being manufactured by Markfed plants. He said 90 per cent of the payment was made to the company at the time of receipt of consignment.
