Taking serious view of allegation by a ruling coalition lawmaker about embezzlement of funds by the officials in purchase of Azotobacter and Phosphate Soluble Bacteria (PSB) bacteria for free distribution to farmers producing bio-fertilizers, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today ordered a probe by an agriculture department official in the matter.
A JD(U) MLC Satish Kumar raised through short notice question in the legislative council that financial irregularities have been committed by the officials in purchase of Azotobacter and PSB for production of bio-fertilizers by alleging that the purchase was made at a cost of Rs. 125 per kg from the central government undertakings even though the same was available at Rs. 40 to 50 per kg in the market.
Kumar demanded strong action against the guilty officials.
Taking serious view of the allegation, the Chief Minister said that the raw materials for production of bio-fertilizers have been purchased from respectable public sector undertakings like the National Seed Corporation and if at all the purchase has been made at higher rate, it must be probed and added that the same will be done by the Secretary (Agriculture).
It may be mentioned that Azotobactor helps produce nitrogen in the soil, while the PSB boosts cultivation of pulses.
