Dehradun: State Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi has taken a firm stance on the issue of wild ginger lime (jamir) fruits appearing in the Kagzi Nimboo (Citrus aurantifolia) plants distributed to farmers by the Horticulture Department in Rudraprayag district in 2020.
Following the District Magistrate’s investigation report, the Minister has ordered departmental action against two officers involved in the alleged negligence. Virendra Negi, chief horticulture officer, Rudraprayag, said to News9live that an action has been taken against the officials involved in this matter.
This has caused distress among the farmers
The Kagzi Nimboo (Citrus aurantifolia) is a perennial evergreen tree belonging to the Rutaceae family, while Citrus assamensis, the ginger lime, is a species native to Assam and Bangladesh. The discovery of ginger lime fruits in the distributed lemon plants has caused distress among the farmers, prompting the agriculture minister to take swift and decisive action.
The investigation found irregularities in the verification of the plants
Last week, during a press conference, Agriculture Minister Joshi stated that Additional Director (then Joint Director) Dr. RK Singh and the former District Horticulture Officer (retired) Yogendra Singh Chaudhary have been found responsible for this serious oversight. The investigation uncovered irregularities in the selection of M/s Sanjivani Nursery and the verification of the plants. These lapses resulted in significant losses for the farmers and damaged the government’s reputation.
Government has instructed to take appropriate action against
In response to the findings, Agriculture Secretary Dr. SN Pandey has issued a charge sheet to the Additional Director (then Joint Director). For the retired District Horticulture Officer, a charge sheet will be issued after obtaining the Governor’s consent, as per the rules of the Personnel Department. Additionally, the government has instructed the Director General of Horticulture to take appropriate action against M/s Sanjivani Nursery under the Nursery Act.
Joshi assured that there will be no compromise on the interests of farmers
Minister Joshi emphasized that, according to the Uttarakhand Government Servant (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2003 (amended in 2010), the accused officers must respond to the charge sheet within 15 days. He assured that there will be no compromise on the interests of farmers, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty of negligence. This issue highlights the importance of maintaining quality control and proper verification processes in agricultural distribution programs.
