Saharanpur. The Agriculture Department has uncovered an alleged operation manufacturing counterfeit vermicompost in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district. A team led by the district agriculture officer raided a farm in Khera Afghan on Wednesday night and seized 300 bags of suspected fake vermicompost. The fertiliser was allegedly being packed and prepared for sale under the brand name ‘Apple Tonic’. According to the department, the person suspected of operating the unit had previously faced action in a similar case involving the alleged manufacture of fake vermicompost around two years ago.
District Agriculture Officer Kapil Kumar said the raid was conducted after complaints indicated that Shadab was allegedly preparing counterfeit vermicompost at the location. During the inspection, officials found bags of fertiliser bearing the ‘Apple Tonic’ brand name and seized the entire consignment of 300 bags. The department is now examining the material and considering further legal action to establish the nature of the product and determine whether it meets the prescribed quality standards.
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The discovery has raised concerns about the possible sale of substandard agricultural inputs to farmers under the appearance of a branded product. Vermicompost is widely used to improve soil quality and support crop growth. If a product sold as vermicompost does not meet the required standards, farmers could face financial losses and potential difficulties in maintaining soil fertility and crop productivity.
300 Bags Seized During Night Raid
According to the district agriculture officer, the team conducted the operation on Wednesday night at a farm in Khera Afghan after receiving information about the alleged preparation of fake vermicompost. During the search, officials identified 300 bags of the suspected product and took them into custody.
The fertiliser was reportedly being packed under the ‘Apple Tonic’ brand name. Officials are examining the circumstances in which the product was being prepared and packaged, as well as the possibility that it was intended for sale to farmers.
The department has indicated that four samples of the seized fertiliser may be tested to determine its composition and quality. Laboratory analysis would help establish whether the material contains the expected ingredients and complies with applicable standards. The final findings will depend on the results of the examination and other evidence collected during the investigation.
Accused Had Faced Action in a Similar Case Earlier
The department said Shadab, whose name emerged during the latest operation, had previously faced action over the alleged preparation of fake vermicompost. Approximately two years ago, an FIR was registered against him under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act in connection with a similar matter.
Despite the earlier action, the department received fresh information about the alleged manufacture of counterfeit vermicompost at the Khera Afghan location. Officials subsequently conducted the raid and seized the 300 bags.
The department is now examining whether the current operation is connected to any previous activity and whether the suspected product had already been supplied to dealers or farmers. However, the extent of any distribution and the quality of the seized material remain to be established through further investigation.
Fresh FIR to Be Registered After District Magistrate’s Approval
District Agriculture Officer Kapil Kumar said the seized bags had been taken into custody and that a fresh FIR would be registered after obtaining approval from the district magistrate. The department is also considering the testing of the collected fertiliser samples to verify the product’s composition and quality.
Officials have emphasised that selling counterfeit or substandard fertiliser as a quality agricultural product is a serious matter because it can expose farmers to financial losses. Agricultural inputs play an important role in crop production, and farmers rely on the accuracy of product labelling and claims about quality when making purchasing decisions.
The department has stated that its campaign against the alleged manufacture and sale of fake fertiliser will continue. Officials are focusing on examining the seized material, establishing the circumstances surrounding its preparation and identifying the possible supply chain.
The investigation is ongoing, and further action will depend on the findings of the sample analysis, verification of the available evidence and completion of the required legal procedures. The allegations against the accused have not yet been established through a final legal determination.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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