Fake Pesticide Racket Busted in Chikkaballapur as Agriculture Department Seizes Chemicals and Labels
Agriculture officials uncovered a fake pesticide operation in Chikkaballapur, seizing counterfeit chemicals and packaging materials while urging farmers to purchase crop protection products only from authorized sellers.
A major fake pesticide manufacturing and distribution network has been uncovered in Karnataka’s Chikkaballapur district, where agriculture department officials seized counterfeit crop protection products, fake labels and packaging materials during a raid. Authorities say the operation was targeting farmers by selling products under the names of well known agricultural brands.
The raid was carried out by the Agriculture Department’s Vigilance Squad at a residential property in Chikkaballapur. During the operation, officials recovered more than 200 liters of suspected counterfeit agricultural chemicals along with empty bottles, fake labels and other packaging materials believed to have been used in the illegal business.
According to the investigation, expired agricultural chemicals were allegedly mixed together and repackaged before being sold as branded pesticides. Officials said the accused used counterfeit labels of nearly 11 to 12 reputed companies and even displayed fake GST numbers to make the products appear genuine.
The accused, identified as Somasundar, allegedly introduced himself as a crop expert to gain the confidence of farmers. Investigators said he primarily approached horticulture growers cultivating grapes, mangoes and pomegranates, convincing them to purchase the counterfeit pesticides directly from him.
Officials believe the suspect was producing more than 50 liters of fake pesticide every day before personally visiting farms to market and sell the products. During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted to manufacturing counterfeit pesticides. However, he claimed that he had been involved in the activity only for the past three days, a statement that investigators are expected to verify as the inquiry continues.
The Agriculture Department warned that the use of counterfeit pesticides can cause severe crop damage while also affecting soil fertility and the surrounding environment. Such products may fail to control pests effectively and could result in significant financial losses for farmers who unknowingly purchase them.
Following the raid, a formal complaint has been registered at the Chikkaballapur police station, and further investigation is underway to determine whether more people were involved in the operation and how widely the fake products had been distributed.
Agriculture Vigilance Squad officer Mohan has appealed to farmers to remain cautious while purchasing pesticides. He advised growers to buy crop protection products only from authorized dealers, insist on proper purchase receipts and verify product details before use. Officials believe these precautions can help prevent fraud and protect both agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods.
