Narowal (Punjab) [Pakistan], The agricultural landscape of Narowal district of Pakistan has been affected by fake fertilizer and pesticide scam, with disastrous consequences for farmers. Following laboratory tests on samples from 46 companies, authorities have taken legal action against 29 dealers accused of distributing fake agricultural inputs, reports Dawn. The consequences of this fraudulent activity have been severe, especially for the region's wheat farmers. Wheat crops spread over 2,173 acres have been destroyed, resulting in a loss of over PKR 300 million to the affected farmers. In 2024, wheat was cultivated in 3,15,680 acres out of 4,58,000 acres of agricultural land in Narowal.However, farmers faced significant challenges due to shortage of essential fertilizers like DAP and Urea. As Dawn reports, they had to pay exorbitant prices to unscrupulous dealers to access the black market. Despite their efforts to save their crops by timely application of pesticides, the use of counterfeit products proved disastrous. Farmers like Muhammad Abrar of Chak Amro tehsil, Shakargarh, realized too late that the fertilizers and pesticides they had purchased were fake, resulting in the destruction of their 19-acre wheat crop. Similarly, widow Kulsoom Bibi of Nunar town of Narowal was also affected.He expressed grief over the complete loss of his nine-acre wheat crop due to the use of fake inputs. Muhammad Sharif of Kot Nainan, who had invested borrowed money in wheat cultivation, found himself burdened with huge debts when his crop, along with that of many other farmers, was destroyed due to spurious fertilizers and pesticides. Narowal Deputy Director of Agriculture Muhammad Tanvir, understanding their plight, led efforts to deal with the crisis. Following the laboratory results, an FIR was lodged against the guilty fertilizer sellers. Tanveer stressed that strict legal action will be taken against companies whose products are found to be fake.The figures of this fraud are shocking, wheat crop in 2,173 acres has been destroyed in Narowal district. The affected farmers, grappling with their losses, have called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to immediately intervene and provide much-needed relief. , DAW reports.