QUETTA(National Times)- The Balochistan government conditionally lifted the ban on the sale and purchase of urea fertiliser in 17 more districts on Monday evening, according to an official notification.

Imposed in August over concerns about its use by anti-state elements to make explosive devices, the ban caused severe difficulties for farmers and sparked protests in some areas of the province.

The notification, issued by the Agriculture Department’s director general of extension, allows conditional urea sales in Hub, Jaffarabad, Sohbatpur, Usta Muhammad, Jhal Magsi, Dera Bugti, Barkhan, Sibi, Kachhi, Khuzdar, Kharan, Loralai, Qila Saifullah, Quetta, Pishin, Kalat and Panjgur, in addition to Nasirabad and Lasbela.

Under the new directives, fertiliser dealers must strictly follow prescribed SOPs and maintain complete records of sales to farmers.

“Sale and purchase of urea fertiliser without prescribed protocols is strictly prohibited, and no parallel system contrary to the newly prescribed protocol will be acceptable; rather, it will be considered illegal,” the official notification said.

Agriculture Department officers, deputy commissioners and law enforcement agencies will strictly monitor fertiliser stocks and their movement, reporting any violations immediately. Dealers found violating the prescribed procedures will face strict action and have their licences cancelled.