Technical error, moisture loss behind lighter fertiliser bags:

A preliminary inquiry into the allegations of fertiliser bags found weighing less than their disclosed weight by around 400 grams has pinned the blame on moisture loss coupled with a technical error, a state-run Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (GSFC) official said Monday.

Addressing a press conference in Gandhinagar, GSFC Managing Director Sujit Gulati said an independent expert has been appointed to find out how the technical error took place and whether some staff were at fault as well.

The sale of the firm's 50-kilogramme Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser bags have been stopped from all its depots in Gujarat, he said, adding that they have been told to start the sale only after making sure of the 50-kg weight.

"Moisture loss is one of the likely reasons for the loss in weight. Our internal inquiry suggested that since these bags were packed in January, we estimated moisture loss may lead to weight reduction of around 100-125 grams," he said.

"Another