24.—(1) In addition to the general powers conferred by section 35(1) of the Act and the powers conferred by the foregoing rules, an agricultural officer may, at any time —
(a)
enter and inspect any premises which he has reason to believe has been used or is being used for the cultivation of plants;
(b)
enter and inspect any farm for the purpose of ascertaining whether any unregistered pesticide is being applied or used thereon;
[S 10/1999 wef 08/01/1999]
(c)
inspect any place used for the storage of the pesticides which are being applied or used in the cultivation of plants;
(d)
open and examine any container or receptacle which contains or which the agricultural officer reasonably believes to contain, any pesticide;
(e)
require any licensee or any other person having the charge of the licensee’ s farm or any pesticide operator to furnish such information and particulars as the agricultural officer may reasonably require;
(f)
require any pesticide operator to produce for inspection, any record made by him pursuant to rule 21(1) (g); and
(g)
do such other act or thing as may be necessary for the purpose of carrying out his duties under these Rules.
(2) Any person who obstructs any agricultural officer in the exercise of his powers under this rule shall be guilty of an offence.