Maharashtra govt warns firms against substandard seed supply, price hike

Maharashtra govt warns firms against substandard seed supply

The MAHARASHTRA government has asked seed companies not to increase prices to supply quality soybeans and other seeds in the next khariff season to farmers. The government also warned of tough action if companies sold substandard seeds or hoarded them to increase demand and prices.

Taking lessons from last year when farmers suffered a major setback due to fake seeds, the government has started a new monitoring mechanism to keep an eye on the supply and demand chain. You also want to make sure there is the right workforce to take swift action against bad practice companies.

Agriculture Minister Dadasaheb Bhuse said: “The pre-khariff season plan is in place. I have ordered the department, the district authorities and the agricultural centers not to compromise the quality of the seeds. You cannot negotiate with farmers’ rights. Citing higher standards, some companies may try to raise prices. We will not allow that. ”

Most of the seed supply is through Maharashtra State Seed Corporation Limited (MSSCL), National Seed Corporation and private companies. Last year, MSSCL was found to be supplying substandard seed, causing great embarrassment in the state.

Officially, 50,000 farmers submitted written complaints to the Ministry of Agriculture about the fake seeds and the huge financial loss. As the seeds did not germinate, the farmers had to carry out a second sowing. It incurred additional expenses for compost and fresh seeds.

An agriculture department official said: “Any company, individual or group found to be selling fake seeds will be subjected to harsh punishment, including imprisonment and a fine.”

The area under cultivation during this year’s khariff season is estimated at 141.94 lakh hectares. The main crops are soybeans, jowar, bajra, cotton, moong, udat, tur, and corn. The state requires 16.67 lakh of quintal seeds, which are supplied to farmers through Mahabeej, the National Seed Corporation and private companies.

The main soybean cultivation area is 42 lakh hectares, which will require 31.66 lakh of quintal seeds. The state has urged the Center to provide two lakh metric tons of urea. The government will also maintain a reserve stock of 1.5 lakh metric tons to avoid any shortages.