Government Intensifies Crackdown On Spurious Cotton Seed Sellers Amid farmers’ Crisis

Hyderabad: The state government said it will step up action against fake cotton seeds, which are causing huge losses to farmers. Some of the seeds were from herbicide-resistant (HT) varieties banned by the centre.

Fake seeds smuggled from Maharashtra and Gujarat have low germination rate, low yield, are susceptible to bollworms and require excessive use of herbicides, which damages soil and biodiversity.

Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, in a meeting on Thursday, directed officials to block unauthorized HT seeds developed by Monsanto but rejected due to failed field trials and environmental risks. Addressing agriculture director Dr Gopi and seed company representatives, the minister expressed anger that profiteers were cheating farmers despite 20 authorized producers and 40 certified suppliers delivering 1.10 crore packages last year.

He ordered task force teams in border areas to conduct 24-hour surveillance against illegal transport. It also organized awareness campaigns to encourage farmers to stay away from HT seeds.