Probe Ordered Into Groundnut Seed Scam
Under the NFSM, selected farmers were to receive ‘Visishta’ variety groundnut seed kernels with 100 per cent subsidy. The seeds were reportedly distributed across 20 mandals in the two districts
KURNOOL: Alleged irregularities in the distribution of subsidised ‘Visishta’ variety groundnut seed kernels under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) have come to light in Kurnool and Nandyal districts, prompting the Kurnool district administration to order an inquiry.
Under the NFSM, selected farmers were to receive ‘Visishta’ variety groundnut seed kernels with 100 per cent subsidy. The seeds were reportedly distributed across 20 mandals in the two districts.
However, allegations have emerged that some agriculture officials showed the seeds as having been distributed to farmers who had not cultivated groundnut. Their fingerprints were allegedly obtained and beneficiary details uploaded on the e-Krishi app to show that they had received the seeds.
The alleged irregularities came to light when genuine farmers approached agriculture offices seeking subsidised seeds and were reportedly told that the allotted stock had already been distributed.
Kurnool agriculture department deputy director M. Varalakshmi said the department had received information about the alleged sale of the seed kernels.
“We came to know that the groundnut seed kernels were sold. We have ordered an inquiry and action will be taken against those found responsible,” she said.
Sources said those allegedly involved attempted to cover up the irregularities by arranging stocks from other dealers overnight after inspection teams began visiting the mandals concerned.
Groundnut seed kernels worth around ₹4 crore were allegedly sold in Kurnool district alone, sources said. Farmers have also alleged the involvement of district-level officials and questioned whether an inquiry by the same department would be impartial.
“If district-level officials are involved and they themselves order the inquiry, what purpose will it serve? An independent probe is needed,” said M. Narayana Reddy, a farmer from Kodumur.
Kurnool district collector Dr A. Siri said inspection teams had been constituted to investigate the allegations. “We have appointed inspection teams to verify the allegations. Whoever is found involved will face action,” she said.
The allegations have disappointed farmers who had planned to cultivate groundnut, particularly under borewell irrigation, expecting to receive the subsidised seeds. The state agriculture directorate is also reportedly examining the alleged irregularities.