Karimnagar: The agrarian community is worried a lot over the menace of adulterated seeds and fertilisers ahead of kharif season slated for June. The gullible farmers often end up purchasing adulterated seeds and thus incur losses. Absence of vigilance officers has resulted in unauthorised brands doing the rounds. Now agriculture authorities have formed two special task force teams for checking the trading of counterfeit seeds and fertilisers in the ensuing season.
Farming community of the district has been reeling under crisis since two years. Area of cultivation has dropped following scanty rainfall and depleted groundwater table. Despite odds, the farmers began preparations for this kharif season. Incidentally the meteorological department predicted that the forthcoming monsoon would record above-normal rainfall.
The farmers would start tilling their fields in summer and then buying seeds, fertilisers and pesticides in the last week of May. Considering heavy demand for seeds, some unauthorised brands are promoting adulterated seeds of cotton and paddy, and prime crops rose into market in this month. They indulge in this offence through agents by offering handsome income.
Deputy director of agriculture Chatru Naik said that the teams would conduct surprise raids and inspections on outlets of seeds and fertilisers from June 18. They will also clamp down on the guilty. Cases will be booked against companies involved in this menace, he cautioned.
In the meantime, the government decided to take up selling of subsidised seeds through cooperative societies, which are already successfully trading fertilisers since eight years. As many as 134 societies are likely to be assigned with this task. It remains to be seen whether the racket would be curbed or not.
