Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy holds a high-level review at the Secretariat, directing officials to intensify raids and apply the PD Act against those selling counterfeit agricultural inputs.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has ordered a statewide crackdown on traders selling fake seeds and fertilisers. During a review meeting held at the Secretariat on Friday, the CM directed district officials to take strict action against those involved in such illegal activities.
The CM issued clear instructions to the collectors and police officers across districts to stay vigilant and curb the sale of counterfeit seeds. He said that the agriculture and police departments should work together, forming task forces to conduct joint raids. Surveillance at all state borders is to be intensified to prevent the illegal movement of fake agricultural products.
Revanth Reddy also said that officials had detailed information about the offenders, including their locations, storage sites, and transport routes. "No one should be spared," he said, stressing that strict legal action would be taken against anyone caught cheating farmers.The CM instructed that the Preventive Detention (PD) Act be applied to those involved in the fake seed business.
Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao was directed to coordinate with district officials, including collectors, Superintendents of Police (SPs) and police commissioners, to ensure no disruptions in the supply of genuine seeds and fertilisers to farmers.
In the meeting, agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao and senior officials briefed the CM that adequate supplies of seeds and fertilisers were available in all districts. The officials noted that the acreage for paddy and cotton cultivation is expected to rise this season and seed companies are fulfilling the demand from farmers.
Revanth Reddy also stressed the need for widespread awareness campaigns to prevent farmers from falling victim to fake companies. He urged the agriculture department to take proactive steps in educating farmers about the risks of counterfeit products. The CM instructed officials to prepare thoroughly for the monsoon season, ensuring that sufficient seeds and fertilisers are available to meet the growing demands.
The CM reassured farmers about the availability of fertilisers and seeds, urging them to rely on official sources. "With early rains expected this year, as per the Meteorological Department, farmers should be prepared for early sowing and plan their additional crops accordingly," he advised. Revanth also cautioned farmers to buy only properly packed seeds and retain their bills and seed packets throughout the crop cycle to avoid falling prey to fraud.
The meeting was attended by CM's adviser Vem Narender Reddy, MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, finance principal secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania, agriculture secretary M. Raghunandan Rao, agriculture director B. Gopi and senior officials.
