Government Intensifies Crackdown On Spurious Cotton Seed Sellers Amid farmers' Crisis
The fake seeds smuggled from Maharashtra and Gujarat have low germination, poor yields, bollworm vulnerability, and need excessive herbicide use that damages soil and biodiversity.
HYDERABAD: The state government said it would ramp up action against spurious cotton seeds, which have left farmers with huge losses. Some of the seeds were of herbicide tolerant (HT) varieties which have been banned by the centre.
The fake seeds smuggled from Maharashtra and Gujarat have low germination, poor yields, bollworm vulnerability, and need excessive herbicide use that damages soil and biodiversity.
Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao at a meeting on Thursday directed officials to block unauthorised HT seeds — developed by Monsanto but rejected over failed field trials and environmental risks. Addressing agriculture director Dr Gopi and seed company representatives, the minister expressed outrage at profiteers duping farmers, despite 20 authorised producers and 40 certified suppliers delivering 1.10 crore packets last year.
He ordered task force teams at border areas to mount round-the-clock surveillance against illegal transport. He also mandated awareness campaigns to urge farmers to avoid HT seeds.
