Farmers in Telangana face rising threat of counterfeit seeds

The State's gross cropped area expanded from 129.04 lakh acres in 2014-15 to 232.58 lakh acres last year. It resulted in a growing demand for high-quality seeds.

Hyderabad: As Telangana gears up for the Kharif 2025 season, meeting the seed requirements for its vast agricultural expanse remains a pressing challenge.

The State’s gross cropped area expanded from 129.04 lakh acres in 2014-15 to 232.58 lakh acres last year. It resulted in a growing demand for high-quality seeds. Kharif (Vanakalam) operations are to commence in June, barely 75 days away. Kharif will be occupying more than half the gross cropped area in the State.

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The surge in demand for paddy, cotton and maize seeds has placed significant pressure on the distribution system. Despite government efforts to ensure adequate supplies, farmers in districts like Karimnagar, Peddapalli and Jagtial have experienced shortage of certain brands of paddy and cotton seeds, even during the recent Rabi (Yasangi) season.

In some cases, traders have added to the problem by creating artificial scarcity to inflate prices, leaving farmers waiting in long queues at distribution centres.

The menace of counterfeit seeds has re-emerged as a major concern for farmers. Mancherial district, now a hub of illegal activities in this aspect, recorded 12 cases recently, with 1,611 kg of spurious seeds worth Rs.46 lakh being seized.

Special teams have been deployed, and the Preventive Detention Act is being invoked against habitual offenders. In Adilabad district, six cases were booked previously.

A gang that attempted to distribute 700 kg of fake BG-III cotton seeds worth Rs.17.5 lakh was busted during a joint operation with the Hyderabad police recently. The agriculture department is coordinating with law enforcement to intensify surveillance and conduct raids.

Joint teams are being deployed to address the menace of counterfeit seeds. In districts like Nalgonda, where 367 cases of spurious seed marketing have been recorded over the last seven years, authorities are closely monitoring activities. While some cases remain under investigation, officials are focused on pre-emptive measures to protect farmers.

In Khammam district, officials have reached out to farmers through Rythu Vedikas, urging them to avoid dubious brands. Awareness programmes have been ramped up, encouraging farmers to purchase seeds from certified dealers to avoid falling prey to counterfeit products.