Hyderabad: 100 kg banned cotton seeds seized near Shamirpet; one arrested

Authorities in Hyderabad seized 100 kg of banned BT-3 cotton seeds near Shamirpet and arrested a man from Andhra Pradesh. The accused was allegedly attempting illegal sale to farmers, raising concerns over crop failure and financial risks for cultivators.

Hyderabad: The Special Operations Team (Cantonment) along with the local police and Agriculture Department officials seized 100 kg of banned BT-3 cotton seeds and arrested a man involved in their illegal transport and sale near Shamirpet on Saturday.

The suspect, identified as Srinivasa Rao from Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, was caught while allegedly attempting to sell the prohibited BG-III HP variety cotton seeds to farmers and fertilizer shops on the suburbs.

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Police said the seeds were procured at a low price from a supplier in Andhra Pradesh and were being transported for illegal sale to earn higher profits. He was previously involved in similar cases in Vikarabad district last year.

Two bags containing 50 kg each of the banned seeds were seized from him.

Authorities warned that the use of fake and prohibited cotton seeds could lead to crop failure, soil pollution and severe financial losses for farmers.

The Shamirpet police are investigating.