Substandard green manure seeds being supplied to farmers in Khammam: Rythu Sangham
The Khammam Telangana Rythu Sangham has alleged that green manure seeds supplied under a government subsidy scheme are of poor quality and have failed to germinate. The farmers' body has demanded an inquiry and action against those responsible for the distribution
Khammam: The agriculture department, which has been campaigning to educate farmers about the quality of seeds, has allegedly failed to maintain the quality of green manure seeds being supplied to farmers.
Khammam Telangana Rythu Sangham has complained that green manure seeds being distributed to farmers by the government at a 50 per cent subsidy for the Kharif season are of substandard quality.
The sangham’s district secretary, Bonthu Rambabu, speaking to Telangana Today, expressed concern that the agriculture department, which is supposed to prevent the distribution of adulterated or substandard seeds, is itself distributing poor-quality seeds.
He said the green manure seeds supplied to farmers in Kallur, Wyra and other parts of the district failed to germinate. Seed treatment and grading of the green manure seeds were not carried out properly.
As a result, farmers are left wondering whom they can approach with their grievances. It was unfortunate that officials procured and supplied such substandard seeds out of greed for commissions, Rambabu alleged.
He also noted that the annual increase in green manure seed prices by the government has been placing an additional financial burden on farmers. A 30 kg bag of green manure seeds is being sold at Rs 2,500.
The Rythu Sangham leader demanded that Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao order a comprehensive inquiry into the distribution of the substandard seeds and take action against those responsible.
