Article Today, Hyderabad:
The upcoming monsoon season is set to bring relief to farmers in Telangana, but the current seed procurement process has turned into a nightmare for them. Despite the looming threat of spurious seeds, the state government seems to be turning a blind eye to the menace. In the midst of this chaos, farmers are being duped by traders and middlemen peddling prohibited Bt-3 cotton seeds.
Black Marketing of Branded Seeds
Traders are cornering branded seeds in high demand and selling them in the black market at exorbitant prices. Meanwhile, expired and ordinary seeds are being dumped into the market. ‘The agriculture department is aware of the seeds in demand, but it’s failing to supply them. This has led to black marketing, and farmers are suffering,’ said a distressed farmer.
Lack of Coordination Among Officials
The agriculture department is plagued by a lack of coordination between senior officials, which is evident in the seed supply chain. This disarray has resulted in a shortage of quality seeds, forcing farmers to either wait in long queues or purchase spurious seeds from unauthorized dealers.
Spurious Seeds Flood the Market
Despite the formation of task forces to curb the supply of spurious seeds, the menace continues to plague the state. Prohibited Bt-3 seeds, also known as HT Cotton, are being smuggled in from Gujarat and Maharashtra. These seeds pose a significant threat to bio-safety and the environment. Instead of checking this menace, officials seem to be in cahoots with traders, allowing them to dupe farmers.
Farmers Bear the Brunt
The shortage of quality seeds and the proliferation of spurious seeds have put farmers in a precarious situation. With the monsoon season around the corner, farmers are anxious to sow their crops. However, the lack of seeds and the high prices of spurious seeds are causing immense distress. ‘We are being forced to purchase seeds from unauthorized dealers at exorbitant prices. If the crop fails, who will be held accountable?’ asked a farmer.
Government Failing to Act
The government has estimated that around 55 lakh acres will be brought under cotton cultivation this season, requiring 1.26 crore seed packets. However, only half of the required seeds have been supplied so far. The delay in supply and the lack of quality seeds are causing immense hardship to farmers.
Farmers are Being Exploited…
The situation in Telangana’s cotton belt is grim. Farmers are being exploited by traders and middlemen, while the government seems to be failing in its duty to protect them. The state government needs to take immediate action to curb the supply of spurious seeds, ensure the availability of quality seeds, and protect the interests of farmers. The clock is ticking, and farmers can’t afford to wait.
