Sale of low quality seeds and fertilisers in district sparks concern

BELAGAVI

Despite monitoring by the agriculture department in district, the sale of poor-quality seeds and fertilisers seems to be flourishing. Soybean seeds sown by farmers in Turukarashigehalli and Hirebagewadi in Kittur taluk did not sprout in the fields. There are allegations that some companies from other states are expanding their sales network by supplying fake seeds and fertilisers to Karnataka. The target for sowing in 7.3 lakh hectares of area during the monsoon season is set in district this time. Of this, 4 lakh hectares are rain fed, and 3.2 lakh hectares are irrigated agricultural land. It is proposed to grow food grains in 2.2 lakh hectares, pulses in 68,000 hectares, oilseeds in 1.2 lakh hectares, and commercial crops in 3.1 lakh hectares. The department of agriculture has already started distributing seeds and fertilisers through 35 farmer contact centres. However, there have been widespread complaints that the seeds and fertilisers distributed through the farmer contact centres are of poor quality. Complaints of poor seed and fertiliser distribution are being heard from Kittur, Belagavi, Bailhongal, Hukkeri, and Chikodi. Farmers have staged protests in many places, including Turukarshigehalli and Hirebagewadi.

Farmers from the district unit of the Negila Yogi Sangha protested in front of the Director of Agriculture department, alleging that poor-quality seeds were distributed in various parts of the district. The Department of Agriculture has taken this issue seriously and has taken steps to resolve the issue after listening to the concerns of the farmers.

Agriculture department officials said that soybean seeds, which are grown in large quantities in district, are being imported from Madhya Pradesh and Bidar, as the climate in these areas is suitable for producing good quality seeds. An estimated 22,000 quintals of soybean seeds have already been distributed.