Legislation to check spurious seeds on the anvil

Hyderabad: The Government of Telangana is going to bring out a new legislation in the forthcoming winter session of the State Legislative Assembly to the effect that the seed companies should pay compensation to the farmers for having supplied them spurious seeds.

The State Government cancelled dealerships of over 100 seed dealers as spurious chilli seeds damaged crop prospects of farmers in thousands of acres. It went one step ahead and placed three officials under suspension for having given them licenses. A committee headed by Dr Saidaiah toured Warangal and Khammam districts and attributed the crop loss to spurious seeds. In its report, the committee laid emphasis on compensating the farmers for the loss sustained.

A furious Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao held a meeting and called for strict action against those who are responsible for circulation of spurious seeds. He issued a stern warning that spurious seeds should not surface again in Telangana.

A committee headed by Agriculture secretary Parthasarathi is finalising modalities on the proposed legislation on spurious seeds.