Call for action against spurious seeds suppliers

​Gadwal: The Dasa Disa programme organised by HMTV in the newly-formed Jogulamba district brought out some of the most important issues that need to be focussed upon by the government. This included the problems of farmers, illiteracy, irrigation, health and problems of weavers.

The cotton farmers demanded that the government should ensure that they get fair returns for their crop, apart from initiating serious action against spurious seed suppliers, as it was done in Warangal, where the government had booked some of the suppliers under PD Act.

The participants including public representatives felt that the government should also retain the original name of Gadwal and call it as Jogulamba-Gadwal district keeping in view the historical importance of Gadwal.

Representatives of various organisations and farmers stressed upon the need for stern action against the companies which supply spurious seeds. Gopal Yadav, a farmer said that the district monitoring committee was formed two years ago to suggest measures to curb the menace of spurious seeds but the government had failed to take into account its recommendations.

The committee suggested that the affected farmers be compensated by the companies which had supplied spurious seeds. Backing the farmer’s statements, TJAC leader, Madhusudhan Reddy felt that the government was capable of controlling the companies supplying spurious seeds. However, there is a lack of political will, he felt.

Responding to this local MLA, D K Aruna acknowledged that the committee was set up over the issue, but no solution could be reached. However, she assured the farmers that she would take up matter with the government. Reacting to this, former MP Manda Jagannadham said that government was always there to support the farmers. He held that within a time-frame a solution would be found.

M V Abraham, former MLA of Alampur described the new district as the most backward in terms of education. He felt that the education would provide employment to the youth, who are migrating to other cities.

Anjaneyulu, AIYF representative said that the farmers if educated would be more aware of the scientific methodology for producing a good crop. Venkateshwar Rao, a teacher opined that there was need for special schools for drop-outs and child labour.

He felt that in current mechanism of midday meals, the quality of food was being compromised and none from the school has power to question them. Farida Babu, a teacher said that student turn out in most of the government schools was only 30 percent.

Reacting on the growing educational needs, D K Aruna felt that the government should come up with residential schools in each of the mandal headquarters. She also demanded that a Mahila University and agriculture and engineering colleges be set up in the district.

Referring to poor medical facilities in the new district, she said there was urgent need for a super speciality hospital. One of the women participants felt that there was need to have skill development centres for women.