The commission noted that paddy crops sown with Siri-101 and Kaveri varieties from Venkata Sai Seeds in Gaddipally reached the ripening stage in just 40 days instead of the usual 70
Suryapet: Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission chairman M. Kodanda Reddy announced on Thursday that a report on crop losses due to spurious seeds will soon be submitted to the state government. Accompanied by commission members, Reddy inspected damaged fields at Potlaphad in Penphad mandal.
During a review meeting at the district Collector’s chamber in Suryapet, he urged that only permitted dealers selling certified seeds should operate in the district. “Seed companies must prioritise farmers’ interests over profits, as poor-quality seeds can lead to complete loss of investment,” he said.
The commission noted that paddy crops sown with Siri-101 and Kaveri varieties from Venkata Sai Seeds in Gaddipally reached the ripening stage in just 40 days instead of the usual 70. When questioned, representatives from Venkata Sai Seeds attributed the rapid growth to weather conditions — a claim refuted by agricultural scientists. The agriculture department has taken action against the dealer for selling uncertified seeds.
Reddy also questioned district collector Tejas Nandlal Pawar on measures to curb the marketing of spurious seeds and instructed officials to maintain a zero-tolerance policy to protect farmers from further losses.
