Tummala Orders Crackdown on Spurious Seeds, Calls for Zero Tolerance
As part of preparations for the Kharif 2026 season, the Minister reviewed seed availability crop-wise and company-wise. He directed officials to ensure that only high-quality, high-yielding seeds are made available to farmers
Hyderabad: Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Thursday held a comprehensive review meeting with officials of the Agriculture Department, Seed Development Corporation, and representatives of seed companies at the Secretariat here.
As part of preparations for the Kharif 2026 season, the Minister reviewed seed availability crop-wise and company-wise. He directed officials to ensure that only high-quality, high-yielding seeds are made available to farmers.
The Minister emphasized strict action against spurious seeds and instructed officials to coordinate with the police department to curb their production, transportation, and sale. He called for a zero-tolerance policy in dealing with substandard seeds.
For Kharif 2026, cultivation is expected in approximately 134.66 lakh acres, requiring an estimated 19.42 lakh quintals of seeds. Currently, 38.21 lakh quintals of seeds are available in the state, nearly double the requirement.
In cotton cultivation, with a target of around 52 lakh acres, officials informed that against a requirement of 104 lakh packets, 212.11 lakh packets are available. The Minister stated that the higher availability compared to last year would boost farmer confidence.
Special focus was laid on hybrid seed availability. The Minister directed companies to prioritize supply based on farmers’ demand and ensure strict quality monitoring through seed testing laboratories.
He warned of stringent legal action against the production and sale of substandard seeds, recalling that licenses were cancelled in the past for violations. Companies were instructed to submit monthly stock details to the government and bear losses arising from self-certified seeds.
The Minister also stressed that paddy varieties should be selected based on inputs from farmers, millers, and consumers, aligning with international export standards. He directed companies to make seeds available to farmers from May 15.
To curb illegal seed activities, he ordered the officials of special task force teams from district to mandal levels. Strict vigilance was mandated at state borders to prevent the entry of illegal HT cotton seeds and the movement of loose cotton seeds.
Highlighting the need for transparency, the Minister called for strengthening the licensing system. He directed that GOT-failed cotton seeds be declared unfit for use and prevented from reaching farmers.
On co-marketing practices, he noted irregularities where seed identity and branding lack clarity. He stated that the government would not tolerate misuse of legal loopholes to mislead farmers and instructed officials to frame clear regulations, including examining the possibility of banning co-marketing if necessary.
Officials also informed that special measures are being taken to promote green manure seeds to improve soil fertility. For Kharif 2026, 1.95 lakh quintals are planned for distribution at an estimated cost of Rs.134 crore.
The Minister reiterated that all seeds must be made available to farmers well before the sowing season, with strict adherence to quality standards and continuous awareness programs for farmers.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector, ensuring quality seed supply, and eliminating fake seeds from the system.
