Agri. Minister asks seed companies to help check sale of spurious seed
The Hindu
Agri. Minister asks seed companies to help check sale of spurious seed
HYDERABAD
Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said that the State Government would not spare those involved in the sale of spurious or inferior quality seed. Farmers were suffering heavy loss as a result. He blamed it on the laws governing seed production and marketing (law made in 1966 and amendments made later) which are not stringent.
At the 29th annual general meeting of the Seedsmen Association on Thursday, he said that government would support the efforts made by seed companies to make seed produced in Telangana popular, not only across the country but all over the world. Telangana has most suitable conditions for seed production, he said.
At the same time, the government was committed to protect the interests of farmers, including those producing seeds on behalf of seed companies.
He stated that the Seedsmen Association, which began its activities with about 30 members in 1995, has about 507 members representing seed producing companies across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He complimented them for making Telangana the number one seed producing State in the country.
Congratulating the new office-bearers of the association, the Minister said about 5 lakh farmers were raising seed crops in about 8 lakh acres in Telangana and providing direct and indirect employment to a large number of families. He acknowledged that farmers producing seeds were making 30% to 40% higher income compared to farmers raising regular crops.
The State Government had issued instructions to bankers to increase the scale of finance by 30% to 50% to help seed producing farmers meet higher costs involved in its production compared to the scale of finance given for raising regular crops, he said, and suggested the seed companies to take measures at their end to prevent spurious seed sale.
Chennai Metrowater's two major projects approved by the State government aim to enhance the city's water and sewer infrastructure.
Coimbatore autorickshaw driver B. Sangeetha to attend Republic Day reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, honoring her dedication and hard work.
Join the vibrant Sankranti celebrations at Indrakeeladri with traditional Bhogi bonfires and ‘Bommala Koluvu’ from January 14-16.
India's first airside reefer truck launched at Hyderabad airport, enhancing cold-chain logistics for temperature-sensitive cargo.
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) vice chancellor B.C. Bhagavan on January 13, said safeguarding the youth from substance abuse is an urgent national responsibility, noting that drug addiction is closely linked to depression and emotional distres.
Women possess inherent skills that can be harnessed for entrepreneurship, said Athmika Amin, director of J.V. Group of Companies, Mangaluru, on January 13.
Coimbatore Corporation's 24/7 water supply project faces delays, now set for completion in February, with ongoing household connections.
Students cause chaos on Thoothukudi roads during Pongal celebrations; police seize 15 bikes for safety violations.
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav emphasizes NDA's farmer-friendly initiatives while laying the foundation stone for a new temple structure.
‘Samathuva Pongal 2026’ celebrated at Salem and Namakkal Collectorates with traditional events, competitions, and cultural performances.
GBA elections will be conducted within the Supreme Court's deadline, addressing women's reservation concerns, assures D.K. Shivakumar.
Mangaluru police have applied the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA) against three recently arrested for extortion.
Water level in Mullaperiyar dam stood at 129.80 feet (the maximum permissible level is 142 ft.) with an inflow of 522 cusecs and a discharge of 1,000 cusecs.