Vigilance squad sent to act on seeds being sold at high prices

Minister tells officers concerned to book those indulging in such malpractice

Taking note of complaints about chilli seeds being sold to farmers at exorbitant prices in the black market, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa directed the Ballari district administration to conduct random raids on those agro traders indulging in malpractice and take stringent action against culprits. “Ours is pro-farmer government and exploitation of farmers cannot be tolerated. The Agriculture and Horticulture departments should swiftly act upon the complaints and revert back to me immediately. Those who are found guilty of selling seeds to farmers at inflated rates should be booked under relevant laws. The members of the vigilance squad need not be present in this meeting and you should right now conduct raids,” he told the officers concerned and sent the vigilance squad members to take up the task. Mr. Eshwarappa was chairing a meeting convened for reviewing the progress of work under his department in Ballari on Monday.