Rising SPSR Nellore farmer concerns over poor-quality seeds

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2025-08-26 01:26:28 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 11:34:38

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As the sowing window opens in the SPSR Nellore district between mid-November and December, farmers have begun to express concerns regarding the quality of the seeds they have been procuring in preparation for the rabi (October-April) season.

Recent complaints from farmers in Kondapuram village prompted District Agriculture Officer P. Satyavani to inspect a sample of 60 outlets, collecting 47 seed samples to be tested in laboratories.

Speaking to The Hindu, Ms. Satyavani said:

"If the germination of the seeds is less than 80%, we declare them as substandard and take action againstthe dealers."

Paddy is the district's most significant crop, with the local agriculture department distributing 11,500 quintals of seeds at subsidized prices. Only 20% of the district's farmers rely on these government-supplied seeds, with the rest either sourcing from private dealers or using their own.

The rabi season sees some 2 lakh hectares of the district cultivated. While black gram is the second most significant crop, recent decreases in September rainfall have hampered its growth. Tobacco and Bengal gram are also key crops, with 10,000 and 8,000 hectares cultivated, respectively.

Paddy seed distribution is not yet complete, with the department also supplying 14,000 quintals of Bengal gram seeds at subsidized prices. The Tobacco Board has also been making efforts to support local farmers. Ms. Satyavani expects the total number of farmers this year to be confirmed once issuance of the utilization certificate is concluded.

All constituencies have seed testing labs, except Udayagiri, with the DAO also advising farmers to exercise caution while sowing.

"Rabi is the main agriculture season here as the district receives more rain during the the Northeast Monsoon between October and December," she added.

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