The situation in Jogulamba Gadwal district is dire for farmers cultivating seed cotton. They invest heavily in this crop, spending between Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh per acre. If the seeds germinate successfully, they can save between Rs. 50 thousand to Rs. 1 lakh per acre. However, if the seeds fail to germinate, farmers face significant financial losses as they receive no returns.
The issue of failed cotton seeds in Jogulamba Gadwal district is worsened by a lack of government orders and oversight. There are allegations of malpractice by some organizers and seed traders who treat failed seeds with acid and dye before repackaging them under different company names to sell at high rates.
Farmers are facing legal action if they try to sell these failed seeds or even store them at home. Cases are being filed against farmers, and the district administration seizes the failed seeds without providing clear guidance. Farmers are unsure of what to do if seed companies refuse to take back the failed seeds, leaving them in a difficult position.
Seed companies determine seed viability post-harvest, with samples meeting germination standards earning farmers money. Those that don’t meet standards result in no returns for farmers. The lack of agreements or protections leaves farmers vulnerable to financial losses, with failed seeds sometimes not even returned to them.
Farmers demand more accountability and clear guidelines from seed companies and the government to address these issues. The lack of support from agriculture officers and the government on what to do with failed seeds leads to additional legal troubles for farmers who often store them at home.
Cotton is grown on approximately 2 lakh acres in Gadwal district, with over 40 thousand acres dedicated to seed cotton. Companies only accept seeds with more than 80 percent germination, leaving farmers with less viable seeds in a difficult position. Proposals for re-germination have been made, but companies have not accepted them, leading to further challenges for farmers.
Scientists suggest that companies might approve seed quality based on market demand, but if there is none, they reject the seeds, causing failures for farmers. Farmers are urged to form committees to manage the re-germination process themselves and officials to focus on addressing these issues to protect farmers’ interests and livelihoods.
Officials should provide clarity on failed seeds to help farmers navigate these challenges effectively.
