Gadwal: Farmers in several villages in Jogulamba Gadwal district are struggling due to actions by seed companies and their agents. Villages like Peddagoflapur, Ittikala, and Mangaldhinna are affected. Initially, companies provided seeds without conditions, but now they demand the destruction of much of the cotton crop, claiming they will only buy a small amount.
Despite favorable weather and timely rains helping the crops grow well, companies now refuse to buy more than 150 packets of produce per farmer. They are pressuring farmers to destroy the remaining crops through their agents.
Farmers are devastated by this sudden change. Many borrowed money to grow seed cotton, hoping to cover costs and earn a profit. Now, they face the painful task of cutting down healthy crops, not because of bad weather, but due to company decisions.
“I took loans and cared for the crop, and now they want me to destroy it. Why weren’t these terms mentioned when they gave me the seeds?” said one farmer.
The companies offer a compensation of just ₹10,000 per acre for the destroyed crops. Farmers argue this is unfair as they spent much more on fertilizers, pesticides, and labor.
Organizers, who acted as go-betweens for companies and farmers, are criticized for siding with companies. These agents initially provided seeds and money without mentioning any conditions.
“Are these organizers truly for farmers, or just company puppets?” questioned a frustrated farmer.
This manipulative system has been in place for years, but this incident highlights the control companies and agents have over local farming.
Farmers now call for immediate action from the government and elected officials. They demand fair compensation and legal measures to stop companies from issuing such harmful orders in the future.
“The companies and agents are at fault. Why should innocent farmers suffer?” asked an elderly farmer worried about his livelihood.
This situation underscores the power imbalance between large agriculture companies and vulnerable farmers, raising questions about regulation in the seed industry.
Without swift action, this crisis could worsen contract farming practices and increase rural distress in one of Telangana’s key farming districts.
Farmers are pressured to remove crops, with only 150 seed packets being bought per farmer. Companies propose low compensation, while organizers face backlash. Farmers claim no terms were agreed during seed distribution. Investments through loans are now uncertain, leading farmers to demand government intervention and justice.
In conclusion, the cotton seed farming model in Telangana, dependent on corporate companies and local agents, faces scrutiny. What began as a hopeful season now risks leaving many families in debt and despair unless accountability is ensured and protections for farmers are urgently implemented.
