Gadwal – Authorities in Gadwal district are cracking down on the sale of fake seeds to protect local farmers. District Collector B.M. Santosh has made it clear that seed dealers will be held fully responsible if counterfeit seeds are found in the market.
Speaking at a recent event, the Collector stressed the importance of selling only certified, high-quality seeds. The meeting, held at the IDOC hall, marked the distribution of e-POS machines to 511 seed dealers. The program was organized by the Agriculture Department with support from Coromandel International Limited.
With early monsoon conditions expected, farmers are preparing to sow cotton and other crops for the Kharif season. The Collector warned that any dealer found selling fake seeds or creating artificial shortages of seeds and fertilizers would face serious consequences. Surprise inspections will be conducted, and violators may be charged under the Preventive Detention (PD) Act.
He also advised farmers to carefully check seed quality before purchase and urged dealers not to overcharge. The new e-POS machines are expected to bring more transparency and prevent fraud in seed sales.
District Superintendent of Police (SP) Srinivas Rao, who also spoke at the event, said the police are working closely with agriculture officials to stop the spread of fake seeds. He noted that while past years saw many such cases, strict enforcement has helped reduce the problem.
To control the movement of uncertified paddy seeds from other states, officials have set up six check posts along the district borders. Anyone caught selling or distributing fake seeds will be prosecuted under the PD Act, the SP warned.
Other key officials at the event included District Agriculture Officer Sakriya Naik, Assistant Director of Agriculture Sangeetha Lakshmi, District Cooperative Officer Srinivas, DSP Mogulayya, Mandal Agriculture Officers, and Coromandel representative Govind Rao. Many seed dealers from across the district also participated.
Farmers or citizens who suspect the sale of fake seeds are urged to report immediately by calling the Agriculture Helpline or contacting the nearest police station.
