Hyderabad: Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Thursday conducted a seed availability review for Kharif 2026 and directed officials to ensure quality supply while taking strict action against fake seeds.
He held a review meeting with Agriculture Department officials, Seed Development Corporation authorities, and seed company representatives at the Secretariat. During the meeting, he assessed crop-wise and company-wise seed availability.
The Minister said only high-quality and high-yielding seeds must reach farmers. He stressed that the ongoing seed availability review should focus on meeting demand without compromising standards.
Seed availability review highlights surplus stocks
Officials informed the Minister that Kharif cultivation may cover 134.66 lakh acres. This area requires about 19.42 lakh quintals of seeds. However, the state currently holds 38.21 lakh quintals, nearly double the requirement.
In cotton, officials set a cultivation target of around 52 lakh acres. They said farmers need 104 lakh seed packets. At present, 212.11 lakh packets are available. Therefore, the Minister noted that higher availability would improve farmer confidence.
He also stressed the need to prioritise hybrid seeds based on demand. He directed companies to ensure strict monitoring through seed testing laboratories.
Seed availability review calls for zero tolerance on fake seeds
Tummala Nageswara Rao ordered strict action against fake and substandard seeds. He asked officials to coordinate with the police to curb illegal production, transport, and sale. He emphasised a zero-tolerance approach.
Tummala warned companies of strong legal action for violations. He recalled that authorities had cancelled licences in earlier cases. He also directed firms to submit monthly stock reports and bear losses from self-certified seeds.
The Minister said seed supply must align with farmer, miller, and consumer needs. He asked officials to consider export standards while selecting paddy varieties. He directed companies to supply seeds from May 15.
To check illegal activities, he ordered special task force teams at district and mandal levels. He also mandated strict border vigilance to stop illegal HT cotton seeds and loose seed movement.
The Minister called for transparency in licensing. Tummala directed officials to block GOT-failed cotton seeds from reaching farmers. He also flagged irregularities in co-marketing practices and asked for clear regulations. He said the government may consider banning co-marketing if needed.
Officials said the government would promote green manure seeds to improve soil fertility. They plan to distribute 1.95 lakh quintals at a cost of ₹134 crore.
The Minister reiterated that authorities must supply seeds well before the sowing season. He also stressed continuous farmer awareness programmes. He affirmed the government’s commitment to quality supply and eliminating fake seeds.
Senior officials, including Seed Development Corporation Chairman Anvesh Reddy, Agriculture Secretary Surendra Mohan, Agriculture Director Gopi, Horticulture Director Yasmin Basha, MARKFED MD Srinivas Reddy, Marketing Director Lakshmibai, and others attended the meeting.