Raichur: Farmers in the district, particularly small and marginal farmers, are likely to face a shortage of seeds during this kharif season owing to lack of funds with the Agricultural Department here.

The shortage may also affect the targeted sowing of kharif crops in the district.

Since last year, the Government had made arrangements to supply seeds to farmers holding small and marginal land at a subsidised price. Eligible farmers can procure seeds from the raitha samparka kendras on subsidy up to 75 per cent.

According to sources from the Agricultural Department here, the department had submitted a report to the Government seeking release of Rs. 12.25 crore for procuring about 4,000 quintal of seeds to take up kharif sowing. It received a grant of Rs. 2.14 crore for the purpose.

The sources said the department had identified about 72,500 small farmers and 89,000 farmers holding marginal land in the district with cultivable land of about 45,000 hectares and 1.46 lakh hectares, respectively. It has to procure the required quantity of seeds for distributing them to these farmers at subsidised prices.

According to the demand from the farmers, the department has to procure about 1,000 quintals of sunflower seeds, 2,500 quintals of paddy seeds, 200 quintals of bajra seeds, 85 quintals of tur seeds, 120 quintals of greengram seeds, 35 quintals of maize seeds 20 quintals of hybrid jowar seeds and 15 quintals of cotton seeds. It already submitted its requirement to the dealers concerned in anticipation of release of required grant from the government. However, the shortage in the allocation of funds might affect seed procurement this season.

During this kharif season, the department has expected to cover crops on about 2.99 lakh hectares both in irrigated and rain-fed areas in the district.

It set a target to take up the sowing of cereals on about 1.26 lakh hectares, pulses on about 29,000 hectares, oilseeds in about 1.30 lakh hectares and cotton on about 13,200 hectares.

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