Karnataka - Bijapur   

Chaotic scenes at many seed distribution centres in Bijapur

Staff Correspondent

RESTORING ORDER: Police intervening after a commotion broke out at a seed distribution centre in Bijapur on Saturday.

BIJAPUR: Farmers, who are eager to commence kharif sowing, appear to be running out of time as there is shortage of seeds for subsidised distribution.

The Department of Agriculture is providing seeds of various crop to small and marginal farmers at a subsidy of 75 per cent. All farmers, whose land holdings are below five acres, have been issued with identity cards to avail the benefit. Arrangements have been made at 29 centres including, 18 Raitha Samparka Kendras across the district for the distribution.

However, reports from different taluks suggest a dismal picture. There were complaints of manipulation and disorder from almost all seed centres. On Saturday, the police had to be called in to restore order at the centre at the department office. Farmers were enraged when representatives of some seed company were allowed to take an indent from them. They started a heated argument with department staff and commotion followed. Some tried to forcibly gain entry into the godown and the police, who were called in, had to use mild force to bring the situation under control.

A common complaint by farmers was that they were not being supplied the seeds of the brand they wanted.

"I asked for "Lakshmi-999" variety maize but they gave me "K-244" variety of a different company," Yogesh Jadav, a marginal farmer from Makanapur village, said. Chandrashekhar Math and D.I. Narahatti of Shirnal village had different tale to narrate. They came for the second consecutive day on Saturday but till 3 p.m. they could not get the subsidised seeds. "There was good rainfall in our village two days ago, and sowing should have been completed by today. If delayed further, the sowing may not be possible. Everybody wants seeds as it is right time for sowing. More counters should be opened to ease the rush and services of company agents should not be taken in the process," they said.

However, Assistant Director of Agriculture D.B. Bajantri said as it was second Saturday and so a holiday for the office. Yet, the counter was opened for the benefit of farmers. Since staff had not come in full strength assistance from the private agents was taken.

However, there was no scope for manipulation. Only those variety seeds recommended by central purchase committee had been distributed, he added.

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Chaotic scenes at many seed distribution centres in Bijapur

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