Quality of paddy seed questioned

Tribune News Service

Karnal, May 26

Scores of farmers from the district have alleged that the quality of PB-1509, a paddy seed variety, procured from the National Seed Corporation (NSC) is not up to the mark. They alleged that the corporation had sold them outdated seed.

“I had bought 30 kg seed of the PB-1509 variety at the rate of Rs 40 per kg from the Mall Road sale counter of the NSC, but nearly 70 per cent of the seed failed to germinate,” said Dalip Singh, a farmer from Bal Pabana village.

“Now, I have no time to sow another paddy nursery. The government should compensate my loss,” he said.

Amrit Choudhary, a farmer from Sonkra village, said that he felt cheated as the quality of the seed procured from the NSC was very poor, resulting in a huge loss to him.

The government should inquire into the matter, he demanded.

MC Rohilla, Area Manager, NSC, said that some farmers came to them with complaints of poor germination of the paddy variety due to hot weather. “We are inquiring into the matter. Farmers who have been facing problem can approach the Mall Road centre with receipt of the procurement so that their problem can be resolved,” he said.