Onion seeds fail to sprout, farmers in the doldrums

Dinesh Kanwar

Hamirpur, December 17

Onion seeds, supplied to farmers by the Agriculture Department, have reportedly failed to germinate, leaving thousands of farmers worried.

It was learnt from reliable sources that the seeds, supplied by the department to the farmers in early October to produce a nursery of onion, had not sprouted. Farmers set up nursery either to plant these in their own fields or for commercial sale but the non-germination of seeds had left farmers in the doldrums.

It was learnt that the problem had been reported by the farmers from across the state. Sources revealed that the department had constituted a team to check the fields. The department had also summoned the company that had supplied the seeds which were provided at Rs 730 per kg to the farmers. Onion is produced in lower reaches of Hamirpur, Kangra, Solan, Mandi, Bilaspur, part of Kullu and Chamba districts.

Archana Devi, the officer dealing in the purchase of the seeds, said the reports of non-germination of seeds were received and inquiry had been initiated.

Yudhbir Singh Pathania, Deputy Director, Agriculture, said a team had come from headquarters to investigate the issue and matter was still under investigation.

Deshraj, Director, Agriculture said the matter was under investigation hence the department was waiting for the reports of experts.

Surprisingly, no one was able to comment on how the loss to thousands of farmers would be compensated.

Supplier firm summoned

• Farmers from across the state have lodged a complaint
• The department has formed a team to undertake checks 
• It has summoned the company that had supplied  seeds