Akalis oppose Punseed merger

Chandigarh, June 22

The SAD today condemned government’s move to abolish Punseed and merge it with Punjab Agro.

SAD Kisan Wing chief Sikander Singh Maluka said Punseed was responsible for ensuring propagation of quality seed and ensuring it reached the farmer. He said in contrast, Punjab Agro was mandated with ensuring marketing of horticulture produce. He said any move to abolish Punseed would give a fillip to the seed mafia and could result in many more seed scams as the one which happened recently when spurious PR 128 and PR 129 paddy variety seed was sold to unsuspecting farmers. He said maintaining Punseed was in the interest of the farming community and SAD would oppose any move which tinkered with its present day identity.

He also condemned the state government for “betraying” marginal farmers of the state who had borne huge expenses to manage paddy straw last year but were not paid compensation for the same as per the directions of the SC.

Maluka said it was unfortunate that the Congress Government had not paid compensation of Rs 2,500 per acre to marginal farmers with less than five acres for not burning straw.

Meanwhile, he announced dissolving all employees units of the party on Monday. The new office-bearers would be announced soon. — TNS