Govt orders action against firms selling sub-standard seeds

Patna: Agriculture minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has launched a drive to weed out companies supplying sub-standard seeds in the state’s agriculture market, following persistent complaints from farmers over the past few years.The move came during a review meeting on arrangements for supplying quality and certified seeds to farmers at Krishi Bhavan in Mithapur.Sinha directed officials to prepare a detailed list of sub-standard seeds sold over the last three years and identify the companies involved. “Every year, complaints are received about sub-standard seeds in the market. What action has been taken against the companies concerned? The department should have complete records,” he said.He instructed the department to take strict action against firms found supplying poor-quality seeds to safeguard farmers’ interests and ensure the availability of certified seeds.The minister also stressed strengthening the state’s seed testing infrastructure. The govt has already sanctioned a plan to set up 31 district-level seed testing laboratories to improve quality checks.