Agriculture Minister Tummala Vows Crackdown on Counterfeit Seeds Ahead of Kharif 2026

Hyderabad: Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has pledged a zero-tolerance stance against fraudulent seeds, directing officials to intensify enforcement measures as the state gears up for the upcoming Kharif season.

During a comprehensive review meeting held Thursday at the Secretariat with Agriculture Department officials, representatives from the Seed Development Corporation, and private seed manufacturers, the Minister assessed seed availability across different crops and companies. He underscored that only certified, high-quality, and high-yielding varieties should be distributed to farmers, with no compromise on standards.

The review revealed a favourable supply position. Officials projected Kharif cultivation across 134.66 lakh acres, which would demand approximately 19.42 lakh quintals of seeds. The state's current inventory stands at 38.21 lakh quintals—nearly double what is needed. For cotton cultivation, targeting 52 lakh acres, farmers will require 104 lakh seed packets, while 212.11 lakh packets are presently in stock. The Minister noted that this surplus would boost farmer confidence in the market.

Tummala ordered the establishment of special task forces at district and mandal levels to combat illegal seed production, transportation, and sale. He also mandated heightened border surveillance to prevent smuggling of unauthorised hybrid cotton seeds and loose seed consignments. Companies failing to comply face strict legal consequences, including licence cancellation—a precedent the Minister reminded them of based on earlier enforcement actions.

The Minister directed seed companies to submit monthly stock reports and bear financial responsibility for any seeds they have self-certified that prove defective. He instructed officials to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to prosecute violators. Additionally, he ordered the blocking of cotton seeds that have failed GOT (Gossypium Oncotic Test) standards from reaching farmers.

Seed supplies must commence by May 15, the Minister stipulated. He also called for stringent testing through designated seed testing laboratories and emphasised the importance of prioritising hybrid varieties based on farmer demand.

The state plans to distribute 1.95 lakh quintals of green manure seeds at an investment of ₹134 crore to enhance soil fertility. Officials will also ensure that paddy varieties selected for distribution meet export-grade standards, aligning supply with the needs of farmers, millers, and consumers.

Tummala flagged irregularities in co-marketing arrangements between companies and demanded clearer regulatory frameworks, hinting that the government may impose restrictions on such practices if transparency issues persist.

He reiterated the need for continuous farmer education programmes and emphasised that seed distribution must occur well before the sowing season begins. The government remains committed to eliminating counterfeit seeds from the market, he affirmed.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Seed Development Corporation Chairman Anvesh Reddy, Agriculture Secretary Surendra Mohan, Agriculture Director Gopi, Horticulture Director Yasmin Basha, MARKFED MD Srinivas Reddy, and Marketing Director Lakshmibai.