Ballari: Farmers in Ballari are struggling to procure sowing seeds as monsoon cultivation gains momentum, with reports of shortages forcing them to wait for hours outside seed outlets. Despite the long waits, farmers complain that the required quantity of seeds is not available.
Seed Demand Surges Amid Monsoon
Ballari district predominantly cultivates cotton, chilli, jowar, and red gram. Demand for sowing seeds has surged with the onset of the monsoon, but farmers say supplies have failed to keep pace, leaving them in distress. Adding to their concerns is the rise in seed prices. Farmers said the price of red gram seeds has increased to Rs 200 per kg this season from Rs 150 during the corresponding period last year.
Farmers Urge Action
Farmers have urged the agriculture department and the district administration to ensure adequate supply of sowing seeds during the monsoon season and curb artificial shortages and price hikes. However, joint director of the agriculture department K Mallikarjun maintained that sufficient stocks of sowing seeds and fertilisers required for the monsoon season are available in the district and that farmers need not worry.
Department Assures Adequate Stocks
He said all agricultural credit cooperative societies and authorised dealers have stocked adequate quantities of fertilisers and seeds to meet demand. The department has made full preparations to provide quality agricultural inputs to farmers on time and is continuously monitoring supplies to prevent any shortage. The department has also warned of strict legal action against dealers found selling seeds and fertilisers above the prescribed price or creating artificial shortages, even as reports of seed scarcity continue to emerge from across the district.
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