Hyderabad: Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageshwar Rao on Thursday issued strict instructions that only high-quality, high-yield seeds should be made available to farmers across Telangana. He urged agriculture department officials to coordinate closely with the police department and take stringent measures to curb the sale of counterfeit seeds, which have been a persistent concern for the farming community.
Review Meeting Highlights Seed Requirements
During a review meeting with officials, it was estimated that during the rainy season of 2026, approximately 134.6 lakh acres will be cultivated in the state. This cultivation will require about 19.4 lakh quintals of seeds. Fortunately, the state currently has a stock of 38.2 lakh quintals of seeds, which is more than double the requirement, the minister stated. This surplus is expected to provide a buffer and ensure timely availability for farmers.
Cotton Cultivation and Seed Availability
For cotton cultivation, which has a target area of around 52 lakh acres, officials reported that 212.1 lakh packets of seeds are available, far exceeding the required 104 lakh packets. The minister noted that the higher stock compared to last year's usage would instill confidence among farmers, reducing anxiety about seed shortages. He emphasized that such ample availability would also help in maintaining quality standards as farmers can be more selective.
The minister further directed officials to conduct regular inspections and ensure that no substandard or counterfeit seeds reach the market. He stressed the importance of seed testing facilities and asked for periodic reports on seed quality checks. The coordination with the police department is aimed at swiftly acting against illegal seed sellers and protecting farmers from fraud.
This proactive approach by the state government is expected to boost agricultural productivity and safeguard the interests of farmers in Telangana.
