(a) whether the Government is aware that thousands of farmers have had to suffer
financial losses due to non-sprouting of soyabean seeds sold by `Mahabeez` and other
23 seed companies and sown in large parts of Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Union Government proposes to issue any directive to the State
Government in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the action taken by the Government against the guilty seed companies?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Ministry of Agriculture, on the basis of the newspaper reports
regarding abnormally low percentage of germination/non-germination of Soyabean
seeds in different parts of Maharashtra, has called for a report from the State
Government. Government of Maharashtra informed that during the Kharif season
2011, complaints were received from farmers from Khandesh, Marathwada and
Vidharbha regions regarding germination problems in soyabean seeds. Around 28,171
complaints were received from 124 blocks of 25 districts covering an area of 29,538
hectare including 3082 seed lots with seed quantity of 25,398.51 qtls.
(c) to (e): Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has called for a report from the
State Government of Maharashtra on the abnormally low percentage of germination/
non-germination of soyabean seeds in different parts of the State. Government of
Maharasthra informed that out of 29,538 ha. area involved in the complaints, 27,336
ha. area has been inspected by Field Officers. Out of total complaints, 15% complaints
are due to low rainfall, 10% complaints are due to sowing below 5 cm. depth and
remaining 75% complaints are due to poor quality of seeds supplied by different seed
companies. It has been further informed that most of the companies have given
compensation by replacing seeds for re-sowing and other remaining companies have
given cash compensation amounting to Rs.43.54 lakhs. It is added that re-sowing has
been done in 25,984 ha. out of affected area of 26,234 ha. and the crop condition at
present is satisfactory in the State.
Further, Government of Maharashtra has also requested the Directorate of
Soyabean Research (DSR), Indore to constitute and depute a committee of experts for
verification of this issue and to investigate the reasons for future precautionary
measures during soyabean seed production and distribution in the State. Accordingly,
the committee visited farmers’ fields, seed production plots, seed processing plants,
godowns at various places/locations. The Committee observed that Soyabean Seed
problem in Maharashtra this season is due to very scanty rainfall in June followed by
dry spell, insufficient rains in early July, sowing on insufficient soil moisture and
higher soil temperature, deep sowings than recommended depth. In addition,
mechanical damage to seeds due to improper handling led to a vast drop in
germination percent as well as seed vigour.
For regulating the quality of seeds in the country and for curbing the sale of
substandard/spurious seeds, adequate provisions are available under the Seeds Act,
1966, Seeds Rules, 1968 and Seeds (Control) Order, 1983. The State Governments
are fully empowered to take action in all such cases at their level. Further, the
Inspectors notified under relevant provisions of these legal instruments have powers
to draw the samples, seize the stock and issue ‘Stop Sale Order’ in case the
commodities under reference contravenes the provision of law.