Nagarkurnool chilli farmers suffer losses over alleged spurious seeds

Nagarkurnool: Chilli farmers in Gunthakoduru, Thadooru mandal and neighbouring areas have suffered heavy losses after struggling for three months due to the supply of spurious seeds.
The farmers said their chilli crops, cultivated across more than 150 acres in the region, had failed. On Monday, they brought chilli plants to the District Collector’s office to lodge a complaint during the ‘Praja Vani’ programme.

The farmers expressed deep distress over the losses caused by the spurious seeds. They said the plants had grown vigorously but failed to bear fruit, leaving them with significant losses.

They lamented that they had invested heavily in cultivation but received no returns. They demanded a comprehensive investigation into the seed companies and called for strict action against the companies and their dealers.

CPM leaders extended their support to the affected farmers. They urged the Collector to provide compensation to help them recover from their losses. Later, the farmers and CPM leaders staged a protest in front of the Collector’s office.

Speaking on the occasion, CPM District Secretary V Parvatalu urged district officials to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the supply of spurious seeds. He also called for immediate action against the companies responsible.

The farmers had cultivated chilli varieties, particularly Kalash, Eesha, Kuber 305 and Rakhi. However, even after three months, the crops had failed to bear fruit. The farmers had invested up to Rs. 3 lakh per acre and suffered heavy losses, leaving them distressed, Parvatalu said.

The farmers also expressed frustration over the lack of support from local Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs). They said the officers had failed to provide guidance or address their concerns when approached. They demanded immediate action by the Agriculture and Horticulture department officials against the seed companies and their dealers.