Seeds by multinational firms worries scientists

Ludhiana, Dec 13: The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has expressed concern over the alleged exploitation of farmers by multi-national firms by selling them costly hybrid seeds.

''We need to check this by implementing a new Seed Policy in the State'', PAU's Director of Extension Education, Dr S S Gill while presiding over a state level monthly review committee meeting of scientists and extension specialists at Farmers Service Centre, yesterday.

Members of the committee unanimously decided to approach the Punjab Farmers Commission and Punjab Government to formulate a clear cut Seed Policy for the State.

A committee comprising Drs T S Bharaj, G S Dhindsa, M S Gill, H S Rewal and Maninder Singh was constituted to prepare a blue print of seed policy, which will be submitted to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr K S Aulakh.

Dr Gill told the members that the University has taken the initiative on its own to test various hybrid varieties promoted by multinationals for their suitability for cultivation in Punjab so that farmers can be made aware. However, there is a need to check the sale of these hybrid seeds through law, he added.

''Their sale should only be allowed in Punjab if these varieties are found fit for cultivation in the state'', he suggested.

Dr Gill informed the meeting that Punjab Farmers Commission had decided to purchase soyabean as seed crop at Rs 1400 per quintal.

Different Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the State have been asked to call upon the farmers to co-operate with Farmers Commission in this regard.

Dr Gill said that since entire sowing of wheat in the State had been completed in time this year, the production is expected to exceed the targets.

UNI