Yavatmal: Maharashtra agriculture department has intensified action against seed companies following a surge in complaints over poor-quality soybean seeds during the ongoing kharif season.So far, 3,615 complaints related to soybean seed germination have been registered across the state, with officials estimating that nearly 6,000 hectares of farmland have been affected, particularly in Vidarbha and parts of Marathwada.According to officials, complaints have been received from major soybean-growing districts, including Akola, Amravati, Buldhana, Yavatmal and 16 other districts. In response, the department has launched extensive inspections and quality checks, collecting 5,638 seed samples from across Maharashtra and sending them to seed testing laboratory in Nagpur and other places for analysis.Preliminary findings have raised serious concerns. Of the samples tested, 581 were found to be non-compliant with prescribed quality standards, indicating significant deficiencies in a section of the soybean seeds sold in the market. Based on these findings, the department has registered four FIRs against seed companies in Akola, Amravati, Wardha and Yavatmal districts, while more criminal cases are likely to follow as investigations progress.Sunil Borkar, director of quality control and inputs in the agriculture department, said the issue was being treated with utmost seriousness. “As per initial reports, around 6,000 hectares of soybean farms have been affected. We are surprised that the problem occurred despite seeds being tested in govt laboratories. We are conducting a scientific investigation to determine the exact cause,” he said.One of the latest cases was registered by Babhulgaon police in Yavatmal district against Jalna-based Booster Plant Genetics Pvt. Ltd. following complaints from farmers who alleged that soybean seeds sold by the company failed to germinate despite normal sowing conditions. The complaint was filed by seed inspector and agriculture officer Dattatraya Tamalwad after field inspections and laboratory testing.Farmers had purchased the seeds based on packaging claims that promised “Best Quality Guaranteed” and “100% Satisfaction.” However, repeated complaints of poor germination prompted inspections by the agriculture department. Seed samples were seized and sent to the Govt Seed Testing Laboratory in Nagpur, whose report reportedly confirmed that the seeds were non-certified.Investigators further alleged that the company had failed to obtain mandatory certification for seed production, processing, packing and sealing, while marketing the product as certified seed. Based on the laboratory findings, police registered an FIR under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Essential Commodities Act, the Seeds Act and the Seeds Rules.Officials said every complaint is being verified and laboratory-tested. Wherever reports confirm substandard quality, strict legal action is being initiated against the companies concerned. Authorities have also begun probing seed supply chains to identify others involved in the alleged distribution of substandard or fake soybean seeds.(With inputs from Sandip Dighe)
