Gadchiroli: Maharashtra govt has banned five paddy varieties from three companies in Maharashtra following complaints from farmers in Gadchiroli about substandard seeds. This was informed to the state assembly by the government on Wednesday. In addition, the govt registered 65 police cases across the state for unlicensed input sales, said agriculture minister Dattatray Bharne in a written reply.MLA Dr. Milind Narote, through a starred question, questioned the govt on whether substandard seeds caused large-scale crop losses in Gadchiroli and whether action was taken against the responsible companies. Bharne said 78 complaints were received in Gadchiroli, mainly about paddy crops maturing earlier than expected and mixing of different varieties.Bharne said a taluka-level grievance redressal committee confirmed production losses in those complaints. Three companies whose five paddy varieties drew complaints had their sales banned across Maharashtra. Goods worth Rs 2.34 crore — 14.03 metric tonnes of inputs sold without a licence — were seized across the state. A total of 372 seed dealer licences were suspended, and 520 were cancelled. Sales orders were issued against 868 dealers and companies. Sixty-five police cases were filed across the state for various violations involving companies, dealers, and individuals, the minister said.
