Date:22/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/22/stories/2005032202041700.htm

Back Company to pay compensation for spurious seeds

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , March 21

EMERGENT Genetics India Pvt Ltd, a Hyderabad-based company engaged in seeds business, was asked to pay a compensation of Rs 17.09 lakh to 59 farmers of Mahabubnagar district for selling spurious watermelon seeds, said the State Agriculture Minister, Mr Raghuveera Reddy.

In a written reply tabled in the Legislative Assembly to a question raised by CPI Legislature Party Leader, Mr Ch. Venkat Reddy, and others, the Minister said the District Level Monitoring Committee of officials had found that the `Apurva' hybrid watermelon seed sold by the company was having a low yield potential. Consequently, 59 farmers of Jadcherla mandal, who cultivated the seed across 144.5 acres, incurred crop loss.

Following this, the district committee had awarded compensation to the farmers at a rate of Rs 9,000 to Rs 14,000 per acre. The company appealed to the State Level Monitoring Committee against the award. However, the State committee upheld the decision.