Scarcity of Maize Seeds Drives Prices Up, Kapurthala MLA Seeks Government Intervention
Kapurthala, February 21
Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh has raised concerns over the growing scarcity of maize seeds in Punjab, which is leading to a sharp increase in prices and burdening farmers. With maize cultivation season underway, farmers are being forced to purchase seeds at exorbitant rates due to the shortage, prompting the legislator to seek immediate intervention from the Punjab government.
In a letter addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann , Rana Gurjeet Singh highlighted the alarming situation and urged the government to regulate the sale of maize seeds. He also called for increased surveillance on unscrupulous dealers exploiting the scarcity to maximize profits.
Scarcity and Price Hike
The Kapurthala MLA pointed out that there is an artificial shortage of the popular 1899 variety of maize seeds, deliberately created by sellers just ahead of the sowing season. “As per my information, this seed is being sold at prices ranging between Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 4,000 per 4 kg bag , whereas the normal price should be around Rs. 2,600 only ,” he wrote.
He expressed concern that with the area under maize cultivation expected to expand in the coming months, the demand for seeds will rise significantly. However, the current situation is leaving farmers vulnerable to exploitation by traders who are capitalizing on the scarcity for profiteering.
Call for Government Action
Rana Gurjeet Singh criticized the state’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department for failing to address the issue proactively. “By now, the department should have intervened to monitor the situation and taken corrective measures to control the rising prices,” he stated.
see this link also…..CM Mann’s Zero Tolerance Drive: 52 Police Officials Dismissed in Sweeping Anti-Corruption Sweep Across Punjab
He suggested that the government could directly engage with companies supplying maize seeds to ensure adequate availability and keep prices in check. However, he alleged that some officials within the department appear to be colluding with traders, exacerbating the problem instead of resolving it.
Request to the Chief Minister
In his letter, the MLA urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take immediate and appropriate steps to safeguard the interests of the farming community. He requested the government to issue necessary instructions to relevant authorities to ensure that maize seeds are made available to farmers in sufficient quantities, at controlled rates, and well in time for sowing.
“Immediate action is crucial to prevent further exploitation of farmers and to ensure that they are not burdened by inflated costs during this critical agricultural season,” he concluded.
The plea underscores the urgent need for government intervention to address the seed scarcity and protect Punjab’s farmers from unfair market practices as they prepare for the upcoming maize cultivation season.
