Farmers' protest intensifies: Free paddy seed supply restored

ALAPPUZHA: The free supply of paddy seeds for Punchakrishi has been reinstated following protests. The District Principal Agriculture Officer issued the order to halt the distribution of free seeds on the 20th. The controversial order was issued despite farmers not receiving the storage price of rice from the last crop harvest. The order was rescinded yesterday after protests from farmers, farmers' organizations and the Padasekhara Samiti.

The order was to purchase seeds directly from farmers or through local bodies' schemes via agriculture officers. Punchakrishi in Kuttanad is in September. The controversial order came at a time when it was necessary to provide advance intent to the agriculture department for the seeds. 40 kg of seed is given per acre. D1, which matures in 120 days, is predominantly cultivated in Kuttanad. Manuratna, which can be harvested in 90 days, is also grown. The seeds were supplied through the Kerala Seeds Corporation. Approximately 1800 to 2000 rupees worth of seed will be required per acre. Farmers are receiving tens of thousands of rupees in various items like royalties, production incentives, pumping subsidies, etc.

Seeds will be made available to farmers: Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture has announced that farmers will be provided with the best varieties of rice seeds. Preparations have also been completed for the distribution of the best rice seeds through Krishi Bhavan for the sowing season in June. Uma, Jyothi, Mattathriveni, Manuratna and Kunjukunju varieties of rice will be distributed.