Regulations on purchase of paddy seed are coming in the way of farming operations in Kuttanad. Small farmers have to use seeds prepared by the State government agency to be eligible for subsidy on seeds.
Farmers had resented the rule and represented the matter to the government. The authorities had agreed to waive the rule. But the farmers are forced to follow the same route as officials have reportedly not received an order from their superiors.
Eligibility norms
Paddy farmers owning less than 2.5 acres have been compelled to purchase seeds readied by the Kerala State Seeds Development Corporation under the prevailing norms. The ryots contend that it is the freedom of the farmer to source the seeds and a condition should not be imposed on them in regard to the selection.
“The seeds available from the National Seed Corporation as well as seeds from Karnataka have been found to be superior. Farmers look for quality and the selection of good seed is important for getting higher yield,” says Kuttanad Vikasana Samithy executive director Father Thomas Peelianikkal.
A restriction on the use of quality seed is not in the best interests of paddy farming. The germination power of the seeds available from the KSSDC has been found to be comparatively less, he said.
Government’s promise
The LDF government has promised to remove the restriction on the area of land, introduced in April this year, but the officials at the grassroots level are denying the subsidy to the farmer as they haven’t received any order.
Delay in implementing the decision will lead to delayed sowing operations, affecting the very prospects of paddy farming in Kuttanad.
Small farmers have to use seeds prepared by the government agency to be eligible for subsidy on seeds.
