Seed samples taken for quality check in Tuticorin

A total of 659 seed samples have been lifted from private dealers across the district this year for germination and genetic purity test to the notified seed testing lab.

There is no compromise on the quality of seeds and stringent action will be taken against any dealer found guilty of selling sub-standard seeds to farmers, according to Deputy Director of Seed Inspection C. Krishnakumari.

Farmers have been advised to use only certified seeds to ensure good cultivation and harvest. Last year, a total of 1,700 samples of seeds, including maize, sorghum, cumbu, cotton, pulses and vegetables, were collected from private dealers in the district and six cases were filed against dealers for selling substandard seeds after the quality of maize, cotton and coriander was not assured in the test, the Deputy Director told

The Hindu on Monday.

She said dealers should sell seeds with label containing relevant particulars such as their colour, number, variety, expiry date, month and year of testing, germination details, physical purity, genetic purity, season and adoptability, weight and name of the chemical used for seed treatment.

Even certified seeds should have the proper label along the certification tag. Farmers should check it and get bills for the seeds purchased and keep it safe, she said.

Referring to stock position of seeds suitable for rainfed cultivation, the Deputy Director said 15 tonnes of sorghum of ‘K-8’ variety and 16 tonnes of hybrid sorghum, 40 tonnes of hybrid maize seeds, five tonnes of hybrid cotton and pulses seeds of 26 tonnes were available.

As for hybrid sorghum of ‘PAC 501’ variety, 40 tonnes of seed was sold to farmers.