Key Announcement on Paddy Seed Sales

The Telangana Agriculture Department has clarified that it has not issued any orders requiring seed dealers to obtain a self-declaration from farmers before selling paddy seeds. Responding to a report published in the Sakshi newspaper on October 27, the department stated that the claims were contrary to the facts and could create confusion among farmers. Agriculture Department Director Dr. B. Gopi confirmed that no instructions or official orders had been issued making self-declarations mandatory for paddy seed purchases.

In view of the possibility of reduced rainfall due to El Niño, the department has advised farmers to consider short-duration crops that require less water during the Rabi season, taking into account water availability, groundwater levels and electricity demand. Officials have also been directed to ensure adequate supplies of pulses, millets, oilseeds and vegetable seeds. The department assured farmers that there was no need to worry about purchasing seeds. Farmers who face pressure from dealers to provide self-declarations or encounter the sale of substandard seeds have been advised to complain to the concerned mandal or district agriculture officers. The department warned that violations would invite strict action under the Seeds Act and urged farmers to rely only on official information.