Bhubaneswar: The Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy Tuesday assured the rain-hit farmers not to worry as the state government has enough seeds in store provide it.
Maharathy said, “I had convened a high level meeting to take stock of the situation in the aftermath of heavy rains and its effect on paddy cultivation. The meeting was attended by Agriculture Principal Secretary, Director, Seed Corporation MD and other officers.”
“As paddy saplings have been damaged in the incessant rains, we would like to assure the affected farmers that we have stored plenty of seeds of different varieties. It will be provided to the farmers at subsidised rates.”
On some complaints from the districts, the Maharathy clarified, “Due to delay in transportation, the paddy seeds could not reach. It may be Malkangiri or Bolangir or Kalahandi, sufficient seeds stocked there. There is no dearth of seed availability.”
“We have seeds of all varieties, like Khandagiri, Mandakini, Sahabadi, M21010, Beena, M21001, Lalata, etc. About 6760 quintals of seeds stocked with us. Besides, we have also made arrangements with NSC and Chhattisgarh to provide the varieties of seeds sufficiently,” he pointed out.
“All DDAs had been directed to assess the sapling loss and submit reports. As per the reports received, Puri district requires the highest 1350 quintals, Kalahandi requires 500 quintals, Khurda requires 60 quintals, Cuttack requires 60 quintals. Total 1960 quintals of seeds required now. Sonepur and Jajpur list is yet to come. As we have now nearly 7000 quintals of paddy seeds, there will be no scarcity of seeds, he added.”
