Karnataka : Maize seeds fail to sprout; agri dept invites experts to probe
Farmers in Karnataka’s Dharwad district, particularly Kalghatgi taluk, are reporting poor germination of maize seeds supplied by private firms, with nearly 50% failing to sprout. Though officials dispute the extent, an expert panel from UAS Dharwad is being called in to investigate potential causes, including heavy rains and seed quality.
Hubballi: Farmers in Dharwad district are reporting poor germination of maize seeds supplied by some private firms. It is said around 50% of the sown seeds did not sprout. Responding to farmers in Kalghatgi taluk, the agriculture department is inviting experts to investigate the reason. Some farmers believe heavy rains may have affected the sprouting process.Many farmers in Hullambi, Begur, and Muttagi in Kalghatgi taluk told TOI they sowed seeds procured from Rait Sampark Kendra in Tabakada Honnalli and Dhummavad. Even after about 20 days of sowing, they haven’t sprouted. We spent thousands of rupees on seeds, fertiliser, and ploughing, they shared.Shrishail Hongal, a farmer in Devar Hubballi, Dharwad taluk, noted that only about 15% of farmers sow maize in his and surrounding villages since his area is meant for the cultivation of sugar cane. “As we are very few in number, our concerns go unaddressed. I sowed seeds 15 days ago and I’m waiting to see the germination of seeds,” he asserted.Ramappa Radder, a progressive farmer in Kubihal village, Kundagol taluk, said he also faced the same issue and re-sowed seeds a fortnight ago. “We thought it was because of heavy rains and the soil became harder. After we re-sowed seeds of the same company, now they are sprouting well,” he shared.
When contacted, Channappa Angadi, assistant director, agriculture, Kalghatgi, denied that there is a 50% failure in the taluk. “It happened in certain pockets. As we received a complaint from Begur farmers, our officials and seed company officials visited there. Since the issue is too technical and we are not satisfied with the clarification given by the seed company, we sent a requisition to the Director of Extension, University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad (UASD) to send experts. This is an agronomic or cultivation issue,” he added.Manjunath Antaravalli, joint director, agriculture, Dharwad, stated he received nine complaints from farmers in Kalghatgi taluk. “An experts’ panel from UASD will visit the field in 3-4 days. Once we receive their report, we will decide the next course of action,” he assured.
To Read more about Maize News continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : The Times Of India
