Uttar Pradesh : Sugarcane seed ‘mafias fleecing farmers’ with exorbitant prices
Sugarcane seed mafias in western UP are selling disease-resistant cane varieties at Rs 1,200 per quintal, nearly triple the govt price of Rs 450. The shortage follows red rot disease damaging CO-0238 crops. Officials urge farmers to buy certified seeds, while the Bhartiya Kisan Union warns of unchecked black-market sales exploiting desperate farmers.
Bijnor: Sugarcane seed mafias in western Uttar Pradesh are allegedly exploiting farmers by selling new disease-resistant cane varieties at inflated rates of Rs 1,200 per quintal—nearly three times the govt-mandated price of Rs 450 per quintal.This illicit trade involves private cultivation of newly developed cane varieties meant for official nurseries. The widespread red rot disease, often called “sugarcane cancer,” has severely impacted the dominant CO-0238 variety, leading to a sharp decline in sugarcane production. Despite govt efforts to introduce replacement varieties, shortages have created a breeding ground for black-market operations.Bhartiya Kisan Union Arajnaitik youth wing state president Digambar Singh said, “Farmers are desperate for disease-free cane seeds, but the govt has failed to supply them in adequate quantities. This has allowed mafias to exploit the situation.
They are selling privately cultivated seeds at Rs 1,000-1,200 per quintal while officials turn a blind eye.”Seohara’s senior cane development inspector, Virendra Nath Sahay, said, “We are actively educating farmers about the risks of buying uncertified seeds and urging them to procure from authorised sources. We have warned sellers engaging in illegal trade.”Bijnor district cane officer Prabhu Narayan Singh added, “Farmers should only buy seeds from govt-approved suppliers. Any farmer encountering inflated prices should report it immediately.
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Source : The Times Of India
