Mumbai, July 17, 2023 (PTI) – In a significant move to protect farmers from falling victim to counterfeit and substandard agricultural products, the Maharashtra government has announced plans to bring the supply of seeds and fertilizers under the purview of the Essential Commodities Act. This decision was unveiled by former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who emphasized the importance of ensuring the availability of genuine and high-quality agricultural inputs to promote agricultural productivity and safeguard the interests of farmers.
Under the proposed regulations, the government aims to establish a robust system to monitor and regulate the supply chain of seeds and fertilizers across the state. By doing so, they seek to address the long-standing issue of farmers being deceived by unscrupulous traders selling spurious or substandard products, which can have detrimental effects on crop yields and overall agricultural output.
According to data from the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board, the state witnesses a significant demand for approximately 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of seeds and fertilizers annually. However, the prevalence of fake and low-quality products in the market has hindered the growth of the agricultural sector, leading to lower crop yields and financial losses for farmers.
To counter this challenge, the government plans to establish a dedicated task force comprising officials from various agricultural departments, quality control agencies, and law enforcement agencies. This task force will be responsible for conducting regular inspections, quality tests, and strict enforcement of regulations pertaining to seed and fertilizer distribution. Additionally, the government intends to collaborate with reputed research institutes and agricultural universities to facilitate the development and dissemination of improved and certified seeds.
Furthermore, the state government aims to establish a transparent and accountable mechanism for procurement, storage, and distribution of agricultural inputs. By leveraging technology, such as blockchain and digital platforms, they aim to track and trace the entire supply chain, ensuring the authenticity and quality of seeds and fertilizers. This system will enable farmers to have access to reliable information and make informed decisions while purchasing agricultural inputs.
The initiative has received positive responses from various stakeholders, including farmers’ organizations and experts in the agricultural sector. They believe that this step will go a long way in safeguarding the interests of farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Maharashtra.
In conclusion, the Maharashtra government’s decision to regulate the supply of seeds and fertilizers under the Essential Commodities Act reflects their commitment to protect farmers’ interests and promote agricultural growth. By establishing a comprehensive framework and leveraging technology, the government aims to combat the menace of counterfeit and substandard agricultural products, ensuring that farmers have access to genuine and high-quality inputs necessary for enhancing productivity and improving their livelihoods.
