Senior Rajasthan Congress leader and former minister, Govind Singh Dotasra, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of spurious fertilizers and seeds. He explicitly stated that mere raids cannot resolve this issue. Instead of misleading farmers, the government must strengthen the foundational structure of the system.
Mandawa: Senior Rajasthan Congress leader and former minister Govind Singh Dotasra has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of spurious fertilizers and seeds. He explicitly stated that mere raids cannot resolve this issue. Instead of misleading farmers, the government must strengthen the foundational structure of the system.
Profit-Monger at the Root of the Agricultural Crisis
Addressing a public gathering, Dotasra stated that complaints regarding fake fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides are emerging from several parts of the state. He alleged that this is being orchestrated by an organized syndicate, with the complicity of some officials, defrauding farmers.
He said, "Farmers need confidence, not fear. News of raids is coming in every day, but farmers are unable to ascertain where genuine fertilizers and seeds are available."
Appeal to Improve the System
Dotasra urged the administration and the agriculture department to create a sustainable and transparent system to protect farmers from adulterated products. He suggested:
- Publishing a list of certified vendors in each district.
- Developing a digital surveillance system for the sale of fertilizers and seeds.
- Involving farmer organizations in awareness campaigns.
- He also stated that unless stringent punishment is meted out to those producing spurious goods and investigations reach the root of the problem, such raids will only remain a media spectacle.
Appeal to Improve the System
Dotasra stated that the farmers who toil in the fields bear the brunt of the damage caused by spurious fertilizers and seeds. They waste their resources, time, and effort, but when the crop fails, they receive neither compensation nor justice. He said, "For a farmer, seeds are not just grains; they represent his dreams. When those dreams are destroyed by spurious goods, his hopes are also shattered."
Need for a Solution Beyond Politics
Dotasra clarified that this issue is not political; it is about public interest and the welfare of farmers. He appealed to the government to view the opposition's concerns as suggestions, not criticism. He said, "If we do not take this issue seriously today, tomorrow the nation's food producers will become the most vulnerable citizens."
Dotasra claimed that during the Congress government's tenure, several transparent schemes were implemented for farmers, including seed distribution through cooperative societies, an online complaint system, and market price monitoring. He expressed the hope that the current government would re-implement and improve these schemes.
