Jaipur, Oct 15 As many as 14 of the 15 groundnut seed samples collected during surprise inspections in Rajasthan failed to meet prescribed genetic purity standards, Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena said.
The minister has directed officials to register FIRs against the firms concerned and cancel their licences.
According to an official statement, inspections were conducted in Govindgarh, Sikar, Jaipur, Sujangarh, Churu and Bikaner following complaints that some traders were purchasing grains from the market and selling them as seeds in attractive packaging.
Meena said a four-member expert team subjected 15 samples from five groundnut varieties to grow-out tests.
The tests found that 14 samples failed to meet the prescribed genetic purity standards, while only one sample was found satisfactory.
Meena said the grow-out test involves cultivating seed samples and comparing their characteristics with certified reference varieties to determine their genetic purity.
He said strict action would be taken against firms selling substandard seeds and cheating farmers.
The minister added that the agriculture department would continue inspections to ensure the availability of quality seeds, fertilisers and pesticides to farmers.
(PTI News)
