Action will be taken against substandard seeds, fertilizers and agricultural medicines: Vijay Kumar Sinha

Patna, 31 July (ABN): The Bihar government has decided to take strict action against substandard agricultural inputs to ensure the supply of standard seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural medicines to farmers. Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said in clear terms that there will be no compromise on the interests of farmers at any cost, and strict action will be taken against companies and shopkeepers who manufacture or sell substandard seeds, fertilizers, or pesticides.

During a detailed inspection of the Gun Control and Seed Analysis Laboratory located in Rasayan Bhavan in Patna on Friday, the Agriculture Minister reviewed the performance of laboratories, modern equipment, testing procedures, manpower, and testing standards. He directed the concerned officials to test every sample with complete transparency, scientific principles, and legal requirements so that only standard agricultural inputs can reach farmers.

The Agriculture Minister said that no compromise will be tolerated on the quality of agricultural inputs in the state. He directed the laboratories to be equipped with modern technology, provide modern machinery, and increase testing capacity by preparing an immediate plan. Along with this, he also ordered the preparation of a comprehensive proposal for the establishment of a Biostimulant Testing Laboratory, including infrastructure, modern equipment, expert manpower, and financial resources, as soon as possible. He said that the services of eminent scientists from agricultural universities will be taken as needed to make the research and testing system world-class.

Vijay Kumar Sinha clarified that regular review meetings will be held in laboratories every month, the pace of work will be constantly monitored, and problems will be resolved in a timely manner. He said that significant improvement in laboratory performance, testing standards, and administrative system should be visible within the next three months.

He informed that a target has been set to test 20,000 seed samples for the Kharif season of the financial year 2026-27. So far, 11,236 samples have been collected and tested, out of which 162 samples have been found to be substandard. An immediate ban has been imposed on the sale of such seeds, and legal action has been initiated against the concerned companies and sellers.

The Agriculture Minister also reviewed the testing of organic, biological, and non-organic fertilizers, pesticides, and biological agricultural medicines. He directed the officials to complete the testing of all samples within the stipulated time, while a special review of the performance of areas where fewer samples are being received will be conducted, and the accountability of concerned officials will be fixed. He also emphasized that complete transparency and confidentiality should be maintained in the entire process of sample collection and testing so that there is no scope for any irregularity or bias.

Vijay Kumar Sinha, while emphasizing the promotion of natural farming, said that it will not only protect the environment but also reduce cultivation costs and increase farmers' income. He directed the departmental officials to prepare an effective and practical strategy for the promotion of natural agriculture.

In his concluding address, the Agriculture Minister said that in view of the changing agricultural scenario and increasing expectations of farmers, just the slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan" is not enough, but "Jai Anusandhan" (long live research) should also be made a part of the national resolve. He said that until standard research and scientific innovation are promoted in laboratories, high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and modern agricultural technology will not reach the fields. Strong research is the foundation of a prosperous farmer, strong agricultural economy, and a developed India.