In a decisive move to protect farmers and Punjab’s rice industry, the state government is set to launch an online portal to track and regulate paddy seed transactions within a month. The initiative, spearheaded by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, aims to put an end to the sale of substandard and uncertified seeds that compromise crop yields and disrupt the rice supply chain.
Khudian directed the Agriculture Department to develop the portal swiftly, ensuring that all registered seed producers digitally record seed purchases, sales, and quantities. This will create a transparent and accountable seed supply chain, preventing unscrupulous traders from exploiting farmers.
The Minister, chairing a high-level meeting with Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture Anurag Verma, PAU Vice Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, sheller owners, and officials from Agriculture and Food and Civil Supplies departments, emphasized the critical need to regulate paddy seed quality.
"This initiative reaffirms our commitment to safeguarding farmers' interests and upholding Punjab’s agricultural excellence,” he said. “No one will be allowed to sell substandard or uncertified paddy seeds, which can lead to reduced yields, financial losses, and lower-quality rice production.”
He instructed agriculture officials to strictly monitor seed distribution and ensure that only Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)-recommended paddy seeds are made available to farmers.
Highlighting the risks posed by uncertified seeds, Khudian pointed out that these seeds often lack genetic vigour and disease resistance, leading to lower crop yields and financial losses for farmers; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, requiring higher pesticide use; complications for Punjab’s sheller industry, as poor-quality paddy leads to inefficient milling and lower-quality rice; and reduced market value and export potential of Punjab’s rice. By eliminating uncertified seeds, Punjab aims to enhance agricultural productivity, boost farmer incomes, and ensure consumer confidence in the state’s rice quality.
The Agriculture Minister urged farmers to only purchase PAU-approved paddy seed varieties and always demand proper receipts and bills. PAU has recommended 11 high-quality paddy varieties, including PR 131, PR 130, PR 129, PR 128, HKR 47, PR 127, PR 126, PR 122, PR 121, PR 114, and PR 113. He assured that the government will take strict action against those selling uncertified seeds and will work closely with farmers to ensure a smooth transition to a fully regulated seed supply system.
