Hyderabad: With the monsoon rains setting in, the fake seeds racket has resurfaced, once again putting Telangana’s farmers at risk of devastating losses.
Authorities have ramped up their crackdown on the counterfeit seeds flooding the state from neighboring regions.
In one of the biggest busts this season, Suryapet police on June 10 seized 2,200 kilograms of fake cotton seeds worth around ₹65 lakh. Nine suspects were arrested for selling the seeds under brand names like Arunoday and Advance 333. The accused were remanded as part of an ongoing investigation.
According to the Suryapet CCS police, the fake seeds had been smuggled in from Andhra Pradesh, targeting farmers in Mote and Atmakur (S) mandals. Sellers allegedly claimed the seeds were pest- and weed-resistant, enticing farmers to pay top dollar.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation that same day, police in Khammam district seized 115 packets of counterfeit chilli seeds. Two suspects were booked under the PD Act—a tough legal provision usually reserved for repeat offenders—to send a strong message to those involved in this dangerous trade.
State officials have ordered all district collectors to adopt a zero-tolerance approach. They’ve been directed to take strict action against anyone caught peddling fake seeds—an illicit trade that preys on farmers’ hopes and livelihoods.
