Jaipur/Hanumangarh: Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena has once again exposed the malpractices of seed companies. Just like during the Kharif season, poor-quality and substandard seeds should not reach farmers in the Rabi season either. To ensure this, the minister has taken strict measures.
In this context, on Saturday, a surprise inspection was conducted at Star Agri Seeds Private Limited located in Nagarana village of Sangaria tehsil in Hanumangarh district.
The inspection revealed serious irregularities. Wheat seed packing bags had an address from Tamil Nadu printed on them, even though the entire production and packaging was happening in the Sangaria area. Moreover, dangerous chemicals were being used in mustard seeds. Since the company failed to provide satisfactory explanations, the minister immediately imposed a ban on the sale of 10,000 quintals of mustard seeds and 34,000 quintals of wheat seeds.
In addition, over 100,000 wheat bags were seized, and samples were collected. The agriculture minister has banned the sale of all the company’s seeds until further orders. Action was taken under the Seed Act 1968, Sections 7, 9, and 10. Further strict action will follow after the investigation.
Rasi Seeds Scam Also Exposed
The raid also revealed irregularities in Rasi Seeds. The company was producing, manufacturing, and packaging seeds in Hanumangarh, but the bags were printed with an address from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The agriculture minister termed this a major fraud.
Documents Star Agri Must Submit
The agriculture minister has instructed the company to submit several important documents, including:
- Firm’s license and registration certificate
- Genetic source documents for all crop varieties
- Documents related to R&D land
- GOT test reports for all varieties
- List of seed production done in farmers’ fields up to Kharif 2025
- Foundation seeds provided to farmers along with receipts
