Irregularities in seed potato distribution: Revanna seeks probe

Substandard quality resulted in crop loss, says JD(S) leader

MLA H D Revanna has alleged that distribution of substandard seed potatoes has resulted in crop loss estimated at crores of rupees. He has sought a CBI probe into the issue.

Addressing reporters here on Tuesday, Revanna said that 900 tonnes of seed potatoes dispatched from Punjab were of substandard quality. “The farmers had purchased it for Rs 2,400 per quintal. If a CBI probe is conducted in this regard, most of the officials and elected representatives will go behind bars,” he said.

He claimed that the district administration, which had assured distribution of certified seeds, has failed to take any steps to supply quality seeds. “Seeds were purchased from traders in Jalandhar and sold as certified potatoes. All officials of the district have neglected the issue. Now, the total crop has failed. Who will provide compensation to the farmers?” he questioned.

Compensation

“Five legislators of the district had urged the government to provide compensation for potato, arecanut and coconut growers who suffered huge losses. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had promised to send a special team to conduct a survey of crop loss but no team visited the district so far,” he said.

Revanna also expressed his unhappiness over appointment of inexperienced officials for top posts in the district. “A school teacher has been appointed as APMC secretary. How can a person who has no knowledge of agriculture be appointed to such a position?” he questioned.

No meetings

He said that though the chief minister has been often visiting the district, he has not conducted any meeting with officials so far.

“The chief minister has been attending programmes related to the Congress party. He has no concern for the development of the district. We have no objection even if he wins all the constituencies in the district in the 2018 Assembly elections but a permanent solution should be found for the problems of farmers,” he said.

“Congress, which has been claiming to be a secular party, should be ashamed of trying to break the JD(S). Both the national parties are fighting for power,” he criticised. MLA H S Prakash was present.

Protest

If the government fails to announce a compensation for potato, arecanut and coconut growers of the district within 15 days, an intensified protest will be held, Revanna warned.