Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 23: Farmers from border belt of R S Pura and Bishnah held strong protest demonstration against the State Agriculture Department for its failure to provide seed of wheat crop to the farmers.
A large number of farmers led by several Sarpanchs assembled at the Sub Divisional headquarters R S Pura and held strong protest demonstration. They were raising slogans against the Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir and Director Agriculture Jammu.
The speakers alleged that concerned officers of the department have failed to provide the sufficient quantity and quality of seed to the farmers. The Government outlets were dry while in the private market, the seed was available. They alleged pilferage in Agriculture stores and black-marketing of the seed. They also demanded inquiry into the matter and action against the officials concerned. They demanded that farmers be provided seed of the Rabi crops without any delay.
Joint Director Agriculture Sushil Sahney when contacted claimed that there was no shortage of seed. He said there was sufficient stock of seed lying with the department and the farmers’ requirement will be met by November 28. Mr Sahney further said that sowing season commenced on October 25 and it will continue till January 12, 2014. Till now, the department has distributed 35000 quintals of seed to the farmers. 42000 quintal is the requirement projected and and the department has stocks of 47000 quintals of seed available. He claimed that people have become panicky and there was no dearth of seed at all.
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