The Andhra Pradesh Government has asked seed firm, Mahyco, to ensure proper availability of its cottonseeds for farmers in the ensuing kharif season.

Mr Kanna Lakshminarayana, Minister for Agriculture, has warned the company of stern action if it failed to meet the demand for its seeds. “We have complaints regarding short supply of your seeds,” a senior Government official quoted the minister as saying.

Mahyco’s cottonseeds are popular in districts like Warangal but farmers complained last year that the seeds were in short supply.

The Minister asked the officials to set up a control room at the office of Agriculture Commissioner. “It should also house a police officer to ensure quick action on complaints on illegal distribution of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and on fake seeds,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is gearing up the machinery for rythu saddasulu (farmers’ awareness campaign). Mr N Kiran Kumar Reddy, the Chief Minister, will kick off series of meetings on June 4 in Krishna district. “We will hold the meetings in all the districts barring those where by-polls are scheduled. “We will complete the by-poll districts after polling,” the official said.

kurmanath@thehindu.co.in

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