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AP signs MoU to curb seed varieties

Our Bureau

COIMBATORE, Nov. 26

A MEMORANDUM of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the private seed-producing companies in Andhra Pradesh and the Andhra Pradesh Government to control cotton seed varieties.

Dr Bethi Narothama Reddy, Additional Director of Agriculture, Commissionerate of Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh, told Business Line that the State Cabinet had cleared the proposal, which was expected to be legalised and operational within a month or two.

He said 80 per cent of the seed market was dominated by 27-odd private companies in the State. ``There are over 40 varieties and there is no control on the varietal releases'', he added.

The MoU would impose some responsibility on the part of the private seed producers. ``They will have to necessarily perform, or compensate the farmer for supplying spurious or poor quality seeds'', he said.

Dr Reddy said, ``we want to reduce the area under cotton, but increase its productivity per hectare''. Cotton, which was raised in about 10 lakh hectares in the State, had witnessed a decline in area to 8.8 lakh hectares in the 2000-2001 season. He opine d that the area could be further tightened and productivity strengthened.

He also pointed out that cotton was being cultivated in red soils, but the department was not in favour of it, as the water retention capacity of the soil was not good for cultivation. He, however, expressed confidence that the yield levels could be enha nced to 600 kg per hectare from about 300 to 350 kg/hectare at present.