'More godowns for seed growers'

State Seeds Corporation Chairman Narendra Swain stressed curbing of irregularities during processing of seeds in the State.

At a meeting organised by Jeypore Seeds Growers Union on Sunday, Swain admitted that the farmers community faces hardships during sale of seeds in the absence of proper coordination between the officials and the growers. With more infrastructure and manpower at different seeds production units, besides State Seeds Certification offices across the State, the problem would soon be tackled, he added.

He said the State Government had already raised the price of paddy seeds to

` 1,750 a quintal and promised that the farmers would get their dues as per the norms within the time frame.

Swain said more godowns would be set up to facilitate the farmers community and urged the seed growers to strengthen the corporation with their support.

Earlier, the seed growers of KBK region demanded shifting of the seeds examination laboratory from Rayagada to Jeypore and clearing of dues of farmers who had sold their paddy seeds to the corporation.