Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered strict action against a seed company following complaints from farmers in Madhya Pradesh over alleged substandard seeds that led to significant crop losses.
Acting on his directions, an FIR has been registered against Nunhems India Private Limited at the Manawar Police Station in Dhar district, with authorities launching an investigation into the matter.
Farmers report heavy losses
The action comes after farmers from Dhar and Khargone districts met the minister in New Delhi, alleging that they suffered heavy financial losses in bitter gourd cultivation due to poor-quality seeds and saplings.
According to their complaints, seeds purchased in November 2025 from local nurseries and agricultural centres failed to perform as expected. Farmers reported that the crop produced small, yellowing fruits that dropped prematurely, leading to a sharp decline in yield.
A formal complaint was lodged in February 2026, following which agricultural scientists and officials conducted an inquiry.
Probe finds ‘substandard’ material
Preliminary findings indicated that substandard seeds and saplings were allegedly sold as certified material, causing widespread crop failure.
Taking serious note, Chouhan termed the issue a direct attack on farmers’ livelihoods and directed officials to ensure immediate relief.
“This is not just crop loss but a matter of farmers’ trust, hard work and investment,” he said, instructing authorities to ensure compensation and initiate legal proceedings.
Legal action and ban on seed variety
The FIR has been registered under multiple provisions, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Essential Commodities Act, and the Seeds Act.
Officials have also been directed to impose a ban on the bitter gourd seed variety “Rubasta,” which is at the centre of the controversy.
‘Zero tolerance’ for fraud
Reiterating the government’s stance, Chouhan said there would be zero tolerance for negligence or fraud affecting farmers.
“Farmers’ interests are paramount, and injustice against them will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.
He added that the government remains committed to ensuring prompt redressal of grievances and strict action against companies involved in supplying substandard agricultural inputs.
