Telangana Farmer Commission Warns Against Banned HT Cotton and Glyphosate Use
Farmer Commission chair Kodandareddy urges strict action against illegal seeds and chemicals, warns of crop damage, health risks and environmental harm, and calls for awareness drives before the farming season.
- Farmers advised to avoid banned HT cotton and glyphosate.
- Illegal seeds seized in Narayanpet raise serious concern.
- Commission calls for strict enforcement and farmer awareness.
The Telangana Farmer Welfare Commission has issued a strong warning to cultivators against using banned HT cotton seeds and glyphosate, saying their illegal circulation is putting farmers lives crops and the environment at risk.
Chairman Kodandareddy expressed serious concern during a review meeting with agriculture officials in Hyderabad after reports showed prohibited seeds and chemicals continuing to enter local markets despite a nationwide ban.
Officials informed the commission that HT cotton seeds and glyphosate based weed killers were being moved into Telangana from neighbouring Maharashtra. In a recent operation alone authorities seized 96 quintals of illegal HT cotton seeds in Narayanpet district. The chairman questioned how banned products were still being sold openly and said repeated cases had failed to deter offenders.
Kodandareddy warned that spraying glyphosate damages soil fertility and crops and poses severe health hazards. He cited tragic incidents where farmers had lost their lives after consuming the chemical during moments of distress. Even with restrictions in place such substances are reaching unsuspecting farmers through misleading sales by dealers and companies he said.
Taking a firm stand the commission advised officials to invoke environmental protection laws along with existing regulations to curb the trade. It also directed agriculture departments to organise village level awareness meetings before every season so farmers clearly understand the risks and legal consequences.
