What steps has the Agriculture Minister proposed against the sale of substandard seeds and pesticides?

The Agriculture Minister has emphasized strict measures to curb the sale of substandard seeds and pesticides. Key steps proposed include:

• Stringent Quality Checks: Implementation of rigorous testing and certification for seeds and pesticides before market release.
• Regular Inspections: Conducting surprise inspections of dealers and retailers to detect and deter the sale of inferior products.
• Strict Legal Action: Initiating punitive actions, including license cancellation and legal proceedings against offenders.
• Awareness Campaigns: Educating farmers on identifying genuine products and reporting suspicious inputs.
• Strengthening Supply Chains: Promoting transparent supply chains and encouraging use of authorized dealers.

The Minister’s stance is clear: ensuring the quality of agricultural inputs is crucial for crop productivity and farmer welfare. He advocates zero tolerance towards adulteration and substandard products in the agricultural sector.