Agricultural authorities in Haryana intensified their investigation into the illegal circulation of Bt Brinjal seeds in state markets. The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department continued its raids and inspections, primarily aiming to trace the source of these genetically modified (GM) seeds, which are banned for commercial cultivation in India.
🔍 Focus on ‘Hotspot’ Districts
The investigation is reportedly concentrated in the districts of Fatehabad and Sirsa, regions that have historically been hotspots for such unauthorized cultivation. Officials are scrutinizing:
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Seed Dealers: conducting surprise checks on local seed shops and nurseries to detect the sale of unapproved packets.
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Supply Chains: Investigating potential smuggling routes, as previous incidents have linked illegal seeds to cross-border flows from neighboring states or even Bangladesh (where Bt Brinjal is legal).
🚫 Legal Stance and Bio-Safety Concerns
The government has reiterated that the sale, storage, or cultivation of Bt Brinjal is a punishable offense under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
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Bio-Safety Risk: Experts warn that unmonitored GM crops can contaminate local non-GM varieties through cross-pollination, posing a risk to biodiversity.
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Strict Warning: Authorities have issued strict warnings to farmers not to be misled by agents selling these “pest-resistant” seeds without valid certification, as the crops are liable to be uprooted and destroyed at the owner’s cost.
The department is working in coordination with the Haryana State Seed Certification Agency to ensure that only approved seed varieties reach the farmers for the ongoing Kharif season.
