BADC 'deceives' farmers
Our Correspondent, Barisal
Farmers who bought BADC Boro-IRI seeds have been deceived as about 80 per cent of the seeds did not sprout, many farmers alleged. This has created a crisis of seeds and seedlings at the beginning of the Boro-IRRI season because the deceived farmers have turned to markets in large numbers for those. They are purchasing seeds from markets at high prices. Many of the farmers have also submitted written complaints to Upazila Nirbahi Officers and BADC offices in different areas. In their complaints, they said eighty percent of the high yielding Boro seeds BRI-28, 29,35,36 and 16 supplied by BADC did not sprout. Farmers said they are purchasing inferior quality Boro seeds from NGOs like BRAC and PROSHIKA at prices as high as Tk 300 per 10 Kg bag. BADC seeds are supplied through dealers and sub-dealers. When contacted, local BADC officials said they will prove the matter and write to higher authorities for necessary action.
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