New Delhi, April 17: Farmers from Dhar and Khargone districts in Madhya Pradesh recently met with Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to discuss significant losses caused by substandard seeds and saplings of bitter gourd.
Chouhan recognized this issue as a direct threat to farmers’ livelihoods. He promptly instructed officials to ensure that the affected farmers receive appropriate compensation and that strict legal action is taken against the responsible company.
Following Chouhan’s directives, swift action was initiated. An FIR was lodged at the Manawar police station against the company, Nunhems India Private Limited, based in Hyderabad, Telangana. The investigation has commenced.
Additionally, Chouhan ordered that stringent legal measures be enforced against the company implicated in this matter. As a result, administrative actions accelerated, and FIR number 266 was registered at the Manawar police station. The FIR includes sections of the Indian Penal Code, 2023, sections 318(4) and 324(5), as well as sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and section 19 of the Seeds Act, 1966. Nunhems India Private Limited has been named as the accused in the FIR.
Farmers reported purchasing seeds and saplings from this company in November 2025 through various nurseries and agricultural service centers. However, after sowing and planting, the bitter gourd crop did not yield the expected results, with fruits turning small and yellow before falling off. Following a significant decline in crop production, farmers filed a complaint on February 17, 2026. Agricultural scientists and departmental officials conducted an investigation, which revealed that substandard seeds and saplings were sold to farmers under the guise of authenticity, leading to financial losses.
In response to the seriousness of the situation, an FIR was registered under relevant legal provisions, and the investigation is ongoing. Furthermore, directives have been issued to ban the substandard Rubasta variety of bitter gourd seeds.
Leave a Comment