Sehore farmer's paddy shows no ears after 140 days, seeks compensation from seed firm

The paddy crop of Omprakash Chauhan, a farmer of Genhoonkheda village in Rehti area of Sehore district, has not ripened even after more than 140 days. No ears have emerged in the field so far. Omprakash alleges that the shopkeeper who sold him the seed had assured him the crop would be ready in about 120 days, and that he sowed it on that assurance.

On June 22, Omprakash bought 300 kg of MTU-7029 variety paddy seed of the company IFFDC from Chauhan Krishi Seva Kendra in Rehti. He still has the purchase bill and the seed packets. Bill number 129 records the price of the 300 kg of seed as Rs 15,000.

The packets carry the name of IFFDC and describe MTU-7029 as certified seed. According to the packets, the seed was packed in May 2026. Each packet weighs 30 kg, with a maximum retail price of Rs 1,950 and lot number RNV-25-12-194-43.

The farmer says that when the crop did not produce ears, he told the shopkeeper and the company about the condition of his field. He alleges that for about 20 days he has been put off in the name of an inquiry. The company's side could not be obtained, as the available phone number for IFFDC was found switched off.

Subhash Malviya, ASDO of the Agriculture Department at Budhni, said the farmer's complaint is in his knowledge. He has spoken to the seed company and the shopkeeper concerned. According to him, an inquiry will be held to find out why the ears did not appear, and both the quality of the seed and the condition of the crop in the field will be tested. Malviya said necessary action would be taken on the basis of the inquiry and the farmer would be given full help.

Omprakash Chauhan has submitted an application addressed to the Agriculture Minister through the Tehsildar of Rehti. It seeks a test of IFFDC's MTU-7029 paddy seed, action against those responsible, and compensation for the loss caused by the lack of a harvest.

One copy each of the application has also been sent to the Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, the Collector of Sehore and the Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) of Budhni.

The farmer has the bill and seed packets, which record the variety, company, month of packing and lot number. The department's inquiry will examine the seed and the crop in the field, as the ASDO said.