Seed farm lands slip into encroachers’ hands

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Alleged negligence by agricultural authorities has left government-allotted seed farm lands vulnerable to encroachments across the state, triggering serious concern within the Farmers’ Commission. Despite 1,629 acres being allocated for eight seed production centres, nearly 85 acres in Kamareddy district alone have reportedly fallen prey to encroachment due to lack of fencing and regular monitoring.

Official records indicate that out of the total 1,629 acres allotted to the eight seed farms, 981 acres constitute net cultivable land. However, poor supervision and absence of protective fencing have reportedly enabled encroachers to occupy portions of these lands. In some cases, individuals are said to have even secured online entries in the Dharani land records system, further complicating recovery efforts.

The largest allocations include 706.07 acres at Malthummeda and 472.33 acres at Boppaspalli in Kamareddy district. Other seed farms are located at Sadashivapet in Sangareddy district (24.8 acres), Kurvipadu in Gadwal district (62 acres), Jullekal (49.5 acres), Dindi in Nalgonda district (176.02 acres), Cherukupalli (54.3 acres), and Kadem in Nirmal district (29.13 acres).

Sources say that in Malthummeda alone, around 60 acres have been encroached upon by 42 farmers. Of these, seven to eight individuals reportedly managed to register the land in Bhu Bharati. Some farmers are said to be cultivating the land under claims of allocations made during earlier land distribution schemes. The absence of fencing is cited as the primary reason for the encroachments.

Similarly, in Boppaspalli, about 25 acres have allegedly been encroached upon by 14 farmers. Officials noted that while there are no valid land transfer documents, cultivation activities are ongoing on the occupied lands. A Sub-Collector inquiry is reportedly underway to ascertain the facts. Adding to the complications, seed farm authorities are said to possess only pahani records, with no comprehensive documentation readily available.

It is also learnt that around 50 acres from seed farm lands have been allotted to various government departments. Additionally, 135 acres have been allocated to a private company for setting up biogas plants — 60 acres each in Boppaspalli and Malthummeda, and 15 acres in Sadashivapet.

The State Farmers’ Commission has taken serious note of the developments. Commission members are said to have questioned officials over the reported encroachment of 85 acres and sought explanations for the lapse in supervision. The Commission has reportedly directed authorities to immediately fence all eight seed farms and warned of action against officials found negligent.

A detailed report outlining the extent of encroachments and recommending corrective measures has been submitted to the government. The Commission stressed that protecting seed farm lands is critical to ensuring the supply of quality seeds to farmers. Failure to safeguard these lands could force farmers to depend on private companies, increasing input costs and financial risks.

Seed farms play a crucial role in producing certified seeds annually for distribution to farmers across the state. With encroachments and land diversions raising alarm, the Commission is said to be preparing a special action plan to secure the remaining land. Attempts to seek clarification from concerned officials regarding steps being taken for protection and recovery reportedly yielded no response.