The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the arrangements for the forthcoming cotton crop and directed the Deputy Commissioners of cotton belt to ensure that there was no black marketing of BT Cotton seed during the sowing season from months of April-May.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister in a meeting with the senior officers of the State Government held here at Chief Minister's residence this morning.
It was also decided in the meeting that there would be no increase in the rates of BT Cotton seed during the current year despite the BT cotton companies demanding steep hike in the rates. The Chief Minister categorically said that the rates prevalent during the previous year would continue this year too.
The Chief Minister was apprised in the meeting by the Financial Commissioner (Development) Mr. G.S. Sandhu that likely area of cotton would be approx 5 lac hectares this year as compared to 5.6 lacs hectares for the previous year as some of the area was likely to be shifted to Guar crop which was fetching handsome price in the market. Against a demand of approx 25 lac packets of B T Cotton seed, 26 Seed Companies have assured a supply of more than 35 lac packets of BT cotton seed. Therefore, it was felt that there would be no shortage of BT cotton seeds required for the forthcoming cotton crop. It was further decided that to ensure proper and fair distribution of cotton seeds, the Markfed would distribute 9 lac packets to the farmers through the co-operatives societies as well as open sale.
Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Chairman Punjab State Farmers' Commission Dr. G.S.Kalkat besides Mr.Gagandeep Singh Brar and Mr. K.S.Pannu (both Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister).