Distribution of certified seed potatoes begins

The Horticulture Department, on Wednesday, began distribution of certified seed potatoes for growers, those who had registered their names in advance.

The department has procured 1,300 tonnes of certified seeds from the National Seeds Corporation at Jalandhar in Punjab. The distribution of seeds was begun in a formal programme held at B. Katihalli near here.

Potatoes are one among short-term cash-crops grown by farmers in Hassan. The department began procuring certified seeds from Punjab in 2016. Since then, farmers are getting the seeds at a subsidised rate.

A.B. Sanjay, Deputy Director of Horticulture, in a press release stated that the department had fixed the price of certified seeds at ₹24 per kg. The farmers would get the same at ₹12 per kg, as the rest is paid by the government as subsidy.

P.C.Jaffer, Deputy Commissioner of Hassan, who participated in the programme, told the farmers to grow potatoes following the guidance of the scientists and officers of the department.

“The district administration has made all necessary arrangements to provide certified seeds to the farmers. If they find any problems in the supply, they can contact the officers,” he said.

K.M. Parashivamurthy, Additional Director of Horticulture, said the certified seeds were being transported from Jalandhar in trucks. “Every day, one or two trucks are leaving Jalandhar. As and when we receive the stock, we distribute them to the farmers through HOPCOMs and farmer producer organisations,” he added.