Kushtia, July 12 (V7N)- Farmers across six upazilas in Kushtia have reported significant financial losses and deception after purchasing "Dhany Gold" hybrid paddy seeds from Bayer Company. The farmers, who bought the seeds at a premium price expecting a high yield, allege that approximately 40% of the seeds failed to germinate. This has led to substantial financial setbacks, and the seedlings that did grow are frail, raising concerns about the overall harvest. Affected farmers are calling for compensation and an investigation.
 
Anwar Hossain, the company's area manager in Kushtia, maintains that the quality of "Dhany Gold" seeds is very high but attributes the poor germination to unusually high temperatures this year. The company is currently investigating and promises to replace the seeds for those who file complaints.
 
District and upazila agricultural officials are unaware of the issue but have assured that they will take appropriate actions upon receiving complaints from the affected farmers.
 
Sohail Rana, a farmer from Kumarkhali upazila, said, "I bought four bags (four kg) of Dhany Gold seeds from Kushtia College Mor, costing Tk 435 per kg. I followed the company's instructions precisely, but only half of the seeds germinated. I am financially strained and demand compensation and a solution to this problem. Other farmers in my area who bought Dhany Gold seeds are also facing similar issues."
 
Saidul Islam from Shingdah village in Chapra Union of Kumarkhali upazila shared a similar experience. He bought 10 kg of Dhany Gold seeds from Kushtia College Mor at Tk 435 per kg. "I followed the company's instructions, soaked the seeds in water, and set them for germination, but only half germinated," he said.
 
Agricultural entrepreneur Monirul Islam, who purchased 20 kg of Dhany Gold seeds for planting on 10 bighas of land, reported that 30% of the seeds did not germinate, resulting in severe financial loss and stress. "We are very anxious. Many farmers like me are affected. We demand a solution and compensation," he said.
 
Abdul Hannan, a seed trader from Bhadalya Bazaar, confirmed that 25-30% or more of the Dhany Gold seeds are failing to germinate. "I stopped selling Dhany Gold seeds three to four days ago due to complaints from farmers," he said. Many other seed traders have also stopped selling these seeds and are demanding a solution to the problem.
 
Agricultural officers in Kushtia, including Sautam Kumar Shil and Debasish Kumar Das, are unaware of the issue but have assured that they will investigate and take necessary measures.
 
Sufi Md. Rafiquzzaman, Deputy Director of the Kushtia Agricultural Extension Department, stated, "No farmer has lodged a complaint yet. We are unaware of the issue, but we will investigate and take appropriate action."
 
District Seed Certification Officer AKM Kamruzzaman added, "I was unaware of this problem. I will collect the seeds tomorrow and conduct laboratory tests to verify the issue and take necessary measures."
 
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