Md Russel Mia, Amtali (Barguna) Correspondent 

More than two hundred farmers in the Churokata area of Amtali upazila of Barguna have alleged that they were cheated by buying Bri-98 variety paddy  seeds. They are in dire straits as many of their lands have not yielded the desired yield even after almost five months of planting the seeds. After the losses during the Aus season, farmers are also uncertain about cultivating Aman on the same land.

On Friday, the affected farmers in the Dhurkata area took bundles of paddy in their hands and complained about the quality of the seeds. They claimed that they had suffered losses after purchasing the seeds of the Bri-98 variety from Md. Khalek Hawlader, a seed dealer in the Bandhghat area of Amtali Municipality. The farmers demanded action against the dealer.

Talking to the farmers, it was learned that in April, they prepared the land, bought seeds for cultivating Bri-98 variety rice and made seed beds. Later, the seedlings were planted in the land. The farmers claim that Bri-98 variety rice is usually ready for harvesting in about 110 days. But even after the specified time, the rice yield in many lands has not been as expected.

The farmers alleged that they did not get a satisfactory solution when they contacted the dealer Md. Khalek Hawlader regarding the issue. They claimed that another variety of paddy might have been sold under the name of Bri-98. However, the dealer denied this allegation.

The farmers also said that they had planned to cultivate Aman in the same land after harvesting the Aush season paddy. But due to the lack of desired yield of Aush paddy, it is not possible to clear the land on time. Due to this, the cultivation of Aman season has also become uncertain. They fear that the amount of loss may exceed crores of taka.

Farmer Md. Dulal Hawlader said, "I planted BR-98 rice seedlings on 8 acres of land. But the yield did not come as expected. Now I am not even in a position to cultivate Aman rice. I cultivated it on loan. Now I don't know what to do."

Farmer Delwar Gazi said, "We have become destitute. We don't know how to run our family. We are demanding punishment for the dealer Khalek Hawladar."

Farmer Md. Roni Ahmed said, "More than two hundred farmers in the area have faced losses after planting Bri-98 rice. Now many farmers are in a situation where they have to sit on the sidelines."

Farmer Abdul Aziz said, "Agriculture is my main profession. I have to support my family all year round with the income from rice cultivation. This time, that rice did not come. We cultivate rice in both the Aus and Aman seasons. But this time, I am worried about whether I will be able to cultivate rice properly in either season."

However, denying the farmers' allegations, seed dealer Md. Khalek Hawlader said, "I did not package any other variety of rice in Ayan Seed packaging. I sold it to the farmers the way the company gave it."

Amtali Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Russel said, "We have inspected the spot after receiving the complaint. We are working on the matter. We have already spoken to the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and the Seed Certification Agency. 

Amtali UNO Hasan Mohammad Hafizur Rahman said, "Necessary measures will be taken after learning about the matter."