AP For Free Hand To Fix Seed Rates

The state government will seek authorisation from the Centre to fix the rate on seeds and to also independently decide on the fixing of royalty on seeds coming from outside.

Speaking to media persons, minister for agriculture N Raghuveera Reddy revealed that the state government has urged the Centre to consider its request on these two crucial points. He also pointed out that thus far, there was no bill on this point.

Raghuveera Reddy said that he had written a letter to Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, stressing the need to give the state a free hand to independently fix rates and royalty on seeds.

The minister was also keen that this issue be raised suitably in the next session of Parliament to the advantage of the state.

He said that he would also prevail upon ministers and MPs belonging to AP to support the state on this point when the issue comes up for discussion in the Lok Sabha.

Raghuveera Reddy also emphatically stated that, if necessary, he would speak to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in this regard and persuade him to accept the demand.

Courtesy: INN