SEED WORKS INTERNATIONAL PVT LTD Vs. NAMPELLY SUDHAKAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In the impugned order, Andhra Pradesh Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has dismissed 97 appeals filed by a producer of hybrid cotton seed, Seed Works International Pvt. Ltd. and some of its dealers, who marketed its seed in Andhra Pradesh in 2010. In all 97 revision petitions were filed against the impugned order. At the initial stage itself, this Commission took the view that respondent/farmers who had sown this seed in less than one acre and have been awarded compensation below Rs.30,000/-, have already suffered considerable harassment, in addition to the loss of their crop. Therefore, no notices were issued to them. In their cases, the concerned revision petitions are deemed to have been dismissed. 60 cases fall in this category. In the other 36 cases now listed before us, the revision petitions are being decided after hearing both sides.

(2.) As per the Consumer Complaints filed before the District Forum Warangal, the Complainant was a farmer with over 10 year experience in cotton cultivation and had achieved yield levels of 12 quintals per acre. In April/May 2010 he had purchased two packets of OBAMA BG II variety of cotton seeds for kharif crop of 2010. Allegedly, before the purchase, he had been assured by the dealer that the seed would give yield levels of 15 to 18 quintals per acre. But, he found that germination of was only about 60%, despite sufficient irrigation as well as application of fertilizer and pesticide. Contrary to assurances, germination of the seeds was very low and there was poor formation of flower and boll. ('Bolls' are rounded seed capsules of plants like cotton and flax.) Significantly, the petition also claimed that:

(3.) On receiving no meaningful response from OPs, the Complainants sought intervention of the Agriculture department of the government. The Joint Director, Agriculture, Warangal sent a team of district level officers of the department. This Committee, headed by Dr Gopinath, gave its reports on 25.9.2010 and 10.11.2010.