17 April 2026, Bhopal: Farmers from Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar and Khargone districts have raised concerns over alleged crop losses in bitter gourd caused by substandard seeds and seedlings. The issue was presented in New Delhi before Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who directed officials to examine the matter, provide relief to affected farmers, and initiate legal action against those found responsible.
Following these directions, an FIR has been registered at Manawar police station in Dhar district against Nunhems India Private Limited. Authorities said the case has been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Essential Commodities Act, and the Seeds Act. Further investigation is underway.
According to the farmers, seeds and seedlings linked to the company were purchased in November 2025 from nurseries and agri-input outlets. After sowing and transplanting, the crop reportedly failed to deliver expected yields. Farmers alleged that fruits remained small, turned yellow, and dropped prematurely, resulting in significant production losses.
A complaint was submitted on February 17, 2026, after which agricultural scientists and departmental officials carried out an inquiry. Preliminary findings reportedly indicated that substandard seeds and seedlings prepared from such seed stock were sold as certified planting material, causing financial losses to growers.
The Union Minister stated that farmers’ interests remain a priority and that negligence, irregularities, or fraud in agricultural inputs would not be tolerated. He instructed officials to ensure timely relief for affected growers and to proceed with strict action in accordance with the law.
Officials also indicated that regulatory steps are being considered in connection with the Rubasta bitter gourd variety mentioned in the complaint. The matter remains under investigation.
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