Farmers from Dhar and Khargone districts of Madhya Pradesh met Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in New Delhi and apprised him of the heavy losses they suffered due to substandard seeds and saplings in bitter gourd cultivation. Taking serious note of the issue, Shri Chouhan termed it a direct attack on farmers’ livelihoods and immediately directed officials to ensure adequate compensation to the affected farmers and initiate strict legal action against the company responsible.
Following the Minister’s directions, swift administrative action was taken. An FIR has been registered at Manawar Police Station in Dhar district against the concerned company Nunhems India Private Limited, Hyderabad, Telangana and an investigation has been initiated.
Reiterating his commitment to farmers, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that farmers’ interests remain his top priority. After hearing the grievances of farmers from Dhar and Khargone regarding severe crop losses caused by substandard bitter gourd seeds and saplings, he issued clear instructions to concerned authorities to ensure justice for the affected farmers and expedite the process of providing appropriate compensation. He also directed that stringent legal action be taken against the company found responsible in the matter.
Acting on these directives, administrative action was expedited and FIR No. 266 was registered at Manawar Police Station, District Dhar. The case has been filed under Sections 318(4) and 324(5) of the BNS, 2023, Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and Section 19 of the Seeds Act, 1966. Nunhems India Private Limited, Hyderabad, Telangana, has been named as the accused in the FIR.
According to the farmers, they had purchased seeds and saplings of the said company from various nurseries and agricultural service centres in November 2025. However, after sowing and transplantation, the bitter gourd crop failed to yield as expected. The fruits were small, turned yellow, and began to fall prematurely. Following a sharp decline in crop production, farmers lodged a complaint on February 17, 2026.
Subsequently, an investigation was conducted by agricultural scientists and departmental officials. Preliminary findings indicate that substandard seeds and saplings prepared from such seeds were sold to farmers under the guise of certified material, leading to significant financial losses.
Upon being informed of the matter in New Delhi, Shri Chouhan observed that the issue was not merely about crop failure but about undermining farmers’ trust, hard work, and investment. Taking the matter seriously, he directed that a case be registered under relevant legal provisions and that a thorough investigation be carried out. Instructions have also been issued to impose a ban on the substandard bitter gourd seed variety “Rubasta.”
Sending a strong message, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that injustice, negligence, or fraud against farmers will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and that the government stands firmly with the affected farmers. The incident involving farmers from Dhar and Khargone reflects that when farmers’ concerns reach the Union Minister directly, they are addressed not merely with formal acknowledgment but with decisive action both in terms of compensation and strict legal measures.
Shri Chouhan has consistently emphasized prompt redressal of farmers’ grievances, strict action against substandard and counterfeit seeds and agro-inputs, and ensuring real relief to farmers. He has repeatedly made it clear that those who compromise with the quality of seeds and agricultural inputs, thereby jeopardizing farmers’ hard work, crops, and future, will not be spared at any cost.
