Daijiworld Media Network- Bhopal

Bhopal, Aug 17: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday conducted a surprise inspection of soybean fields in Chirakheda village, Raisen district, after several farmers complained that their entire crops were destroyed following the use of a herbicide.

During the visit, Chouhan found that instead of soybean, the fields were overtaken by weeds, while the crop appeared completely burnt. Aggrieved farmers alleged that the damage was caused by a chemical supplied by a private company.

“This is not confined to just one farmer’s land. Many farmers have reported similar devastation. A farmer’s crop is his life; if it is destroyed, his life is destroyed. Relief will definitely be provided to the affected farmers, and the company will be held accountable,” Chouhan assured while addressing farmers and officials.

The Minister announced the constitution of a high-level scientific committee under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to probe the matter. The team, led by Dr JS Mishra, Director of the Directorate of Weed Research (DWR), Jabalpur, and Dr SRK Singh, Director of ATARI Zone 9, will be joined by senior Agriculture Department officials from Raisen and Vidisha. The probe panel will inspect the affected fields on August 18.

Rejecting an earlier report submitted by scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Raisen, Chouhan termed it “inaccurate” and stressed that the new team would carry out a detailed inquiry.

He further declared that the Centre will soon launch a nationwide crackdown on companies dealing in spurious pesticides, seeds, and fertilizers, saying such practices “cheat farmers and endanger their livelihoods.”