Farmers in Patiala have reason to celebrate after the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered compensation for losses caused by fake sunflower seeds. The court has directed dealers and a manufacturer to pay ₹76,800 per acre to farmers whose crops failed in 2022 due to the supply of spurious seeds. This significant ruling aims to provide relief to farmers who suffered due to the poor quality seeds.
The commission also added an oral award of ₹35,000 to each farmer for the mental distress caused by the issue. The seeds were produced by M/s Synergene Crop Innovations. It was found that the company’s licence to sell seeds in Punjab had expired in 2019, meaning they were not authorised to supply these seeds. This detail highlights a serious lapse in regulation and quality control.
The case, heard by the Patiala Consumer Commission, concluded with a decision in favour of the farmers on August 4, 2025. This legal action was prompted by complaints from farmers to the Punjab Chief Minister and the SSP Patiala. Following these complaints, a special committee was formed to investigate the matter. The committee initially suggested a compensation of ₹17,000 per acre for 20 farmers who had experienced losses across 88 acres.
However, 12 of these affected farmers decided to pursue the matter further by filing cases in the consumer court. This led to the more substantial compensation award ordered by the commission. This decision is a step towards ensuring accountability for seed suppliers and protecting farmers from fraudulent practices. It also underscores the importance of consumer courts in resolving such disputes and providing justice.
The ruling is expected to send a strong message to seed companies about the importance of adhering to regulations and maintaining seed quality. Farmers can take this as a precedent for seeking redressal when faced with similar issues. Such measures are vital for the sustainability of the agricultural sector and the economic well-being of farmers. The government’s role in ensuring the availability of quality seeds and regulating the market is also highlighted by this case. This compensation will help farmers recover some of their losses and continue their farming activities with renewed confidence.