Man held with 100 kg banned cotton seeds near Shamirpet

A 58-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh was apprehended for allegedly transporting and attempting to sell 100 kg banned BT-3 cotton seeds near Shamirpet on Saturday evening.

The accused was identified as 58-year-old Dasari Srinivasa Rao, a resident of Chebrolu village in Guntur district.

He was caught by the SOT Cantonment team along with officials of the Agriculture Department and Shamirpet police near Outer Ring Road exit number 7 following specific information.

Police said the accused was found carrying two bags containing prohibited BT-3 (BG-III HP variety) cotton seeds. On inspection, each bag was found to contain 50 kg, taking the total seizure to 100 kg.

During questioning, the accused allegedly told investigators that he, along with his associate, had procured the seeds from a supplier in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh at a low price and planned to sell them to farmers and fertiliser shop owners in and around Hyderabad for higher profits.

Police said two other persons linked to the case are absconding. Investigators said the accused had earlier been booked in a similar case registered at Yalal police station in Vikarabad district last year.

Officials warned that use of prohibited cotton seed varieties could lead to crop failure, soil degradation and substantial financial losses to farmers.

A case has been registered at Shamirpet police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Environment Protection Act, Seeds Act and Seeds Control Order.

Police said further investigation is underway to trace the absconding accused and identify the distribution network.