Invested His Land and Life Savings for Farmers’ Welfare, Now Seeks Protection to Safeguard His Own Research
Shri Prakash Singh Raghuvanshi alleges large-scale sale of counterfeit seeds worth crores of rupees under changed names and brands; appeals to the Chief Minister for justice, citing threats to his life and property
Despite losing eyesight from the age of 15, he created a remarkable history in agricultural research; honoured three times by the President of India and by the Chief Ministers of four states
Varanasi: With a dream of providing farmers with better and improved quality seeds, progressive farmer and agricultural researcher Shri Prakash Singh Raghuvanshi sold his own land, took bank loans and invested his lifetime savings in agricultural research. However, today he finds himself struggling to protect the rights over the very research and seed varieties he developed through years of hard work.
A resident of Tadiya, Jakhini, Varanasi, Shri Raghuvanshi alleges that seed varieties developed by him are allegedly being sold in the market under changed names and brands. Expressing concern over the possibility of large-scale counterfeit seed sales, he has demanded an impartial investigation and strict action from the government and administration. He has also expressed serious concerns regarding the safety of his life and property.
The inspiring journey of Shri Raghuvanshi is nothing short of an example of extraordinary determination and dedication. At the young age of just 15, he began experiencing a decline in his eyesight. Despite having only 20 per cent vision remaining in his eyes at present, he refused to give up. Driven by his determination to develop improved seeds for farmers, he even sold his land and invested his entire life’s savings, along with money borrowed from banks, in agricultural research.
He began his agricultural journey under the guidance of his father, Sheetla Prasad Singh. In 1982, he learned the techniques of developing improved seed varieties from Mahteem Singh, Director of the Agriculture Department at Banaras Hindu University, and agricultural scientist Uday Pratap Singh. Thereafter, he dedicated his entire life to agricultural research and developing better seed varieties for farmers.
In recognition of his hard work and achievements, he has been honoured three times by the President of India and by the Chief Ministers of four states. The major wheat varieties developed by him include Gehu Kudrat, Kudrat Nine, Annapurna, Vishwanath Raghuvanshi-8, Raghuvanshi-10 and Surya-555. According to him, these varieties have been registered in his name with the Government of India’s Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA).
Allegations of Selling Seeds Under Changed Names and Brands
Shri Raghuvanshi alleges that certain companies and traders are allegedly selling seed varieties developed by him in the market under different names and brands to earn financial benefits. He claims that others are taking advantage of his years of research and hard work, while he is suffering financial losses and mental distress.
In the complaint submitted by him, names including Bapna Seeds Private Limited and Balaji Krishi Seva Kendra have been mentioned. He has also raised objections regarding seed names such as Bapna-44, Bapna-Vardaan and Bapna-11.
Suspects Counterfeit Seed Trade Worth Thousands of Crores; Raises Security Concerns
Shri Raghuvanshi has alleged that counterfeit seeds are being traded on a large scale in the market. According to him, the financial scale of such activities is suspected to run into thousands of crores of rupees.
Considering the seriousness of the matter, he has demanded that the government and administration investigate the quality of the seeds, their actual sources, registration details and sales practices. He further claims that raising his voice against alleged irregularities and fighting to protect his research has made him concerned about potential threats to his life and property.
He has appealed to the administration to take these concerns seriously and provide him with the necessary security.
Burden of Loans, Limited Resources and a Fight for Research Rights
Shri Raghuvanshi says that large seed companies have sufficient financial resources for the promotion and marketing of their products, whereas his limited financial condition prevents him from making his developed seed varieties available to farmers on a wider scale.
On one hand, he is struggling to repay the bank loans taken for agricultural research, while on the other, he is fighting to protect the legal rights over his own research and registered seed varieties.
Despite the continuous deterioration of his eyesight and the lack of relief even after medical treatment, he has not abandoned agricultural research. Even today, he continues to train farmers and young people in modern agricultural techniques and improved seed varieties, with the aim of creating better opportunities for the next generation in the agricultural sector.
Shri Prakash Singh Raghuvanshi has appealed to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the concerned government authorities to order a high-level and impartial investigation into the entire matter, establish the truth behind the allegations made in his complaint, take strict action against those found guilty in accordance with the law, and ensure protection of his legal rights concerning his research and registered seed varieties.
He has also requested the authorities to take necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of his life and that of his family.
He says that he has dedicated his land, financial resources and the most valuable years of his life to securing a better future for farmers. Now, he expects the government to protect his research, recognise his hard work and ensure that justice is delivered.