New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) An FIR has been filed against Telangana-based Nunhems India Private Limited as per the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s directions after farmers from Dhar and Khargone districts of Madhya Pradesh reported severe losses from substandard bitter gourd seeds and saplings, an official statement said on Friday.

Farmers from Madhya Pradesh met the Union Minister here and apprised him of the heavy losses they suffered and Shivraj Singh Chouhan termed it a direct attack on farmers’ livelihoods and immediately directed officials to expedite the compensation process to the affected farmers and initiate strict legal action against the company.

The statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said that the action followed a complaint lodged by farmers on February 17, 2026, after crops produced small fruits that turned yellow and fell prematurely, causing sharp declines in production.

“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,” the statement noted.

Instructions have also been issued to impose a ban on the substandard bitter gourd seed variety “Rubasta”.

“Injustice, negligence, or fraud against farmers will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and the government stands firmly with the affected farmers,” Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan said.

“The Union Minister has consistently emphasised prompt redressal of farmers’ grievances, strict action against substandard and counterfeit seeds and agro-inputs, and ensuring real relief to farmers,” the Ministry said.

“He (Shivraj Singh Chouhan) has repeatedly made it clear that those who compromise with the quality of seeds and agricultural inputs, thereby jeopardising farmers’ hard work, crops, and future, will not be spared at any cost,” it noted.

–IANS

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