Wheat seeds now available at agriculture sales centres

With the sowing season for Rabi crop cycle on, the district agriculture authorities have made wheat seeds available at its sales centres in Chamba district, Deputy Director (Agriculture) Dr Kuldeep Dhiman, said on Thursday.

He said this year, wheat seeds would be available to all farmers at subsidised rates. Dr Dhiman said a subsidy of Rs 15 per kilogram will be provided to all farmers purchasing wheat seeds this year. Farmers can buy a 40-kg-wheat seed bag at a subsidised price of Rs 927.

The Agriculture Officer explained that the total demand for wheat seeds in the district depends on factors like seed prices and timely rainfall. Many farmers prefer to collect seeds from the Agriculture Department only after the rains have started. Considering these factors, 1,600 quintals of wheat seeds have been procured for Chamba District for the 2024-25 Rabi season.

This year, three varieties of wheat seeds—DBW-187, PBW-550, and DBW-187—will be available at the sales centres of the department. Besides, seeds can also be purchased from seed license holders at agricultural cooperative societies. Farmers can collect wheat seeds by presenting their Aadhaar cards at the sales centres. Dr Dhiman urged farmers to purchase the seeds early, as there might be shortage later in the sowing season when demand typically increases.