Admitting gross mismanagement in the agriculture department, the Orissa government said it would set up a high-level inquiry into the supply of alleged fake seeds and pulse kits to farmers during the rabi crop season.

Mismanagement in the agriculture department was admitted by its minister, Mr Damodar Rout, while replying to an adjournment motion debate. Participating in the debate, the opposition members alleged that the state government betrayed the farmers by supplying them bad quality seeds and pulse kits during the rabi crop.

“There is kickback in the supply of pulse kits to farmers,” said Congress chief whip Mr Prasad Harichandan adding that moong dal cultivation over a large area had been affected due to supply of bad quality seeds and pesticides.

The minister also said that the government would consider the proposal of giving compensation to affected farmers.

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