Sun Nov 30 14:40:05 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Farmer organizations in Andhra Pradesh are strongly protesting the Union government’s proposed Seed Bill-2025. They view it as a pro-corporate move that threatens farmers’ rights and state autonomy, potentially increasing dependence on corporate seeds and hindering legal recourse for crop failures. The organizations urge the State government to consult with them before conveying its stance to the Central government. They fear the bill is linked to a free trade agreement with the US that could flood the market with genetically modified seeds and further disadvantage farmers.
News Article:
Andhra Pradesh Farmers Unite Against Proposed Seed Bill, Claiming Pro-Corporate Bias
Vijayawada, November 30, 2025 – Farmer organizations in Andhra Pradesh have voiced strong opposition to the Union government’s proposed Seed Bill-2025, deeming it detrimental to the agricultural community and a move towards increased corporate control.
At a roundtable organized by the Andhra Pradesh Rythu and Kaulu Farmer Associations in Vijayawada on Sunday, leaders expressed concerns that the bill would undermine state autonomy and leave farmers vulnerable to corporate seed companies.
“This bill is designed to bring agriculture under the complete control of the central government, diluting the powers of the state,” stated former Minister Vadde Shobhanadreeswara Rao. He urged the Andhra Pradesh government to immediately convene a meeting with farmer associations to address their concerns and ensure their rights are protected.
Agricultural scientist B. Sharath Babu warned that the bill could erode farmers’ rights and increase their dependence on corporate seeds. “Farmers invest heavily, yet they’ll receive minimal compensation for crop failures,” he stated.
Concerns were also raised that the bill is a precursor to a free trade agreement with the United States, potentially leading to an influx of genetically modified seeds and restricting farmers’ ability to seek legal remedies for losses caused by corporate-controlled seed.
V. Krishnayya, State president of the Farmers’ Association, chaired the meeting where other prominent leaders, including M. Haribabu, State general secretary of the Tenant Farmers’ Association, also spoke out against the proposed legislation. The organizations are calling on the State government to prioritize the needs of farmers in its discussions with the Central government regarding the Seed Bill-2025.