Agriculturist Md. Humayun Kabir, Project Director of the 'Improved Seed Production and Development of Rice, Wheat, and Maize Project (3rd Phase)' under the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), has dismissed the allegations regarding the stock and quality of maize seeds as false and baseless. He stated that despite various adversities, the project is working with transparency and efficiency to ensure the delivery of quality seeds to farmers.
The Tk 474.68 crore project is scheduled to run from March 2025 to June 2029. Its primary objective is the production, processing, preservation, and supply of improved seed varieties to farmers. Recently, allegations surfaced regarding the stockpile and quality of hybrid maize seeds imported under the project, which also raised questions about the role of the project director.
According to available information, 200 metric tons of the B-3355 hybrid maize seed variety were imported from India during the 2025-26 season. Of this, 22 metric tons were sold to farmers during the Rabi season, and the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) decided to preserve the remaining 178 metric tons for the following season. It was reported that the delay in seed clearance due to customs network and software complications prevented the sale of the entire stock. However, the unsold seeds are currently stored in modern warehouses and maintain a germination capacity of over 90 percent.
More to Read
A new contract worth Tk 4.07 crore has been signed to procure an additional 100 metric tons of hybrid maize seeds. Project sources indicate that this initiative was taken to meet the demand of farmers in various districts for the upcoming Rabi season, strictly adhering to the PPR 2025 guidelines and the DPP. Experts believe that the success of this large-scale project depends on delivering quality seeds to farmers on time. Furthermore, they noted that it is unfair to hold a single individual accountable without verifying the actual truth behind the allegations.