Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suspended eight Agriculture Department officers after an inquiry confirmed that damaged wheat seeds were supplied to farmers despite being spoiled during storage.
According to sources, the fact-finding committee completed its investigation and submitted the report, which led to the suspension of officers from Grade 17 to Grade 19.
The suspended officials include directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and the district director Agriculture Dera Ismail Khan.
Inquiry Finds Major Negligence in Seed Storage and Quality Control
Sources said complaints about damaged seeds were received from the districts of Tank, Hangu, Mardan, Malakand and Swat.
A formal investigation was launched after farmers reported losses.
According to the inquiry officer, 36,000 wheat seed bags were supplied across the province, out of which 1,200 bags have been inspected so far. During inspection, 200 bags were found to contain spoiled and unusable seeds.
The report highlighted serious negligence in the storage and quality control process, which caused financial harm to farmers.
Agriculture Department officials said more disciplinary action and corrective measures are being considered in light of the inquiry findings to prevent such incidents in the future.
Sources added that the KP government is also reviewing a plan to compensate affected farmers and improve transparency in the seed distribution system.
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