Organic Cotton Scam Uncovered in Kalahandi: Farmers’ Names Misused for Certification

Kalahandi, Odisha: A major fraud has come to light in Kalahandi district, where several companies allegedly misused farmers’ names to secure organic certification for cotton.

Investigations by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Odisha State Organic Certification Agency (OSACA) have revealed widespread irregularities in Karlapada and the surrounding areas.

Preliminary findings suggest forged documents, inflated land records, and fake seed usage claims.

Farmers were reportedly listed without consent, while many never cultivated organic cotton. Instead of supplying organic seeds and fertilizers, companies allegedly fabricated records to show compliance.

The firms under scrutiny include Sumitra Agro, Pratima Agro, Ambika Agro, Spestum Agro, Amina, Aditya Agro, Prime Agro, Asha Organic, and Chetna. One licensed company has already had its operations suspended.

Organic cotton typically fetches 30% higher prices in the market. Investigators believe companies bought non-organic cotton cheaply and sold it as organic, earning crores in profit.

Alarmingly, 95% of seeds sold in the district were Bt cotton, raising serious doubts about the authenticity of organic claims.

With mounting evidence, demands are growing for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to ensure accountability and protect farmers’ interests.