Jalandhar, Feb. 21 -- Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh has written to Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, raising concerns over the shortage of maize seeds in the state ahead of maize cultivation season.

He alleged that maize seed sellers have deliberately created a shortage of the 1899 variety ahead of the sowing season, due to which farmers are forced to buy these at exorbitant rates.

"The seed is currently available at anywhere between Rs.3,500 and Rs.4,000 per four-kilogram bag against the regular price of Rs.2,600," the MLA claimed.

He further demanded regularisation of maize seed sales and increased surveillance on unscrupulous dealers.

"By now, the department of agriculture and farmers' welfare should have kept an eye on the ...