In a move aimed at strengthening quality control in agriculture, the Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Department on Thursday (June 25, 2026) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Posts for the secure and traceable transportation of seed, fertiliser and pesticide samples collected across the State.

The MoU was signed by Manazir Jeelani Samoon, Director of Agriculture, and S. Shivaram, Postmaster General, Vijayawada Region, Department of Posts.

Additional Director of Agriculture Sridhar, Joint Director Padmaja and Postal Department official Inder Kumar were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Samoon said the MoU would provide end-to-end logistics support for transporting agricultural input samples collected under the department’s quality control programme. Under the arrangement, samples gathered by quality control inspectors would be transported through a secure, traceable and time-bound system from field locations to Regional Coding Centres (RCCs) and subsequently to designated testing laboratories.

The Agriculture Department plans to collect around 15,000 seed samples, 20,000 fertiliser samples and 11,000 pesticide samples during the 2026-27 financial year for quality testing across Andhra Pradesh.

Officials said the collaboration with the Department of Posts would introduce a standardised transportation system supported by digital tracking and monitoring of sample movement. The system was expected to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the handling of samples.

Key features of the initiative include end-to-end digital tracking, secure and tamper-resistant transportation and time-bound delivery of samples to testing laboratories.

The officials noted that the partnership would significantly improve the efficiency of the State’s quality control system and help curb the circulation of sub-standard and spurious seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. The initiative was expected to safeguard farmers’ interests, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen confidence in agricultural inputs supplied across the State.