The Maharashtra agriculture department files four FIRs against seed firms after receiving thousands of complaints about soybean seed quality, reported several outlets citing officials. Officials say they have registered 3,615 complaints related to soybean seed issues, with the problem affecting over 6,000 hectares. The action comes after an “alarm” is triggered by reports of poor-quality seed, including concerns raised by farmers and field officials. The FIRs are filed as part of an investigation into alleged violations by the seed companies. The department’s reports indicate that the complaints are widespread across soybean-growing areas in the state rather than limited to a single district. While the exact grounds cited in each FIR are not detailed in the reports, the overall stated basis for the police cases is the alleged supply of substandard seeds and the impact on crop outcomes. Officials also indicate that complaints and assessments are continuing as authorities examine the extent of the alleged quality issues and the responsible parties.