Malappuram: The Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed a nursery to pay ₹1 lakh in compensation after it was found to have supplied a farmer with the wrong variety of banana seedlings.

The complaint was filed by a farmer from Karimpanthottiyil, Wandoor, who had leased agricultural land for cultivation. The farmer purchased saplings worth ₹3,425, including 150 Nendran (plantain) saplings, from Chungathara Karshika Nursery & Garden Service.

He was told the plants would bear fruit within 10 months, in time to sell during the Onam season. However, the saplings failed to bear fruit on time; worse, instead of the expected variety, they received a different variety, ”Swarnamukhi”. Following this, the farmer approached the Consumer Commission, seeking compensation of ₹1.64 lakh.

The local agriculture officer and an advocate commissioner visited the farm and submitted reports that supported the farmer’s claims. Based on the report, the Malappuram District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered the nursery to pay ₹1 lakh as compensation.

In addition, they must return ₹3,425 for the cost of the saplings, ₹11,175 spent on fertilisers, and ₹10,000 in court expenses.

The Commission, led by President K. Mohandas and members Preethi Sivaraman and C.V. Muhammed Ismail, also stated that if the payment is not made within a month, 9% interest will be added.