Varanasi: The 13th National Seed Conference, held at ISARC (Chandapur) of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), emerged as a pivotal platform for addressing challenges and laying a robust foundation for an inclusive and sustainable seed system in India. The three-day event, featuring 22 sessions and over 700 participants, highlighted the need for innovation, partnerships, and capacity building to secure the future of Indian agriculture.
Key Themes and Initiatives
1. Addressing Gaps in Seed Availability and Supply
Uttar Pradesh Minister of State, Dinesh Pratap Singh, emphasized bridging the gap between seed availability and supply in Uttar Pradesh. Acknowledging the vital role of quality seeds in agricultural productivity, he committed to implementing recommendations from the conference to provide affordable and accessible seeds to farmers. The Minister urged stakeholders, including scientists and seed companies, to focus on developing quality seeds for grains, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and medicinal plants, with the aim of doubling farmers’ incomes. He also stressed the importance of technology to detect counterfeit seeds.
2. Promoting Partnerships and Regional Cooperation
Dr. Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI Philippines, underscored the significance of collaboration in addressing climate change, malnutrition, and food security. She highlighted IRRI’s commitment to advancing seed technologies and empowering farmers through partnerships in India. This global perspective aligns with India’s goals of enhancing seed systems through collective efforts.
3. Building Capacity and Decentralizing Seed Production
Monika Garg, Agriculture Production Commissioner, revealed plans to address the state’s dependency on external seed sources. Currently, Uttar Pradesh procures 50% of its seeds from other states, while only 8–9 lakh quintals of seeds are provided to farmers under subsidies, against a requirement of 60 lakh quintals. The Saathi Portal and a market intelligence system are being developed to bridge this demand-supply gap. Additionally, a Seed Park in Lucknow and 100 seed processing plants under the Drishti Yojana are set to enhance decentralized seed production and processing.
Scientific and Technical Innovations
1. Advancing Hybrid and Climate-Friendly Seeds
The conference spotlighted the lack of hybrid seeds as a major challenge. Dr. Pankaj Tripathi, Director of UP Seed Development Corporation, announced ongoing trials for maize seeds, with plans to expand availability if successful. Efforts to encourage farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) to contribute raw seeds for processing are also underway, ensuring affordability and quality.
2. Climate-Sensitive Practices and Biofortification
Participants deliberated on the importance of hybrid and biofortified crops, particularly in light of climate change. Ideas shared during the sessions focused on developing seeds that are not only high-yielding but also resistant to environmental stressors, ensuring food security in the face of global challenges.
Policy and Action Plans
1. Formulating Roadmaps for Agricultural Development
Dr. KV Raju, Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, announced plans to draft a comprehensive roadmap by next month, with targets spanning 12 months. This roadmap will focus on improving production, ensuring quality, and addressing traceability within the seed system.
2. Empowering FPOs and Farmers
Dr. Punjab Singh, Chancellor of Rani Lakshmibai Central Agricultural University, stressed the importance of capacity-building initiatives for FPOs and farmers. He proposed scientific training to enable farmers to process and market seeds independently, thereby reducing reliance on external suppliers.
Global and National Collaboration
The conference brought together experts from India, South Africa, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other nations, alongside agricultural universities, researchers, and seed manufacturers. Sessions delved into topics such as public-private partnerships, hybrid seed production, and technical advancements in seed systems. Key speakers included:
- Dr. Harun Rashid, Director of Bangladesh’s SAARC Agriculture Center
- Dr. Sanjay Singh, UP Council of Agricultural Research
- Ajit Radhakrishnan, World Bank
- Dr. JK Tomar, noted researcher
The event also honored researchers and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the seed sector.
A Vision for the Future
The National Seed Conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, IRRI ISARC Director, marking a step forward in strengthening India’s seed ecosystem. The collaborative insights, innovative strategies, and policy frameworks developed during the conference are expected to address challenges such as climate change, malnutrition, and food security.
The emphasis on Uttar Pradesh’s role in these initiatives signifies a turning point for agriculture in the state. By fostering innovation, building capacity, and decentralizing seed production, the government aims to create a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector, paving the way for a brighter future.
