Tomar Inaugurates 11th National Seed Congress at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University

According to the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, “our agricultural scientists have made significant progress through research, and India is now ranked first or second in terms of most food produce.” Tomar stated that the hard work of farmers, farmer-friendly government policies, and scientific research have all contributed to this achievement and that we now rank first in the world in terms of agricultural produce.

"With the changing climatic conditions, this challenge must be addressed. Now, pulses and oilseeds should be self-sufficient as well. The government is working on this mission, but along with policies and funding, seed invention should be such that it increases productivity and moves the country toward self-sufficiency. Agricultural scientists have a huge responsibility in this, and they need to do more work," said Tomar today at the launch of the Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agriculture University's 11th National Seed Congress-2022 in Gwalior.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia was virtually present, as was Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel. On this occasion, the University's newly constructed auditorium was named after the late Dattopant Thengadi.

Concurrently, the State Academy of Agricultural and Allied Sciences (SAAS) was established. NAAS's efforts at the national and regional levels will help to accelerate agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry science, and the promotion of related research and education.

According to Tomar, the late Thengadi was an intellectual, a nationalist thinker, a labour activist, and a trade union leader. He prioritized the interests of workers and peasants. Thengadi ji emphasized the Swadeshi spirit, which strengthened the nation with local industries and created many job opportunities. It is uplifting to have an auditorium named after Thengadi ji.

The welcome address was first delivered by Vice Chancellor Prof. S. Koteshwara Rao. Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Ashwini Kumar, Joint Secretary (Seeds), Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and other dignitaries spoke at the event.  The Registrar, Anil Saxena, was in attendance, as were University officials, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, farmers, and students.

Deliberations will be held at this event on new experiments in the field of improved seed production in the country, with future requirements in mind, and a policy will be framed on the strategy of improved seed production, particularly of oilseeds and pulses. This three-day conference is being attended by eminent seed production experts from across the country. At the event, Union Minister Tomar presented various awards.