13th National Seed Congress 2024 Commences in Varanasi, Focusing on Strengthening Global Seed Sector

The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC) 2024 commenced on November 28, 2024, at the International Rice Research Institute's South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, the Congress was inaugurated virtually by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The three-day gathering has drawn over 700 participants, including policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and farmers, to discuss advancements and challenges in the seed industry.

Union Minister Chouhan highlighted India’s rising global prominence in the seed sector, highlighting the nation’s biodiversity and research capabilities as key assets. He stressed the importance of innovative technologies and public-private partnerships to ensure access to affordable, high-quality seeds, addressing both food security and climate challenges. “This Congress reflects India’s commitment to empowering smallholder farmers and tackling climate impacts through strengthened seed systems,” Chouhan stated.

Surya Pratap Shahi, Agriculture Minister of Uttar Pradesh, expressed pride in hosting the event, spotlighting the state’s agricultural achievements and future plans. Shahi announced initiatives like the establishment of 200 seed parks and enhanced cultivation of oilseeds and millets to boost Uttar Pradesh’s leadership in sustainable agriculture. He also emphasized the significance of ISARC and the upcoming International Potato Centre in advancing agricultural innovation across South Asia.

Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Agriculture, highlighted India’s vision of becoming the "Food Basket of the World," underscoring the importance of seed innovation and biofortification. He introduced the SATHI portal, designed to enhance seed quality traceability, fostering farmer confidence through improved certification systems.

The Congress, themed “Fostering Regional Cooperation, Partnerships, and Knowledge in the Seed Sector,” aims to address global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity. Dr. Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, emphasized the role of regional collaboration in promoting equitable and resilient agricultural practices.

The inaugural day also witnessed the launch of the Rice Fallow Webpage & Atlas, an innovative tool developed using geospatial technology to map fallow lands in Eastern India. This resource, aimed at optimizing crop planning, is expected to drive agricultural transformation in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

The day featured insightful plenary sessions focusing on India’s role in the global seed market, South-South collaborations, and public-private partnerships. Discussions also included technical advancements and regulatory frameworks shaping the seed industry.

With a comprehensive agenda outlined for the next two days, the Congress is ready to shape the future of seed systems, promoting sustainable growth and ensuring food security for India and beyond.