The National Seed Association of India (NSAI) convened its 18th Annual General Meeting, which followed an important Technical Session on "Emerging Issues in Seed Quality Regulation." This Technical session witnessed the participation of delegates from various ICAR institutions, the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), the Ministry of Agriculture, and representatives from leading seed companies across the country.
Dr. B.B. Pattanaik, General Secretary of NSAI, formally welcomed all distinguished guests and participants. In his address, Dr. M. Prabhakar Rao, President of NSAI, highlighted the significant contributions of the seed industry to Indian agriculture, along with the key challenges and issues faced by the seed sector currently. Dineshbhai Patel ji, Vice President of NSAI, and Vaibhav Kashikar ji, Treasurer of NSAI, were also present during the deliberations, adding their support and insights to the proceedings.
The Technical Session was inaugurated by Pasha Patel ji, the Chief guest of the function, who is, presently, the Chairman of the State Agricultural Price Commission, Maharashtra State, and Chairman of the Executive Committee (Chief Minister’s Task Force for Environment & Sustainable Development), Government of Maharashtra. Pasha Patel ji highlighted the need to resort to environmental protection and advocated for natural farming systems to save the planet. He assured his full support for the seed industry in the country.
The Guest of Honour of the event Lalit Patil Bahale ji, President of Shetkari Sanghatana expressed his support for the emerging technologies in the seed sector and suggested for extensive use of genetic technologies in developing varieties with nutraceutical properties to provide better earnings to the farmers and facilitating easy availability of high nutritio0n food to the common man. The event also featured Mr. Simon Wiebusch of Bayer Crop Science Limited, who expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the Indian seed industry in national economy and the strength of the country as an ideal place of seed production due to its rich agro-biodiversity.
The Technical Session was chaired by Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson of PPVFRA, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, New Delhi, who brought his vast experience and knowledge of the seed industry to the discussion. Co-chairing the session was Dr. D.K. Yadava, Assistant Director General (Seed), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, known for his extensive expertise in the Indian seed system highlighted the various measures the ICAR was taking to strengthen the Indian seed industry.
K. Praveen Kumar, GC Member of NSAI and Senior Vice President of Asian Agri Genetics Limited, discussed about the "Harmonization of Seed Regulatory Regime for Strengthening the Indian Seed Sector," addressing key challenges faced by the industry. He also mentioned about the formation of Ethics Committees within NSAI, tasked with monitoring and promoting ethical practices in the seed industry for enhancing its reputation worldwide.
Dr. Arun Kumar, M.B., Principal Scientist in the Division of Seed Science and Technology, IARI, made a presentation on "Seed Testing Technologies and the Critical Need for STL Accreditation." His deliberations provided valuable insights into advanced seed testing technologies, which were useful for the seed testing laboratories and highly beneficial to the seed industry.
Following the technical session, NSAI proceeded with its 18th AGM, adhering to the scheduled agenda. Various activities and financial performance the NSAI during the previous year were thoroughly reviewed and plans for the coming year were highlighted. The meeting served as a robust platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the setting of strategic directions to ensure the continued growth and success of the Indian seed industry.
NSAI remains committed to enhancing seed quality, supporting regulatory harmonization, and driving innovation in the industry to ensure the availability of the seeds of highest standards of quality to the farmers for achieving record productivity and contributing to the development of Indian agriculture.
