NSAI Addresses "Growth and Challenges of Indian Seed Industry"

The National Seed Association of India (NSAI) organized a Technical Session on “Growth and Challenges of the Indian Seed Industry” on September 4, 2023, in New Delhi. The event also witnessed the 17th Annual General Meeting of the  NSAI to cultivate ideas, innovation, and collaboration to nurture a greener tomorrow.

NSAI – Growth and Challenges of the Indian Seed Industry

The session included the following prominent personalities:

• R K Trivedi, Executive Director, NSAI

• Dr B B Pattanaik, General Secretary, NSAI

• DR D K Yadava, ADG(Seed), ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station, Jodhpur

• Guest of Honour – Dr P K Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Govt. of India

• Chief Guest – A K Singh, Director, Principal Scientist, ICAR – IARI

• M Prabhakar Rao, President, NSAI

• Dineshbhai Patel, Vice President, NSAI

• Vaibhav R Kashikar, Treasurer, NSAI

Dr P K Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, GOI

"By emphasizing the importance of Amrit Kaal, the Government of India is planning to introduce a new seed policy that could be inclusive, where both private and public stakeholders can foster and farmers can make the best use of the relatively inexpensive quality seeds," said, Dr P K Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, GOI.

He further added, "When new varieties are established, it is important that their seeds are available to the farmers in no time. This may not only include cereals but also vegetables, fodder, and other kinds of crops. With the year 2047, we desire India to completely become Atmanirbhar and increase their exports with good numbers. This has a good scope for flower seeds, vegetable seeds, etc. The new policy is expected to take into consideration the infrastructure required, the area necessary for seed production, and the capacity building of the farmers. The policy is expected to be out in the coming 2-3 months."

A K Singh, Director, Principal Scientist, ICAR – IARI

"When we conduct the transplanting method in paddy crops, it consumes a lot of water. Nearly 3000L of water is used to grow 1 kg of rice. Therefore, it becomes necessary to seed them directly as it majorly saves water, it is cost-effective, and the production of greenhouse gases lowers to 35%," said, A K Singh, Director, Principal Scientist, ICAR – IARI

He added, "However, most farmers avoid using this technique due to the generation of unwanted grass. Since It become hard to manage them, the PUSA Institute of Technology has created 2 new varieties of basmati rice that have the potential to get rid of unwanted grass."