Seed Congress resolves to promote hybrid, biofortified crops

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| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Scientists, policymakers and industry representatives who participated in the 13th edition of the three-day National Seed Congress (NSC), which concluded on Saturday (November 30, 2024), resolved to work more on innovative seed technologies for farmers in the country. The focus will be on on hybrid and biofortified crops, stress-tolerant varieties, and accelerated breeding cycles.

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The meeting also discussed climate-resilient practices, including ‘Direct Seeded Rice’ and zero tillage to minimise the input costs involved in farming. The NSC also deliberated on the importance of policy frameworks in the seeds sector, including a new Seeds Bill, and enhancing seed entrepreneurship, improving supply chains, and building capacity among farmers. The meeting prescribed Public-Private Partnerships in the sector to promote sustainable seed production and distribution.

The theme of this year’s NSC is ‘Innovating for a Sustainable Seed Ecosystem’, and more than 700 delegates from India and abroad participated in the discussions. At the closing ceremony, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Horticulture, Agriculture Marketing, Agriculture Foreign Trade, and Agriculture Export, Dinesh Pratap Singh, said the deliberations and recommendations from the NSC would act as a blueprint for strengthening U.P.’s seed systems, and make the State a hub for quality seed production.

“With the right strategies, we can empower farmers by providing them access to better quality seeds, including hybrids, biofortified crops, and vegetable seeds, which will boost productivity and profitability,” he said, adding that discussions on developing seed parks, enhancing public-private partnerships, and empowering farmers as seed entrepreneurs were encouraging. “The outcomes of these deliberations will be implemented with the full support of the State government to ensure food security, economic growth, and the welfare of our farmers,” he said. 

Director General of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Yvonne Pinto said the challenges posed by climate change, malnutrition, and food insecurity require collective action, and events such as the NSC provided the foundation for transformative solutions. 

The event was jointly organised by the Union Agriculture Ministry and the IRRI.  Dr. Pinto said the integration of biofortified rice into school nutrition programmes, the promotion of hybrid varieties, and the adoption of climate-resilient practices were steps in the right direction.