Addressing the inaugural function of Indian Seed Congress 2017 in Kolkata, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said India has great potentiality to produce hybrid seeds especially costly vegetable seeds on cheap rates compared to the seeds of other countries.
Apart from vegetables, the hybrid seeds of maize, paddy, pearl millet and cotton may be exported to SEI and African countries in magnitude, Singh said in his speech.
The objective of National Farmer Policy of the Union Government is to accelerate agricultural output, develop infrastructural facilities in the villages, promote value addition, and expedite the growth of agro-business and other challenges emerging out of economic liberalization and globalization. The theme of Seed Congress is “Seed of Joy.”
Speaking on this occasion, Singh said on account of the strategic measures of this government, there has been enhancement in the availability of certified/quality seeds and department of Agriculture; Cooperation & Farmers Welfare has asked the State Governments to prepare variety wise seed rolling plants to meet year wise, season wise requirements of quality seeds.
Recounting the initiative taken by his Ministry, Singh said Ministry of Agriculture is continuously attempting to
streamline the regulatory framework in order to make it transparent, substantial and progressive. The Minister assured the representatives present that Central Government is making all out efforts to help them to grow even more, both domestically and in the international arena.
Agriculture Minister further said Indian Seed Market is growing fast and during the recent past the hybrid seed market of vegetables and cereals has shown a remarkable growth, Singh said.
This seed rolling plant will fulfill the double purpose of improving the Seed replacement rate along with Variety replacement rate so that sustainable agricultural production and productivity could be ensured.
