The session outlined a roadmap for transforming the seed sector in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring it is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future while providing farmers with the tools and resources they need to succeed
The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC 2024) concluded with a dynamic plenary session centered on strategies to enhance Uttar Pradesh’s seed sector. Moderated by Dr. Vikram Patil, Agricultural Economics Scientist at IRRI, the session brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders—from government officials and academic leaders to industry experts—to discuss actionable strategies that can improve seed quality, infrastructure, and market access in the state. The overarching goal was to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s seed sector to better serve the needs of farmers and foster sustainable agriculture.
A distinguished panel of speakers led the session, including Prof. Panjab Singh, Chancellor of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi; Dr. K.V. Raju, Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. A.K. Singh, Former Director and Vice Chancellor of IARI, New Delhi; Dr. J.S. Tomar, Director of Agriculture, UP; Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director of ISARC; Dr. Sanjay Singh, Director General of Uttar Pradesh Council of Agricultural Research; Mr. Pankaj Tripathi, Managing Director of Beeja Vikas Nigam, UP; and Prof. Sanjeet Kumar, Head of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at ANDUAT, Ayodhya.
The session delved into several critical areas for strengthening the seed sector in Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on fostering innovation, improving infrastructure, and ensuring accessibility for farmers.
A key focus was enhancing seed quality and certification. Panelists emphasized the need for expanding seed testing and quality control facilities across the state. Simplifying the certification process, especially for small-scale producers, was also highlighted as a vital step. By offering training and financial incentives, the state can help local seed producers meet national and international standards, ensuring high-quality seeds are readily available to farmers.
Infrastructure development emerged as another critical area of focus. Experts underscored the importance of investing in cold storage units, warehouses, and transportation systems to preserve seed quality and ensure timely delivery to farmers. This infrastructure would not only support seed producers but also ensure that farmers have consistent access to the seeds they need, particularly during crucial planting seasons.
In today’s digital age, digital solutions were highlighted as a means of enhancing transparency and efficiency in the seed supply chain. Panelists called for the development of mobile applications and digital platforms that connect seed producers, suppliers, and farmers. These platforms can provide real-time information on seed varieties, market prices, and weather updates, ensuring farmers can make informed decisions and access the best available seeds.
Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) was also seen as essential for empowering farmers. These organizations can serve as valuable intermediaries, providing farmers with access to new seed varieties, training on best practices, and resources to improve their farming techniques. The session also focused on the promotion of bio-fortified and climate-resilient seeds, with a strong push for developing drought-tolerant and pest-resistant varieties. Implementing pricing mechanisms and offering incentives for cultivating nutrient-rich varieties could improve both food security and farmers’ economic viability.
An important point of discussion was the conservation of indigenous landraces. The creation of a Landrace Conservation Committee was proposed to catalog and promote indigenous seed varieties, ensuring they are preserved for future generations. Additionally, the establishment of a digital repository to document the traits and benefits of these varieties was recommended as a way to support their continued use in modern agriculture. To foster the growth of organic seed production, the session advocated for financial incentives and simplified certification processes, making it easier for farmers to produce and access organic seeds. This would help meet the growing demand for organic produce and encourage environmentally friendly farming practices.
In addition, capacity building was emphasized as a key pillar of the seed sector’s growth. Training programs for farmers, seed inspectors, and extension agents will ensure that all stakeholders are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to implement innovative practices effectively. Collaboration between public institutions and private companies was also encouraged to drive research and innovation in seed production.
Finally, the session highlighted the importance of market linkages and expanding export potential. Strengthening connections between seed producers and agro-processing industries could help improve the economic viability of the seed sector. Establishing export systems for high-quality seeds would not only boost competitiveness in global markets but also support the state’s economic growth by tapping into international demand.
The session concluded with a clear call to action: all stakeholders—government bodies, research institutions, the private sector, and farmer organizations—must collaborate to implement these strategies and drive the growth of Uttar Pradesh’s seed sector. By investing in infrastructure, embracing digital innovations, and fostering public-private partnerships, Uttar Pradesh has the potential to position itself as a leader in India’s seed industry, supporting sustainable agriculture and improving farmers’ livelihoods. With these actionable recommendations, the session outlined a roadmap for transforming the seed sector in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring it is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future while providing farmers with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
The session outlined a roadmap for transforming
