13th National Seed Congress 2024 concludes with a focus on strengthening India’s seed sector

Varanasi, November 30, 2024 — The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), and the National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC) successfully concluded the 13th National Seed Congress (NSC) 2024 in Varanasi. Over three days, the Congress brought together more than 700 delegates, including experts, policymakers, industry leaders, research scholars, and farmers, to deliberate on advancements and challenges in the seed sector.

Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Agriculture Secretary, Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Shubha Thakur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare; IRRI Deputy Director General for Research Dr. Ajay Kohli, ISARC Director Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, and other key dignitaries from the country’s seed sector joined Shri Surya Pratap Shahi and Dr. Pinto in the inaugural ceremony.

Inaugurated by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Congress served as a platform for knowledge exchange and partnership building. Shri Chouhan highlighted India’s leadership in the global seed sector, stressing the role of biodiversity, research, and innovation in addressing challenges such as climate change and food security. “The National Seed Congress provides a vital platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering partnerships, and driving innovation to strengthen seed systems. This Congress reflects India’s commitment to ensuring food security, addressing climate challenges, and empowering smallholder farmers with access to quality seeds. I encourage the experts and participants to develop actionable strategies to make seeds more accessible, affordable, and impactful through strengthened public-private partnerships,” he stated.

IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto, among the event’s chief patrons, underscored the critical need for collaboration, “This Congress is a vital platform to foster collaboration, innovation, and shared solutions in the seed…