Transforming Uttar Pradesh’s seed sector: Collaboration, innovation, and strategies emphasized in NSC 2024

Varanasi, India, 30 November 2024 – 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.

Highlights of the discussion

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…