National Seed Congress 2024: A Platform for Innovation
The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC) 2024 kicked off today, marking a significant event in India’s agricultural landscape. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, this three-day Congress will run from November 28 to 30, 2024, at the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi. The event has attracted over 700 delegates, including experts, policymakers, industry leaders, research scholars, and farmers. Together, they will discuss critical issues and advancements in the seed sector, aiming to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability.
Inaugural Ceremony Highlights
The inaugural ceremony featured prominent figures in agriculture, including Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who addressed the gathering virtually. He emphasized India’s growing leadership in the global seed sector and the need to leverage the country’s biodiversity and research capabilities. “The National Seed Congress provides a vital platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering partnerships, and driving innovation to strengthen seed systems,” he stated. His remarks underscored the importance of making quality seeds accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers.
Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, the Agriculture Minister of Uttar Pradesh, expressed pride in hosting the Congress. He highlighted the state’s agricultural contributions and future goals, including the establishment of 200 seed parks and increased cultivation of oilseeds and millets. “Uttar Pradesh has a rich tradition of advancing agriculture and is honored to host this Congress in Varanasi,” he said. His vision aligns with the Congress’s objectives of promoting sustainable practices and innovations that benefit farmers across the region.
Key Themes and Discussions
The Congress aims to address several pressing themes in the seed sector. Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, emphasized the need to prioritize the seed sector to enhance India’s agricultural competitiveness. He noted that post-Green Revolution, India achieved self-sufficiency in key crops and aims to become the “Food Basket of the World.” The introduction of the SATHI portal will improve seed quality traceability, boosting farmer trust through enhanced certification systems.
Dr. Yvonne Pinto, Director General of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity. “This Congress is a vital platform to foster collaboration, innovation, and shared solutions in the seed sector,” she remarked. The theme of the Congress, “Fostering Regional Cooperation, Partnerships, and Knowledge in the Seed Sector,” reflects the urgent need for collective action to strengthen seed systems and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Launch of Innovative Tools and Sessions
During the inaugural day, several significant initiatives were launched, including the Abstract Compendium and the Rice Fallow Webpage & Atlas for states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. This innovative tool uses geospatial technology to map and analyze fallow lands in Eastern India, providing actionable insights for optimizing crop planning and enhancing food security.
The day also featured three impactful plenary sessions. The first session, “India’s Role in the Global Seed Sector: Opportunities and Expectations,” explored India’s leadership in the global seed market. The second session, “Fostering South-South Collaboration in the Seed Sector,” focused on partnerships among Global South nations to tackle shared challenges. The final session, “Strengthening the Seed Sector through Public-Private Partnerships,” highlighted the importance of collaboration between government bodies and private enterprises to improve seed quality and accessibility.
The inaugural day of the 13th National Seed Congress 2024 set a dynamic foundation for meaningful collaborations and innovative policies. With robust discussions and new ideas, the Congress aims to strengthen India’s leadership in the global seed sector and pave the way for sustainable agricultural practices. The event will continue to explore critical themes over the next two days, providing actionable insights that will shape the future of seed systems in India and beyond.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn