13th National Seed Congress Opens in Varanasi

The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC) 2024, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, was inaugurated on November 28, 2024, by Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan via virtual address. The three-day event is hosted at the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi, bringing together over 700 delegates from various sectors. The Congress focuses on innovation, collaboration, and actionable strategies to enhance the Indian and global seed sectors.

Key Highlights of the Event

Inaugural Ceremony

• Keynote address by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasizing India’s leadership in the seed sector.

Presence of dignitaries, including,

• Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, Agriculture Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
• Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, DA&FW.
• Dr. Yvonne Pinto, Director General, IRRI.
• Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director, ISARC.

Key Themes and Messages

• Strengthening public-private partnerships.
• Leveraging biodiversity and technology for food security and climate resilience.
• Promoting accessibility and affordability of quality seeds.

Launches and Initiatives

• Abstract Compendium and Rice Fallow Webpage & Atlas for Eastern India states (Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal).
• Rice Fallow Atlas uses geospatial technology to optimize crop planning and improve food security.

Plenary Sessions

India’s Role in the Global Seed Sector: Opportunities and Expectations

• Focused on India’s growth potential in global seed markets.
• Speakers: Dr. Hans Bhardwaj (IRRI), Mr. Ajai Rana (FSII), and Mr. Mohan Babu (Corteva).

Fostering South-South Collaboration in the Seed Sector

• Emphasized partnerships among Global South nations to address shared challenges.
• Speakers: Dr. Rabe Yahaya (ISARC), Dr. Pratibha Singh, Dr. Ganga Acharya.

Strengthening the Seed Sector through Public-Private Partnerships

• Explored strategies for collaboration between government and private enterprises.

Side Event and Technical Session

Targeting Rice Fallows and System Intensification through Geo-Spatial Technology

• Chaired by Smt. Shubha Thakur, discussed innovative strategies for Eastern India.

Emerging Seed Technologies, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Standards

• Addressed advancements and frameworks shaping the seed industry.

Focus on Uttar Pradesh

• Shri Surya Pratap Shahi highlighted the state’s agricultural contributions.

Initiatives,

• 200 seed parks planned.
• Focus on oilseed and millet cultivation.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare inaugurates 13th National Seed Congress in Varanasi
Dates	November 28-30, 2024
Key Initiatives	– Abstract Compendium launch. – Rice Fallow Webpage & Atlas (Eastern India).
Plenary Sessions	1. India’s Role in the Global Seed Sector 2. Fostering South-South Collaboration in the Seed Sector 3. Strengthening the Seed Sector through Public-Private Partnerships
Side Event	“Targeting Rice Fallows and System Intensification through Geo-Spatial Technology of Eastern India” Technical Session “Emerging Seed Technologies, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Standards”
Key Focus Areas	– Seed accessibility and affordability. – Climate-resilient agriculture. – Public-private collaboration.
Uttar Pradesh Initiatives	– 200 seed parks. – Increased oilseed and millet cultivation.
Technology Use	Geospatial mapping for crop planning (Rice Fallow Atlas).
Global Challenges Addressed	– Food security. – Climate change.
Collaboration Focus	Regional and South-South partnerships to enhance seed systems.