Background Information
Seed is the basic and most critical input for sustainable agriculture. In India, where agriculture serves as the backbone of the economy, the seed industry plays vital role in ensuring food and nutritional security for the 1.4 billion people in the country. The response of all other inputs largely depends on the quality of seeds and planting material used for cultivation. It is estimated that the direct contribution of quality seed alone to the total production is about 15-20% depending upon the crop and it can be further raised up to 45% with efficient management of other inputs. The seed status in East and North-Eastern India reflects unique regional challenges and resource allocations for major crops such as rice, maize, oilseeds and vegetables. The Assam, West Bengal and Odisha states are the key rice producers in East India, while the North-Eastern states focus on rice and maize, though small-scale cultivation of oilseeds and pulses is also prominent. Horticulture in East and North-East India has seen considerable growth due to favorable agro-climatic conditions, government support, and an increasing focus on high-value crops. The region is well-suited for cultivating a variety of horticultural crops, including fruits like mango, pineapple, banana, jackfruit and oranges, as well as spices such as black pepper, turmeric and cardamom, medicinal plants, tea, coconut, and bamboo. In recent years, North-Eastern India has experienced gradual growth in seed distribution of field and horticultural crops, with support from government initiatives aiming to improve seed quality and availability. Data indicate that about 17% of India’s rice seed requirements come from this region. Furthermore, pulses and oilseeds are increasingly supported by the National Mission on Oil seeds and Oil Palm to enhance self-sufficiency. The Eastern and North-Eastern regions have benefited from the broader push for high-yield varieties and certified seeds to increase overall production resilience.
In East and North-East India, many farmers rely on their own saved seeds. However, over time, saved seeds tend to loose vigour and, reducing yields. Research indicates that the seed replacement rate (SRR) for rice, a major crop in these regions, falls below the national average in multiple North-Eastern states. The region’s rugged and mountainous terrain further complicates the distribution of quality seeds, especially during peak planting periods. These access issues are exacerbated by limited infrastructure, which delays the timely delivery of seeds to rural and tribal communities. Unlike other areas with well-established seed production systems, the North-East has a relatively low seed production capacity, often depending on external suppliers.
Several initiatives have been implemented by the government to facilitate access to high-quality seeds at affordable prices, empowering farmers with the essential inputs for maximizing agricultural productivity. To maximize its impact, the seed industry needs to be supported with science-based policies, predictable regulatory frameworks, sustained investments in R&D, and harmonization with global best practices. These ingredients create an enabling environment for innovation and pave the way for a sustainable agricultural research ecosystem. With cutting-edge technologies and strategic collaborations, the seed sector becomes a vital catalyst for progress and prosperity.
The ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) which has developed more than 300 improved varieties in 54 horticultural crops and 150 farmer’s friendly technologies for improving the livelihood of farmers has set the target of reaching the unreached. Through the special schemes such as Tribal Sub Plan, Scheduled Caste Sub Plan, and North Eastern Hill schemes to supply the quality seeds, planting material and several other inputs to increase the area, production and productivity of the Horticultural Crops in eastern and north eastern states, which have great potential to adopt the new technologies to reduce the gap between yields from seed of locally available old varieties than that from good quality seed of improved varieties.
Rate (SRR) vis-à-vis enhanced production. The Government bodies such as Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), National Biodiversity Authority, several seed producing companies and ONDC platform are playing their role in assuring supply of genuine quality seeds with in India and abroad. The policy issues like enactment of new seed bill, lifting embargo from commercial cultivation of GM crops and adequate allocation of funds to Seed Sector need to be addressed.
With this background, the ICAR-IIHR, in collaboration with Society for Promotion of Horticulture (SPH), Bengaluru, ICAR-Indian Institute of Seed Sciences and National Seed Association of India (NASI) is organizing the National Conference on Seed Chain Management in Eastern and North Eastern Hill Region, at Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, during 21-22 January, 2025.
The Participants
The conference aims to create a platform for exchange of ideas and thoughts associated with all the aspects of strengthening seed sector, among the scientific fraternity, entrepreneurs, farmers, growers, industries, seed companies, students etc., from ICAR institutes, SAUS, KVKS, other government and non- governmental organizations and private agencies from different parts of the country.
Thematic Areas
Present status, challenges & prospects of seed sector & Seed Chain Management System in Eastern and North Eastern Hill Region
Recent developments in seed processing, seed health, supply chain management and market intelligence system
Unleashing the importance of landraces, local genotypes, heritage seeds and GI tagged varieties farmers’ empowerment.
Emerging technologies for improving quality seed chain management for cereals, pulses, oil seeds & horticultural crops and relevant policies
Strengthening seed sector in Eastern and North Eastern Hill Region: Road map & way forward
Abstract
Abstracts should not exceed 300 words and to be typed in Times New Roman (12 font). Abstract should have a Title (bold, 14), names of author (s) (bold, 12), affiliations (italics, 12), email of corresponding author and five keywords. Abstracts will be scrutinized and selected for Oral/Poster presentation by the evaluation committee. Abstract book of the accepted papers shall be published and released during the event.
There will be five Technical Sessions spanning over two days. Each session will have invited lectures from the experts, followed by selected oral and poster presentations, and discussions. The participants from all over the country are expected to deliberate on issues pertaining to seed supply chain during the conference to share and gain knowledge.
Target stakeholders
The conference will be a knowledge sharing platform for various relevant stakeholders including the researchers, academicians, amateurs, conservationists, farmers, industries, entrepreneurs, research scholars, policy makers and state officials.
Presentation mode
The conference will be organized through physical mode.
Important dates to remember
Registration and abstract submission open 21 November, 2024
Abstract submission closes 21 December, 2024
Intimation of abstract acceptance 31 December, 2024
Registration closes 10 January, 2025
Conference dates 21-22 January, 2025
Read more: https://www.iihr.res.in/sites/default/files/Broucher%20Final%20Print%2019-11-2024.pdf
Original link: https://www.iihr.res.in
