A 2-day Regional Workshop cum Training on Seed Quality Control and Seed Testing in NEH Region under AICRP Seed (Crops) was conducted at Hotel Imphal on 11th – 12th March 2024.
Shri. Thaithuilung Panmei, (IAS) Commissioner, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Govt of Manipur, highlighted that Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Swaminathan pioneered in the country’s popularization of high-yielding seeds to safeguard from country’s food deficit and malnutrition. Production of good quality food is the prime requirement for making a healthy nation and increasing the longevity of life. He emphasized that we should pool the resources of the region by identifying the expertise and suitable crops among the North Eastern State for the production of quality seeds.
Shri. R.K. Dinesh Singh, IAS Commissioner, Agriculture, Govt of Manipur, highlighted the increasing food consumption demand in the state. Shri. Singh emphasized the importance of quality seed production, increasing seed replacement rates, and offering them at affordable prices. He also emphasized the effectiveness of good fertilizer and management practices in harnessing the benefits of quality seeds. He urged for stringent seed quality control measures to ensure the best quality seeds, as complaints of poor quality have been addressed.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Seed Science, Mau, UP, briefed about the national seed sector and its potential to increase farmers’ income.
Prof. Ph. Ranjit Sharma, Director, Extension Education, CAU, Imphal stressed that poor connectivity and transport facilities are the main region for the non-availability of quality seed. He mentioned that ICAR, CAU and the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Manipur, had released several varieties suitable to the local agro-climatic condition.
Shri M. Iboyaima Meitei, Advisor (Horticulture), North Eastern Council, Shillong, Meghalaya emphasized that seed testing laboratories need to be established at the district level to supply the best quality seeds with disease-free, high germination percentage to produce good crops by farmers.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Mishra, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya sought the attention of the policy maker of the region to rethink quality seeds and planting materials. There is a need to be discussed with ICAR, CAU and state government to develop a roadmap for providing disease-free seeds and planting material in the region.
Dr. I. Meghachandra Singh, Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer, AICRP Seed (Crops), ICAR NEH Region stated that there is no formal system in the NEH states. The Central Govt is giving thrust on organic production in the region and we are moving ahead toward organic production. Formations of seed certification agencies along with organic certification activities like other states are needed for the tiny hill states.
Dr. Ramgopal Laha, Head, Regional Centre, ICAR Manipur Centre, Imphal appreciated the sponsors for contributing to the successful organization of the programme.
Experts and resource persons from North East states discussed the country’s overall seed scenario, including current seed quality control and availability. A panel discussion was held, with officials from various organizations and departments participating.
171 participants from the seven North Eastern states, Officers and representatives from the State Agriculture Department, Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, participated in the programme.
(Source: ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, Imphal)
