NATIONAL SEED CONGRESS –
ECONOMY / AGRICULTURE
NEWS: The Ministry of Agriculture
& Farmers’ Welfare is hosting the 13th edition of the National Seed
Congress (NSC) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, from November 28-30, 2024.
WHAT’S IN THE
NEWS?
- The Event is being
jointly organized by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) and the National Seed Research and
Training Center (NSRTC).
- The theme for this year
is “Fostering Regional Cooperation, Partnership, and Knowledge
Exchange in the Seed Sector”.
- NSC 2024 will provide a
platform for presenting experiences and insights on the research advances,
innovations, and principles related to seed, crop improvement, and seed
delivery systems.
- The Congress will focus
on building sustainable, equitable, and resilient seed systems by
addressing a diverse range of topics such as climate-resilient breeding,
advancements in seed quality and technology, innovative seed delivery
methods, etc.
About
National Seed Congress
- NSC is an annual
gathering of researchers, policymakers, farmers, and representatives from
the private and public sectors to build a roadmap for a vibrant and
equitable seed sector in India.
- The congress aims to
foster regional cooperation, partnerships, and knowledge exchange,
strengthening India's seed sector and addressing food security and
agricultural resilience.
About IRRI
South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC)
Located within the premises of the National Seed Research and Training
Centre (NSRTC), Varanasi, ISARC is IRRI's central hub for research partnerships
in South Asia and Africa.
The Centre was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 December
2018 and provides cutting-edge research and capacity development facilities to
improve and boost the rice-based agri-food systems in the region.
- ISARC is the first
research centre of IRRI to be established outside of its headquarters in
the Philippines.
Key
Contributions:
- Development of
climate-resilient rice varieties like Sahbhagi Dhan and Swarna-Sub
1, which are crucial for adapting to changing climate conditions.
- Facilitating
cross-border seed exchange through initiatives like Seeds Without Borders.
- Supporting genomic
tools, digital platforms, and structured seed systems that promote faster
varietal development and dissemination.
About
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
- IRRI is an independent,
nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford
and Rockefeller Foundations with support from the Philippine
government.
- It is headquartered in
Los Baños, Philippines, but has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in
Asia and Africa.
- Role in Global Agriculture: IRRI’s research on rice
varieties, pest control, water-saving techniques, and climate-adaptive
farming practices has been transformative for rice-growing regions,
especially in Asia and Africa.
- India Partnership: IRRI
collaborates with Indian institutions to boost rice productivity, improve
seed quality, and strengthen seed systems to ensure food security and
climate adaptation.
Source:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/harnessing-innovation-national-seed-congress-2024-to-address-agriculture-challenges/articleshow/114632062.cms