TG doing a fabulous job in developing seed sector

All the States should emulate the Telangana model for development of seed industry besides strengthening the seed certification agencies, said Union Agriculture Secretary Shobhna K Pattanayak here on Saturday.

Speaking at the valedictory function of International OECD Seed Certification workshop he congratulated the State government’s efforts in increasing the seed cultivation area to 2,567 acres within a span of two years and exporting certified seeds to countries like Sudan, Egypt, Philippines. He said TS was the driving force behind the export of quality seed to other countries after meeting OECD norms.Pattanayak wanted all the States to become self-sufficient in seed requirement and advised them to follow the Telangana model in strengthening the seed sector.

“Still some time back India was lagging behind OECD certification programme and exports were not remarkable, but today Telangana took a lead and is doing a fabulous job in developing seed sector,” Pattanayak said, adding that the workshops and training programmes will be helpful to know the OECD certification methods and procedures and appreciated the State government for conducting such programmes.