ICAR It Dir calls for full-fledged seed certification cell
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 30 2022:
Pointing out that seed production is vital for doubling income of the farmers; ICAR Manipur centre joint director Dr I Meghachandra stressed the need for setting up a full-fledged seed certification cell in the state.
He was speaking during a one-day awareness cum training programme on quality seed production organised jointly by KVK Churachandpur, ICAR Manipur region, Institute of Cooperative Management (ICM) Imphal, Alumni Association of Agriculture College, Imphal at KVK Churachandpur centre on Tuesday.
Dr I Meghachandra pointed out that the central government passed National Seed Act in 1969 with an objective to avail quality seeds to the farmers.
Though the Act was amended in 2022, it could not still become a full-fledged one till now.
He continued that penalty including fine could be imposed against those seed sellers if the seeds were found not up to the standard level under the Act.
Even if the Act is being implemented in most parts of the country, it is still ineffective in Manipur and other states of North East except Assam.
Stating that a seed certification cell was established in 2013 but could not fully implemented in the state, Meghachandra continued that farmers could enhance their income by producing certify seeds if the Act is fully implemented in the state.
The awareness programme was also attended by KVK Churachandpur head in-charge Dr L Somorendro, CAU Imphal Professor A Herojit, ICM Manipur director Dr K Joychandra, Oil Palm Mission co-ordinator joint director MS Khaidem and KVK Imphal West head Th Motilal.