Minister for Agriculture Pocharam Srinivas Reddy said that the government was ready to transform Telangana as seed bowl of India and the Chief Minister has promised to release required funds for that purpose.
Addressing the valedictory function of the two-day consultative meet on ‘Enhancing exports of sorghum and seeds from India’ held at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics (Icrisat) on Wednesday, Mr. Srinivas Reddy said that the export of sorghum and seed would improve the financial condition of farmers.
Informing that the demand across the globe for sorghum has been increasing, he said that the government was committed to encourage seed village programme where the farmers can grow quality seed and become independent instead of depending on the seed companies.
“Why quality seed is being available only at Ankapur near Armoor of Nizamabad district and why not it can be replicated across Telangana? That was cthe focus point. We spent about Rs. 50 crore in the last budget and the same amount was allotted in the present budget as well,” he said, adding that the scientists were asked to supply quality breeder seed from which foundation seed and certified seed can be developed.
The Minister requested the scientists to bring down the cost of seed production so that farmers can benefit.
ICRISAT Director General Dr. David Berginson said that value addition to products would increase the income for farmers. “Export of sorghum can create economic opportunity for small and marginal farmers. We can move forward like a team to achieve this target and unlock the potential. Also there was a need to implement recommendations, he said.
Source: The Hindu