Odisha signs pact for seeds production

Bhubaneswar: With an aim to make Odisha self sufficient in production of pulses and oilseeds, the State Seed Corporation has signed a tripartite agreement with National Seed Corporation and International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat) at the Secretariat here yesterday.

As per the MoU, while both National Seeds Corporation and Icrisat would produce pulses and oilseeds for three years in Odisha, the State Seeds Corporation would purchase those seeds and supply them to farmers at cheaper rates, state Agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathy said.

The Minister said the quality seeds could result in a 20 per cent increase in production.

The seed replacement ratio in respect of pulses and oilseeds in the state was less than four per cent last year, he said, adding that there was a demand of Arhar, Green Gram, Black Gram and Groundnut to the tune of 1,101, 14,800, 16,480 and 50,000 quintals, respectively this year.

Along with Maharathy, principal secretary of the department Rajesh Verma was present during the signing of the agreement.