The Hindu Business Line : AP chosen as `Seed Valley' for the nation

Seed network The Union Government would like to utilise the extensive network of agricultural research and academic institutes in Andhra Pradesh to make the State a valley of seeds.

Hyderabad , March 7

The Centre has decided to make Andhra Pradesh the `Seed Valley' of the country as it found the State an ideal place for promoting quality seeds.

The Government will provide infrastructure and funds both in the public and private sector to make the State a home for quality seeds that could be made accessible for all States.

Announcing this here at a press conference on Tuesday, Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy, State Minister for Agriculture and Civil Supplies, said the Union Government would like to utilise the extensive network of agricultural research and academic institutes in AP to make the State a valley of seeds.

The State had been asked to submit a detailed report, studying a variety of issues related that could go into the project. The officials would identify specific seed producing areas.

Ms Poonam Malakondaiah, Commissioner for Agriculture, said the seed valley project would also involve setting up research and development facilities.

The seed village concept, being promoted by the State Government, would play an important role in the new initiative.

SEED PLAYERS WARNED

Earlier, reviewing the preparations for the ensuing kharif season, the Minister warned the seed manufacturers against misleading the farmers by exaggerating their products in advertisements and offering gifts.

"Don't use pictures of film stars to promote your products," he said. The Minister directed the seed manufacturers to get the advertisements vetted by the Agriculture Department.

As against last year's normal extent of 78 lakh hectares, the Government expected that an additional 10 lakh acres under cultivation this year. "We expect that the seed required for the season would be around 42 lakh quintals. Of this, we would like to replace (to complement the seed requirement of farmers) 17 lakh quintals. This is about 35-40 per cent of the total requirement as against the national average of (seed replacement) 18 per cent," he said.

ELIMINATE SPURIOUS SEEDS

Stating that the incidence of spurious seeds had significantly been reduced, he felt that it should be eliminated completely. He warned the dealers that the Government would take stern action against those who sold spurious seeds. He also wanted them to give bills on purchases.

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