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Our Bureau

Hyderabad, Nov. 9

The Asian Seed Congress 2008, which aims to provide a forum for the small and big players in the Rs 5,000-crore Indian seed industry to interact and forge tie-ups with global companies, began today.

The 5-day meet, being organised by the National Seed Association of India (NSAI) in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Seed Association (APSA), will focus on the development of the industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Union Agriculture Minister, Mr Sharad Pawar, will formally inaugurate the meet on November 11. About 800 delegates from across the world are expected to take part in the proceedings.

About 100 ‘trade rooms’ are to be set up at the venue to facilitate seed companies to interact, exchange notes and forge tie ups. Technical sessions on impact of climate change and transgenic seeds have also been lined up, said Mr Buta Singh Kanwal, Chairman, Organising Committee of the Asian Seed Congress.

Mr Prabhakar Rao, President of NSAI said the Indian seed industry was growing at 8-9 per cent annually. Though modest, exports, especially of vegetable seeds, account for about $25 million; and equivalent imports take place.

Mr Madoka Koshibe, ASPA President, said while Japan ranked first, India was second and China third in the region in terms of trade volume of seed business. The role of the association was to bring in technology developers, traders, farmers on one platform and also work with governments on issues.

More Stories on : Seeds | Andhra Pradesh

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