Identifying seeds as a key factor in ensuring sustainability for farmers, the Union Government is developing a software to let the farmers trace the origin of the seeds they buy. Using technologies such as barcode and QR code, the software solution will allow the farmers to cross-check whether they are buying the seed that intend to.

“We are going to introduce it by June 2020. It goes a long way in ensuring quality of seeds,” Sanjay Agarwal, Union Agriculture Secretary, said.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 32nd ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) Congress 2019 here on Wednesday, he said the country could achieve productivity levels and production of seeds above what was needed.

“But quality of seeds is the key to ensure better incomes and sustainability to farmers,” he added.

Representatives from over 70 countries are attending the conference, which is being organised by the Agriculture Departments of the State and Central governments.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Kailash Choudhary said quality seeds were at the centre of agriculture, which provided livelihood to 60 per cent of the country’s population. “We have over 16 State-level seed corporations and 26 seed certification agencies in 26 States,” he said.

“Telangana produces 65 lakh quintals of seeds every year, which makes it the seed capital of the country. We have received all certifications to export seeds to the Western countries. We will soon begin exports,” S Niranjan Reddy, Minister for Agriculture (Telangana), said.

“We are going to bring out an exclusive policy for seeds. We will train more farmers in producing quality seeds,” he said.

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