UP Agriculture Ministry and IRRI announces 13th National Seed Congress

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, (October 16, 2024) – The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India is pleased to announce the 13th edition of the National Seed Congress (NSC) to be held in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh from November 28-30, 2024. The event will be organized jointly by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) and the National Seed and Research Training Center (NSRTC). NSC 2024 aims to bring together stakeholders across the seed value chain to address the most pressing issues facing the sector today.

NSC is an annual gathering of researchers, policymakers, farmers, and representatives from the private and public sectors to build a roadmap for a vibrant and equitable seed sector in India. With the theme, “Fostering Regional Cooperation, Partnership, and Knowledge Exchange in the Seed Sector,” NSC 2024 will provide a platform for presenting experiences and insights on the research advances, innovations, and principles related to seed, crop improvement, and seed delivery systems.

NSC 2024 aims to catalyze scientific progress by facilitating the exchange of ideas and interdisciplinary research. It will address pressing global challenges in the seed sector and offer insights and solutions that can influence policy changes, technological innovations, and sustainable development.

Underlining the role of NSC 2024, Smt. Shubha Thakur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, states, “With a goal towards enhancing farmers’ income, ensuring food and nutrition security for billions; access to high-quality, climate-resilient, nutritious seeds and improved cultivars is more important than ever. NSC 2024 will serve as a platform to collaborate on addressing these challenges, empowering farmers, and ensuring that India’s agriculture remains strong and sustainable. This event will catalyze innovative solutions and promote partnerships that drive seed sector growth.”…