Workshop on “Emerging Trends in Seed Industries”
An educational workshop on “Emerging Trends in Seed Industries” was organized by the Seed Producer Welfare Association, Kolkata, West Bengal (SPWA) in association with the National Seed Association of India, New Delhi (NSAI) on 30-11-23 Kolkata, West Bengal.
The inauguration session was addressed by Shri Prabhakar Rao ji who highlighted the pressing challenges being confronted by the seed sector in the country. He also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, policymakers, and industry players to navigate these challenges effectively and foster sustainable growth in the seed sector. He stressed the need for a uniform regulatory system in the country across all the states and Union Territories.
The technical session was chaired by Dr. Sukanta Dasgupta, MD, WBSSC Ltd and co-chaired by Mr. R. K. Trivedi, ED, NSAI and Dr. Sukanta Karmakar, DDA (Seed Certification) . The Technical Session discussion was focused on seed traceability , Seed Quality , IPR issues and certification challenges in West Bengal. Dr. Chander Mohon, Assistant Commissioner (Seeds), GoI highlighted the SATHI portal, a centralized online system for seed traceability. Mr. Dipal Roy Chowdhury, Joint Register, PPV&FRA, discussed the PPVFRA legislation, registration process, rights, and gene funds. Dr. Aromita Saha, Advocate, Trademark Registration Bureau, Kolkata discussed the importance of IPR and trademark enforcement in the seed industry. The technical session was concluded by Mr. R. K. Trivedi, ED NSAI. He highlighted the role of seed companies and their significance of ensuring the availability and affordability of improved quality seeds. He also discussed the need for a harmonized seed regulatory system in the country and safeguarding intellectual property rights.
At the end, Mr Sidhhartha Sen, Vice-President, SPWA and GC member, NSAI highlighted the West Bengal seed industry and discussed the necessity for streamlined and transparent regulations, its role in addressing the needs of hours and the availability of quality seeds in West Bengal. SPWA also felicitated three breeders namely Dr. Satya Ranjan Das, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha; Dr. P V Satyanarayana, ANGRAU, Andhra Pradesh and Dr. Pranab Chatterjee, BCKV, West Bengal with an “Award of Excellence” for their significant contribution to the Seed Industry.