Varanasi, India, 30 November 2024 - Various topics related to emerging challenges and opportunities in the allied areas of the seed sector were deliberated during the 2024 National Seed Congress. One such plenary session, entitled “Emerging opportunities in seed sector to include value-added traits, landraces, and crops,” focused on the potential of value-added traits, traditional landraces, and diverse crops and how they can be harnessed to improve both the nutritional value and marketability of agricultural produce.
The panel brought together a distinguished group of experts, including Dr. Praveen Kumar Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India; Dr. Dinesh Kumar Agarwal, Registrar General, PPVFRA, New Delhi; Dr. R.C. Chowdhury, Chairman, PRDF, Gorakhpur; Dr. M. Govindaraj, Senior Scientist at Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT; and Dr. Amit Sharma, Principal Scientist at IIWBR, Karnal. The session was moderated by Dr. Saurabh Badoni, Grain Quality and Nutrition scientist at IRRI. Together, they explored the multifaceted opportunities in the seed sector that can positively impact nutritional health, agricultural sustainability, and farmers' livelihoods.
Key highlights of the discussion
The session centered on leveraging the seed sector to address nutrition-related challenges, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve farmers' income through a multitude of innovative approaches, including:
- Bio-fortified crops: The panel advocated for the promotion of bio-fortified crops, such as millets, Kalanamak rice, and nutrient-rich cereals and legumes, to combat malnutrition and enhance the nutritional value of the food supply.
- Traditional varieties: The potential of indigenous landraces, including nutrient-dense rice and millets, was emphasized as a way to offer healthier food options without the need for additional fortification. These crops, deeply rooted in the country's agricultural heritage, can support more sustainable and nutritious diets.
- Post-harvest innovations: Participants highlighted the importance of increasing investment in post-harvest technologies to preserve the nutritional integrity of crops during storage and cooking. Innovations in processing and packaging were identified as essential to retaining the value of produce and minimizing losses.
- Export standards for non-Basmati varieties: The need for establishing export standards for non-Basmati rice and other nutrient-rich crops, similar to Basmati rice, was proposed to expand global markets and bolster India’s agricultural presence on the world stage.
- Regulatory measures: There was a strong call for enforcing nutritional standards to prevent the sale of nutrient-poor grains, such as over-polished rice. This measure aims to improve consumer health by ensuring that only nutritionally rich grains reach the market.
- Food diversification: Panelists recommended promoting diversified diets that incorporate millet, legumes, and vegetables. Such dietary diversification is essential to tackling malnutrition and encouraging a balanced diet across rural and urban populations.
- Integrated value chains: The session underscored the importance of building integrated value chains for crops like millet and legumes. These value chains should be equipped with strong market linkages, adequate storage infrastructure, and modern processing facilities to ensure that farmers benefit from fair prices and efficient distribution.
- School nutrition programs: The inclusion of millet in government nutrition programs, such as midday meals, was suggested as a means to increase their consumption and raise awareness about their nutritional benefits among children and the broader population.
- Farmer education and support: Panelists stressed the need for comprehensive education programs to inform farmers about the advantages of growing protected, notified, and biofortified varieties. By empowering farmers with this knowledge, they can make informed decisions that contribute to improved productivity and healthier food systems.
The session concluded with a unified vision to enhance the seed sector’s role in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving public health. By integrating value-added traits, promoting traditional varieties, and adopting innovative practices, the seed sector can transform agricultural systems, improving both nutritional outcomes and farmers’ livelihoods.
The recommendations presented offer a clear roadmap for a more resilient and inclusive agricultural value chain, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of addressing global challenges related to nutrition and food security.