Varanasi, India, 28 November 2024 - The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC) held important discussions on improving cooperation in the seed industry among countries in the Global South. Experts from various regions shared ideas on how to work together better and exchange knowledge in the seed sector.
The discussion highlighted the need for South-South collaboration to tackle shared issues like climate change, pest control, and food security. Panelists emphasized using each country's strengths and resources to create stronger seed systems. They presented successful examples of seed production and distribution, showing how collaboration can help overcome challenges in agriculture.
A major point was the benefit of regional and international partnerships in sharing resources and improving seed technologies. The panel noted that public-private partnerships are key to driving innovation, with governments playing an essential role in supporting these partnerships. Strong regulations are also needed to make the exchange of seeds and technologies smooth and sustainable.
The session also stressed the importance of developing climate-smart seed varieties to ensure sustainability. With changing climate patterns affecting farming, new seed technologies are vital for food security and resilience. Aligning policies with collaborative efforts is crucial for strengthening agricultural systems in the Global South.
The session ended with a strong call for increased collaboration in the seed sector. By sharing knowledge and resources, countries in the Global South can tackle major agricultural challenges together, build more resilient food systems, and secure food for future generations. The insights from the panelists reinforced the need to foster these partnerships for a sustainable agricultural future.
The panel featured respected speakers, including Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid from SAC Bangladesh, Dr. Yacouba Diallo from the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA), Dr. Rabe Yahaya from IRRI, Mr. Ganga Acharya from the SAARC Agriculture Centre, Dr. Pratibha Singh from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Mr. B.P. Prasai from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Nepal, and Mr. Ruhul Amin Khan from the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).