Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 14: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu is hosting 29th annual breeder seed review meeting and 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of AICRP on Seed (Crops) at the main campus, Chatha from 13th to 15th May, 2026.
Inaugural function of the programme was presided over by Prof B N Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, who underscored the critical role of quality seed as the most cost-effective input in agriculture, contributing nearly 15–20 percent to productivity enhancement. He highlighted that the AICRP (Seed) Jammu Centre is producing around 500 quintals of breeder seed and 1500 quintals of quality seed annually, thus, playing a crucial role in ensuring seed sufficiency in the region. He called for collective efforts to enhance local seed production systems, improve infrastructure, promote seed villages, and leverage digital technologies.
Chief guest Dr D K Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, New Delhi, in his address, stressed upon the role of seed certification agencies, seed testing laboratories and varietal improvement programmes in achieving self-reliance in seed production and enhancing farmers’ income.
Dr P R Chaudhary, ADG (Seed), ICAR, New Delhi, the guest of honour emphasized the need for strengthening breeder seed production and ensuring timely availability of quality seeds to farmers.
Earlier, Dr S K Gupta, Director Research, SKUAST-Jammu, highlighted the importance of quality seed as a critical input for enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
A detailed presentation on the progress of AICRP on Seed (Crops) for the year 2025–26 was delivered by Dr A Anandan, Director, ICAR-NISST, Mau (UP), showcasing achievements and future strategies for strengthening seed systems in the country.
During the programme, publications were released and Best Centre Awards were conferred along with the proclamation of identified technologies, recognizing outstanding contributions in seed research and production.
The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Vijay Bharti, Professor and Nodal Officer (Seed), SKUAST-Jammu and Organizing Secretary. Proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr Sachin Gupta, Professor, Plant Pathology.
The event witnessed the participation of scientists, researchers and officials from ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities and other stakeholders from across the country.
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