Strengthening Seed Delivery through Seed Cooperatives for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Telangana

TRVK, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, and Rajanna Sircilla jointly organized a one-day workshop on “Strengthening Seed Delivery through Seed Cooperatives for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Telangana” at DCCB, Karimnagar on 20.06.2026 under the NABARD-supported project. The workshop brought together representatives of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACSs), cooperative leaders, scientists, seed experts, and officials from PJTAU and the cooperative sector to discuss strategies for strengthening seed production and delivery systems through seed cooperatives.

The programme commenced at 10.00 AM with a welcome address by the Coordinator, TRVK, Rajanna Sircilla, Dr R Saikumar, who welcomed the dignitaries, participants, and representatives of cooperative societies. This was followed by introductory remarks from the Chief Executive Officer, DCCB, Karimnagar, highlighting the importance of cooperative institutions in ensuring quality seed availability to farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

Dr. M. V. Nagesh Kumar, Director (Seeds), PJTAU, delivered a detailed presentation on the NABARD project, covering its background, objectives, major activities, and the roles and responsibilities of PACSs and PJTAU in project implementation. The presentation emphasized the need for strengthening local seed systems and enhancing the capacity of cooperative societies in seed production, processing, and marketing.

Dr. S. K. Rao, Former Vice-Chancellor, RVSKVV, Gwalior, shared the success story of seed cooperatives in Madhya Pradesh. He explained how cooperative-led seed production initiatives had improved seed availability, farmer participation, and rural livelihoods. His presentation provided valuable insights and practical lessons that could be adapted to the Telangana context.

Sri Jayaprakash, District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD,Karimnagar addressed the participants and highlighted NABARD’s commitment to strengthening farmer institutions and cooperative-based seed systems. He emphasized the importance of quality seed production, capacity building of PACSs, and collective efforts among stakeholders for ensuring sustainable agri-food systems and improving farmers’ livelihoods in Telangana.

During the experience-sharing session, representatives from PACS Utoor and Gattududdenapally Cooperative Society shared their experiences and achievements in seed production and cooperative management.

An interactive session was conducted on project activities and implementation strategies, during which participants actively discussed operational aspects, capacity-building requirements, quality seed production protocols, and mechanisms for strengthening farmer participation through cooperative institutions.

Sri K. Ravinder Rao, Former Chairman, TSCAB, addressed the gathering and emphasized the significant role of cooperative societies in agricultural development, seed security, and rural economic growth. He encouraged the participating societies to effectively utilize the opportunities provided under the project.

Dr. Venkat Reddy, ADR, RARS, Polasa, Jagtial, addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of quality seed production, strengthening seed cooperatives, and effective collaboration among research institutions, PJTAU, and PACSs for enhancing seed security and agricultural development in Telangana.

In the concluding session, Dr. S. K. Rao and Dr. M. V. Nagesh Kumar summarized the key deliberations and highlighted the roadmap for successful implementation of the project. They stressed the importance of collaboration among PJTAU, PACSs, NABARD, and other stakeholders to achieve the project objectives.

The workshop served as an effective platform for knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and planning collaborative efforts to strengthen seed delivery systems through cooperative institutions for sustainable agri-food systems in Telangana.

Among those who participated in the workshop were Dr. Venkat Reddy, ADR and Head, RARS, Polasa, Jagtial; Dr. P. Madhukar Rao, Coordinator, TRVK, Karimnagar; Dr. R. Sai Kumar, Coordinator, TRVK, Rajanna Sircilla; Sri O. Sampath, Coordinator, TRVK, Peddapalli; Dr. Ramprasad, Head, ARS, Karimnagar; Dr. E. Rajinikanth, Dr. G. Usharani, and Dr. Uma Rani, Scientists of ARS, Karimnagar; the Chief Executive Officer, DCCB, Karimnagar; Sri N. Satyanarayana Rao; Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers of PACSs from Karimnagar, Rajanna Sircilla, and Peddapalli districts; along with representatives of cooperative societies, scientists, seed experts, and officials from PJTAU.