AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON SEED PRODUCTION UNDER NABARD PROJECT at TRVK
Dr. P. Archana, Coordinator, TRVK, Gadwal, conducted an awareness programme on seed production under the NABARD project at Dharur PACS, Dharur village of Dharur Mandal, on 23-09-2026. The programme was organized with the objective of creating awareness among farmers about the importance of quality seed production, seed certification procedures, selection of suitable crops and varieties, and the economic benefits of undertaking seed production through PACS.
Smt. Prasanna, Seed Certification Officer, Gadwal Seed Certification Agency, participated as the Chief Guest and delivered an informative lecture on various aspects of certified seed production. She explained the precautions to be followed at different stages of seed production, including selection of suitable seed, maintenance of crop purity, proper field management, and adherence to seed certification standards. She particularly emphasized the importance of removing off-type plants during the crop growth period and especially at the flowering stage, as the presence of off-types can affect genetic purity and seed quality. She also explained the procedure for field inspection, certification requirements, harvesting, processing, storage and other important steps involved in obtaining certified seed.
The Seed Certification Officer further explained the importance of maintaining the required isolation distance and varietal purity and advised farmers to regularly monitor their seed production fields. She clarified the doubts raised by farmers regarding registration of seed production plots, field inspections, certification procedures, crop-specific requirements and maintenance of quality standards.
Dr. P. Archana, Coordinator, TRVK, Gadwal, motivated the farmers to actively participate in seed production of rice and blackgram under the NABARD project. She explained that organized seed production through PACS can provide farmers with an additional income opportunity while also contributing to the availability of quality seed at the local level. Farmers were encouraged to select suitable varieties, follow recommended crop management practices and maintain proper records throughout the seed production process.
During the interaction, farmers expressed their interest in taking up seed production of castor, blackgram and maize, apart from rice. In rice, farmers showed interest in varieties such as KNM-1638, KNM-7715 and RNR-15048. The farmers discussed the suitability of these crops and varieties for seed production in their respective areas and sought clarification regarding production, procurement and marketing aspects.
The PACS CEO also interacted with the farmers and clarified their doubts regarding the procurement of harvested produce by the PACS. The farmers were informed about the role of PACS in facilitating seed production activities and the importance of coordinated planning between farmers, PACS and the concerned technical and seed certification agencies.
The programme provided an opportunity for farmers to directly interact with the Seed Certification Officer, TRVK Coordinator and PACS representatives and obtain technical information regarding seed production and certification. The interaction also helped identify the crops and varieties in which farmers are interested in taking up seed production under the NABARD project.
A total of 35 farmers participated in the awareness programme and actively interacted with the resource persons. The programme concluded with farmers expressing their willingness to explore quality seed production of rice, blackgram, maize and castor through the PACS under the NABARD project.
