The 32nd Congress of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) has kick-started in Hyderabad this morning with Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Kailash Choudhary formally inaugurating the 8-day event. The Seed Congress is being held for the first time in South Asia. Addressing seed experts, policy makers and officials of various countries later, the minister said the quality seed plays an important role in doubling farmers’ income.
He said the government is providing assistance to farmers for getting quality seed thus ensuring better yield. Exuding confidence that Indian scientists will reach heights just as they did in the space sector, the Minister emphasized on the use of advanced technology, policy support among others for quality seed. Over 600 delegates including seed experts, officials, policy makers and representatives of national and international companies from nearly 70 countries like the UK, South Africa, Argentina, New Zealand, Canada, Austria are taking part in the Congress.