DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Jul 23
Joint Director Agriculture (Inputs), Jammu, Sanjay Anand, on Thursday chaired a meeting at Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo, to review seed availability and finalise the Breeder Seed Indent for all agricultural crops for the Rabi 2027-28 season. The meeting also assessed the availability of breeder, foundation and certified seed for the upcoming Rabi 2026-27 season to ensure timely supply of quality seeds to farmers across Jammu Division.
The meeting brought together senior officers of the Agriculture Department and experts from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Jammu to discuss strategies for effective seed planning, production and distribution. The deliberations focused on ensuring adequate seed availability well before the sowing season to support agricultural productivity and improve crop performance.
A detailed review was conducted regarding the requirement and present availability of breeder, foundation and certified seeds for major agricultural crops cultivated during the Rabi season. Officials examined crop-wise demand projections, production targets and existing stock positions to ensure that sufficient quantities of quality seed are available for multiplication and distribution to farmers in a timely manner.
The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen coordination between the Agriculture Department and SKUAST-Jammu for efficient planning of breeder seed production and its subsequent multiplication into foundation and certified seed. Officials emphasised that close cooperation between research institutions and the department is essential to ensure that improved crop varieties reach farmers without delay.
Chairing the meeting, Sanjay Anand stressed the importance of finalising the breeder seed indent at the earliest so that quality seed could be supplied to departmental farms well in advance of the sowing season. He said timely planning and procurement of breeder seed form the foundation of the entire seed production chain and are critical for maintaining uninterrupted availability of certified seed for farmers.
The Joint Director observed that the use of quality seed plays a vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity, improving crop yields and maintaining varietal purity.
He said scientific seed planning enables the department to meet farmers’ requirements effectively while ensuring the successful implementation of seed production programmes throughout Jammu Division.
He further emphasised that availability of quality seed is one of the most important inputs for sustainable agricultural development. According to him, timely production and distribution of improved seed varieties help farmers achieve better yields, enhance farm income and strengthen food security. He directed the concerned officers to ensure that all necessary procedures related to seed planning and procurement are completed within the prescribed timelines.
During the meeting, officials also reviewed crop-wise production targets and discussed methods for improving seed multiplication activities at departmental farms. Emphasis was laid on maintaining high standards of seed quality during production, certification and distribution so that farmers receive seeds capable of delivering optimum performance under local agro-climatic conditions.
The participants also deliberated on measures to streamline coordination among seed-producing agencies, certification authorities and research institutions to improve the overall efficiency of the seed supply system. The objective, officials noted, is to ensure uninterrupted availability of breeder, foundation and certified seed for all major Rabi crops in the coming seasons.
Among those who attended the meeting were Joint Director Agriculture (Farms/SLUB) Aman Jyoti Sharma, Professor and Head of the Plant Breeding Department at SKUAST-Jammu, Dr. Tuhina Dey, Nodal Officer (Seed) Dr. Vijay Bharti, Potato Development Officer Jammu Ravi Sharma, Divisional Seed Certification Officer Jammu Nirmal Prakash Sharma, Assistant Botanist Ajit Singh and other officers associated with seed production and certification.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all participating departments and institutions to work in close coordination to strengthen the seed production system and ensure that quality seed reaches farmers on time, thereby contributing to higher agricultural productivity and sustainable farming across Jammu Division.
