The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and Karnataka Cooperative Oilseeds Growers’ Federation Ltd (KOF) signed an MoU with the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (UAS-Bangalore) and Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, for the large-scale production of hybrid sunflower seeds in Karnataka on Monday, in Ahmedabad. The purpose of this agreement is to clear the path for the commercialization of the sunflower hybrid KBSH-41 through a licence.
The dignitaries to grace this event comprise of: Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India graced the occasion as Chief Guest. BC Patil, Minister for Agriculture, Govt of Karnataka was the Guest of Honour. Annasaheb Shankar Jolle, MP (Lok Sabha) & Chairman, KOF, Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB and Dr S Rajendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, UAS-Bangalore were also present.
In her address, Sushri Karandlaje said that “this momentous occasion is the right step toward Atmanirbharta in edible oil”. She requested NDDB’s assistance in lowering the nation’s reliance on imported edible oil and praised the Board’s intention to support the oilseed industry. According to a Union Minister, finding reliable sources of hybrid seeds has grown to be a significant gap. She commended NDDB and KOF for working together to start commercial manufacturing of successful sunflower hybrid seeds so that farmers could obtain top-notch seeds.
According to BC Patil, the Government of India’s rise in MSP has encouraged farmers in Karnataka to expand their production of sunflowers. The requirement to swiftly boost domestic edible oil output provides a chance to enhance small and marginal farmers’ standard of living.
NDDB chairman said that as part of Operation Golden Flow in the 1980s, NDDB helped establish cooperatives for edible oils. The Dairy Board is getting involved again. In order to support the government’s aim to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils, Atmanirbharta, is a minor but crucial first step. In order to encourage farmers to choose sunflower as their preferred crop, NDDB and KOF will make premium seeds affordable. To produce 5000 quintals of hybrid sunflower seeds in Rabi 2022—enough to sow in around one lakh hectares—NDDB will collaborate with KOF. In addition to being copied in other states, this will be expanded in Karnataka.
Annasaheb Shankar Jolle stated that NDDB has already started a number of support initiatives for KOF. He added that there is a severe shortage of sunflower oil due to the turmoil in Ukraine. The cost of sunflower seeds has increased as a result. In order to benefit, our farmers can resume sunflower seed production.
Dr. Prasad sated that , UAS-B has been contacted by NDDB and KOF for the commercial manufacturing of successful sunflower hybrid seeds. Thus, the deal will restart the large-scale production of hybrid sunflower seeds.
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