Bhubaneswar: The 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) took place today, with Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (AG&FE) Department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, emphasizing the critical role of bio-fortified seeds in enhancing farmers’ income and diversifying agricultural practices in the state.
During his address, Dr. Padhee noted that while paddy seeds remain the mainstay of cultivation in Odisha, there is a pressing need to diversify into bio-fortified seeds that have high market potential. He highlighted that such diversification is essential for not only boosting farmers’ earnings but also improving nutritional outcomes in the community.
Dr. Padhee also underscored the importance of transparency and accountability within the OSSC, advocating for a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct among officials. He reaffirmed the commitment to delivering efficient services to the farming community and urged shareholders involved in seed production to explore avenues for seed entrepreneurship. “Seed entrepreneurship is a vital path toward empowering farmers,” he stated.
The AGM witnessed robust participation from shareholders across the state, who engaged in discussions about government initiatives aimed at bolstering support for farmers. Dr. Padhee assured attendees that the Corporation is dedicated to addressing their needs through available resources and relevant government schemes. He specifically highlighted the importance of increasing non-paddy seed production and focusing on horticultural crops as key strategies to double farmers’ income.
Managing Director Bhabesh Kumar Nayak provided insights into the Corporation’s activities, sharing his vision for transforming OSSC into a dynamic organization. He expressed optimism about the growing popularity of the ORISEED brand among farmers and outlined plans to enhance seed quality and improve the Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) in Odisha.
Participating in the discussions, Grower Shareholder Director Ashok Kumar Baral emphasized the necessity of maintaining the high quality of the ORISEED brand to ensure its success in the competitive market. The AGM was also attended by senior officials from the AG&FE Department, including the Director of OSSOPCA and the Dean of Research at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), all of whom echoed the commitment to advancing agricultural practices and supporting farmers in the state.