Chandigarh, October 6 – Haryana achieved yet another milestone as the state becomes the first state to use only the ‘treated seed’. The decision to permit only treated seed in the state to provide protection against the three prevalent diseases was taken at a meeting held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda here today.
In a major farmer-friendly initiative, Mr Hooda directed for treatment of seeds in totality and to provide effective protection against three diseases. The decision would also help in lowering the usage of pesticides and reduction in the production cost for the farmers. Now even the private producers would also have to get their seeds treated. It would be comprehensive treatment against three diseases.
Mr Hooda asked the officers to get the seeds treated as per the latest technical and scientific know-how. “We should go by the technical expertise and take such decisions only which are in the best interest of the farmers”, he said. My concern is for my farmer and to give them the best seed, he further added. He asked the Haryana Seed Development Corporation (HSDC) to not to charge extra money for further treatment of the seeds as the state government would provide the necessary subsidy.
Mr Hooda directed the officers to assure quality checking and sale of treated seeds only in the state. He also asked them to ensure sufficient supply of seeds for the farmers.
Earlier, Mr Hooda was given presentation about the activities and performance of HSDC. HSDC had been a trend setter in the field of quality seed production. The HSDC would further augment its processing facilities and one more plant is being installed.
Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Chattar Singh, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. K.K. Khandelwal, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr R.S. Doon, Principal OSD to CM, Mr M.S. Chopra, Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary Mr Roshan Lal, CCSHAU Vice Chancellor, Dr. K.S. Khokhar, Director Agriculture, Mr Ashok Yadav and other officers also participated in the meeting.