Latest news with #UASD
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Maize seeds fail to sprout; agri dept invites experts to probe
Hubballi: Farmers in Dharwad district are reporting poor germination of maize seeds supplied by some private firms. It is said around 50% of the sown seeds did not sprout. Responding to farmers in Kalghatgi taluk, the agriculture department is inviting experts to investigate the reason. Some farmers believe heavy rains may have affected the sprouting process. Many farmers in Hullambi, Begur, and Muttagi in Kalghatgi taluk told TOI they sowed seeds procured from Rait Sampark Kendra in Tabakada Honnalli and Dhummavad. Even after about 20 days of sowing, they haven't sprouted. We spent thousands of rupees on seeds, fertiliser, and ploughing, they shared. Shrishail Hongal, a farmer in Devar Hubballi, Dharwad taluk, noted that only about 15% of farmers sow maize in his and surrounding villages since his area is meant for the cultivation of sugar cane. "As we are very few in number, our concerns go unaddressed. I sowed seeds 15 days ago and I'm waiting to see the germination of seeds," he asserted. Ramappa Radder, a progressive farmer in Kubihal village, Kundagol taluk, said he also faced the same issue and re-sowed seeds a fortnight ago. "We thought it was because of heavy rains and the soil became harder. After we re-sowed seeds of the same company, now they are sprouting well," he shared. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo When contacted, Channappa Angadi, assistant director, agriculture, Kalghatgi, denied that there is a 50% failure in the taluk. "It happened in certain pockets. As we received a complaint from Begur farmers, our officials and seed company officials visited there. Since the issue is too technical and we are not satisfied with the clarification given by the seed company, we sent a requisition to the Director of Extension, University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad (UASD) to send experts. This is an agronomic or cultivation issue," he added. Manjunath Antaravalli, joint director, agriculture, Dharwad, stated he received nine complaints from farmers in Kalghatgi taluk. "An experts' panel from UASD will visit the field in 3-4 days. Once we receive their report, we will decide the next course of action," he assured.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tanzania procures black gram seeds from UAS Dharwad for cultivation
Dharwad: In a significant development, the African nation of Tanzania procured 24 tonnes of black gram (udad) seeds from the University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad (UASD) and placed an order for 50 tonnes for the next year. Dr TR Shashidhar, special officer, Seeds Unit, UASD, told TOI that the varsity's seed system has also attracted agricultural scientists from Malawi, Nepal, and other countries. "Due to good pre-monsoon rain, we started the sale of seeds earlier this year as compared to previous years. We exported our seeds to other districts and also to seed corporations of Maharashtra, Odisha, Goa, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and other states. We are providing breeder and foundation seeds to govt agencies so that they can produce seeds further. Sales of green gram and black gram increased this year. Last year, we had only 65 quintals of green gram due to a loss in production. Seeing the situation, we stocked 855 quintals of green gram and already sold 800 quintals this year. We also sold 550 quintals of black gram, 1,600 quintals of soybean including DSB 21 and DSB 34 varieties, and 35 quintals of onion," he explained. Regarding the lesser quantity of onion seeds, he said these seeds are very sensitive in nature and can't be conserved for longer or consumed like green gram and black gram. He also mentioned that the UASD is providing certified seeds to companies as per the recommendation of the department of agriculture and cooperation (DAC). "If more quantity of seeds is left with us, we supply to companies after DAC's indent is fulfilled. " Dr PL Patil, vice-chancellor, said the UASD, which developed over 300 new seed varieties in the past five decades, saw a 15% increase in seed production this year and continues to export to other Indian states and countries. Unique Dharwad model is the secret The university adopted the seed village concept, which is a unique seed system in the entire country, in the name of 'Participatory Seed Production Programme,' involving farmers, in 2005-06. The UASD has about 1,500 registered seed growers (farmers) involved in seed-oriented cultivation in Dharwad, Gadag, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, and other districts. The varsity provides breeder and foundation seeds to them and trains them on the procedure of cultivating seeds. Varsity experts also pay field visits and monitor the process. Growers get an additional price of 20% compared to the market price for their produce. Additionally, Union and state govts provide incentives to such farmers. Benefitted by these incentives, farmers are voluntarily involved in this seed production. This system is recognised as the 'Dharwad model' among all agriculture universities in the country.
