Monsanto India showcases Seminis hybrid vegetable portfolio at Pragati Divas

Monsanto India, a leading sustainable agriculture company, recently organised 'Pragati Divas 2016’ to demonstrate and showcase its Seminis hybrid vegetable portfolio. The event organised at the company’s state-of-the-art TOM Centre in Varanasi, was attended by Dr R P Singh, director, department of agricultural sciences, BHU; Sanjay Singh, district agricultural officer; Mamta Yadav, district horticulture officer; and Dr B K Singh, HOD, horticulture, BHU. In addition, the event also witnessed participation by more than 800 farmers, dealers and distributors from adjoining villages.

 

At the event, visitors witnessed vegetables grown from the company’s Seminis hybrid vegetable seeds and experienced the successes from latest crop management practices. Farmers were also provided details of traditional plant breeding techniques, modern science behind the seeds and the correct insect-pest management. Participating farmers were also taken on a tour of the breeding station which is spread across seven acre. 

 

Mahaveer Rathore, commercial lead, vegetables, South Asia & South East Asia, Monsanto, said, “We are delighted with the response we have received for one of our flagship initiatives. This is a testimony to the faith that farmers have shown on Seminis Hybrid seeds. We develop hybrids that offer higher yield potential, improved quality, uniformity, flavour and nutrition, as well as better resistance to insect pests and adverse environmental conditions. Through constant engagement with farmers across the country, we endeavour to understand their needs and requirements better; and develop superior quality seeds, suited to varied agronomic conditions.” 

 

Sharing his experience, Chotey Lal, farmer from Madhumakhiyan village in Varanasi, said, “I am very happy with excellent output that I have received using Abhilash tomato hybrids in my field. The hybrid has high yields and uniformity over multiple pickings. Moreover, it has shown high resistance and consistence in adverse climate. Abhilash has helped me fetch excellent prices for my produce.”

 

The seeds offer farmers higher yield potential, quick maturity and uniformity in size, shape and colour as compared to using other varieties. 

 

The company’s vegetable breeding station at Varanasi was established in the year 2012. It is spread over seven acre area of land focussing on testing of new and existing hybrids. This facility focusses on developing tomato, sweet pepper, hot pepper and cauliflower hybrids especially suited for the various agro-climatic conditions of the region. 

The company has seven R&D and breeding facilities for its seeds across India, and is testing and introducing wider choices of seeds suited to diverse agronomic conditions to enable farmers to produce more and improve their lives.