Mysuru/Mysore: “The Central and State Governments have failed in developing agriculture sector by their lack in the usage of Science and technology,” regretted former Vice-Chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, Dr. M. Mahadevappa.

He was speaking at the symposium titled ‘Seed Bill 2019: Pros and Cons,’ organised by Raitamithra Farmers Producers Company, Beeja Vedike, National Seed Project, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru and College of Horticulture, Yelwal, Mysuru, at Rajendra auditorium in city recently.

The Bill aims to regulate the quality of seeds sold and facilitate the production and supply of these seeds to farmers.

Stating that the farming community hardly gets 20% benefits from science and technology, Dr. Mahadevappa lamented that scientists are neglected by the Governments. Even though scientists take steps for the development of the agriculture sector, the policy makers do not consider their suggestions while enacting laws, he said and added that Seed Bill-2019 needs to be discussed by farmers, professionals, and other stakeholders, before it is tabled in the Parliament.

Speaking after inaugurating the symposium, Karnataka State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) Chairman Ananth Hegde Ashisara said that information about the Seed Bill was being conveyed to the farmers at the symposium. Welcoming the Seed Bill- 2019, Ananth Hegde said that it was necessary to bring a few changes according the present situation.

Stating that the seeds developed by farmers must be conserved and developed, he said that the farming community will be at threat if full freedom is given to private companies besides saying that the seed industry at present makes Rs.4.3 lakh crore business per annum and 50% of the stakeholders were private companies.

Continuing, he said that the Seed Bill-2019, gives more opportunities to private players which needs to be reconsidered to support the farming community and added that the farming community will be economically strengthened if the farmers are made self-reliant in terms of seed production.

Sugarcane Growers’ Association National President Kurubur Shanthakumar, Dharwad Agriculture University’s Basavegowda, Bagalkot Horticulture University VC Dr. K.M. Indiresh, Dr. Ashok Alur and others were present during the programme.