Shriram Farm Solutions partners with ICAR-IIVR for breeder seeds transfer
New Delhi, July 27
Shriram Farm Solutions, a division of DCM Shriram Ltd., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, for the transfer of breeder seeds for five vegetable crops.
The agreement was formalised during the 98th Foundation Day of ICAR, in the presence of Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. According to a press release, the agreement covers breeder seeds for radish, spinach, pea, cowpea, and okra.
The partnership grants Shriram Farm Solutions access to vegetable breeding research and seed material developed by ICAR-IIVR. Through this collaboration, the company aims to translate scientific research into improved seed varieties suited to Indian farmers.
"Access to breeder seeds is expected to strengthen the company's vegetable seed development programme and support the introduction of varieties focused on quality, productivity, resilience and consistency across diverse growing conditions," the release said.
The agreement reinforces Shriram Farm Solutions' focus on building research-led offerings for Indian agriculture. It will also support closer collaboration between scientific institutions and industry, enabling proven breeding technologies to move efficiently from research programmes to farmers' fields.
"At Shriram Farm Solutions, innovation begins with strong science. Our partnership with ICAR-IIVR provides access to world-class breeding material that will strengthen our vegetable seed portfolio and help us develop varieties that are better suited to the evolving needs of Indian farmers," said Sanjay Chhabra, Business Head, Shriram Farm Solutions.
"By combining the research excellence of ICAR-IIVR with our product development capabilities and extensive market reach, we aim to deliver high-performing seed solutions that enhance productivity, improve crop resilience and create greater value for farmers," Chhabra added.
"This collaboration also reinforces our commitment to advancing Indian agriculture through research-led innovation and meaningful public-private partnerships," he stated.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good step but we need to ensure these seeds are affordable for small farmers, not just large commercial growers. Also, what about open-pollinated varieties versus hybrids? The government should also support traditional seed banks. Still, any R&D reaching farmers is better than nothing.
ICAR-IIVR in Varanasi has done amazing work on vegetable varieties. This partnership with DCM Shriram could really accelerate the availability of high-yielding, climate-resilient seeds. Radish and cowpea are staples in many Indian kitchens. Practical and needed! 🥗
Hopefully this isn't just another corporate tie-up that benefits the company more than the farmer. We've seen many such MoUs that don't translate into actual field results. Let's see if Shriram truly makes these seeds affordable and available in remote areas. Actions speak louder than press releases.
As a farmer from UP, I welcome this. We struggle with vegetable seeds that don't suit our soil and climate. If ICAR's research really reaches us through Shriram's network, it will be a game-changer for our income. Just hope they also provide training on how to use these new varieties properly.
Interesting collaboration. I've worked with ICAR before and they have solid germplasm collections. DCM Shriram has good distribution. The real test will be whether these hybrids outperform existing varieties in terms of yield and pest resistance. Hope they publish trial data.
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