A high-level official delegation from Vietnam has requested Telangana State Seed and Organic Certification Organisation’s (TSSOCA) cooperation in the production and storage of quality seed as also in getting the membership of International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The 10-member delegation comprising officials from Ba Ria-Vung Tau province is led by member of the Vietnam National Assembly Nguyen Thi Yen. The delegation is on a four-day visit to Telangana to explore the possibilities of investment and cooperation in agriculture, industries, science and technology and others.
On day one, the delegation had a meeting with Principal Secretary (Agriculture) C. Parthasarathi, TSSOCA Director K. Keshavulu, who is also the executive committee member of ISTA. Seeking TSSOCA’s help in producing quality seed by providing training, the delegation explained that high percentage of humidity in weather there had been a major problem in storing and maintaining the quality of seed.
On learning that seed certification was not mandatory in India, the visiting delegation stated that supply of seed was not possible in Vietanam without field inspection and certification. Stating that quality control of seed was being followed strictly in their country, the visitors said they were importing seed from the USA and European countries now.
Earlier, Mr. Parthasarathi gave a power point presentation on the seed industry, production of quality seed, suitable conditions for quality seed production in Telangana. He told the visiting team that Telangana was exporting over 20 varieties of seed to Egypt, Philippines, Russia, Italy and a few other countries under the OECD programme. He stated that Telangana was also ready to produce and supply quality seed required for Vietnam.
Mr. Keshavaulu invited Vietnam to attend the 32nd ISTA congress to be held in Hyderabad from June 26 to July 3 next year. He also assured to help the country in getting ISTA and OECD membership. Deputy Directors of TSSOCA G. Sudarshan, Ravinder Reddy, Bhaskar Singh and others participated.
