Monsanto demonstrates high yielding corn and vegetable hybrid seeds in Nashik, India

Over 500 corn and vegetable growing farmers, distributors, seed retailers and nursery upholders from Nashik and the surrounding villages had gathered to witness the corn and vegetable hybrid seeds

Last Friday, Monsanto India organised ‘Pragati Divas 2017’ in Nashik at the Monsanto Testing Centre Village Kalavi, Lakhalgaon. At the event, agriculture experts from the company demonstrated and showcased various high-yielding Dekalb® and Seminis® hybrid seeds. Under the brand Dekalb® Monsanto offers corn hybrid seeds while under Seminis®, it offers vegetable hybrid seeds.

Over 500 corn and vegetable growing farmers, distributors, seed retailers and nursery upholders from Nashik and the surrounding villages had gathered to witness the corn and vegetable hybrid seeds.

Harishchandra Chavan, Member of Parliament said on the occasion, “I compliment Monsanto for their focus in providing farmers varied choices of seeds with latest technologies. I encourage our farmers to adopt these technologies which will enable them gain higher yields and consequently play a huge role in improving their lives.”

Visitors at the Pragati Divas witnessed 21 varieties of vegetable hybrids covering cucumber, sweet corn, eggplant, sweet pepper, hot pepper, cabbage, cauliflowers, okra and tomato. Apart from vegetables, 10 different hybrid corn varieties were presented at the event. Farmers were also provided with details on the salient features and advantages of the existing and upcoming corn and vegetable hybrid seeds. Additionally, traditional plant breeding techniques, modern science behind seeds and the correct methods of insect-pest management were also demonstrated to farmers.

Sharing their experiences, Tarachand Sanap from Lalpadi village said, “I am very happy with the output that they have received using Seminis hybrids in my field. Seminis hybrid seeds have high yields and uniformity over multiple pickings. Moreover, they have shown high tolerance to disease, insects, virus and adverse climatic conditions. This helps farmers fetch excellent prices for the end produce.”

Deepak Katad from Dari village added, “Apart from providing us with excellent hybrids, Monsanto field team also engages with us on a consistent basis and shares advisories on the best agronomic practices like spacing, nursery management, pest & disease management practices. This has helped me immensely in getting a good output from my field.”

Monsanto’s field teams, 80 percent of whom are from rural background constantly engage with farmers and provide them with inputs on best crop management practices which enable them to secure optimum yields.

Commenting on the response from farmers, Mahaveer Rathore Marketing & Product Management Lead – Asia, Monsanto said, “We are enabling farmers sow better and yield better by providing them quality seeds through innovation and research. This constant outflow of new products from our technology pipeline will enable us to fulfil our commitment of providing farmers hybrids with the better technologies.”

In addition, with an objective to demonstrate new concepts and technologies to various stakeholders, Monsanto has established Centres-of-Excellence (CoEs) in various regions of India. At these CoEs, farmers witness techniques for Integrated Weed Management, Technology Showcasing, High – Density & Mechanical Planting, Weed Control and Crop Diversification amongst others.