Pant varsity inks pact for commercialisation of its crop varieties

RUDRAPUR: GB Pant University in US Nagar district has for the first time started the commercialisation of its crop varieties. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed with a Pune-based seed company to commercialise the first variety, maize’s ‘Popcorn-1’, university officials said.

“This MoU will open an avenue for the university and its scientists. Our scientists will not only get inspiration but also farmers will be benefited from the initiative,” said Ajeet Nain, director, research, at Pant University.

As per the pact, the university will provide breeders of ‘Popcorn-1’ variety to the Monsoon seed company, Pune and in turn, the company will pay the licence fee and royalty to the university. The university has provided the rights of seed cultivation of ‘Popcorn-1’and its sale.

The MoU will remain effective for five years. State’s agriculture minister Ganesh Joshi had instructed strengthening financial resources in a review meeting held recently in the university.

Keeping Joshi’s instruction, the university has carried out the commercialisation of its crop variety. Till now the university used to sell its progressive varieties to farmers through research centres. A few farmers used to be benefitted from research centres but now they will be able to purchase seed from seed stores or shops near their houses.

“Genetics and plant breeding department of the university has developed this variety and the central government has notified and released this after finding it suitable for cultivation across the country. Popcorn-1 variety produces more than the other varieties of maize,” said Nain.

GB Pant university was established in 1960 and this is the first agriculture university in India.