UAS Dharwad sees huge seed demand; soybean, green gram stocks sold out

Hubballi,

With the monsoon season setting in and sowing operations gaining momentum across the region, farmers are turning in large numbers to the Seed Unit of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, for quality seeds. Reflecting the trust reposed by farmers in university-produced seeds, stocks of soybean, green gram and black gram have already been exhausted despite the absence of any subsidy or price concession.

Every year, farmers from various districts arrive at the university as early as dawn during May to purchase seeds for the kharif season. This year has been no different, with strong demand reported for almost all seed varieties produced by the university. The UAS Seed Unit has been producing and supplying quality seeds with the objective of improving farm productivity and enhancing farmers' income.

The seeds undergo rigorous laboratory and field testing be fore being made available to farmers, ensuring high germination rates and quality standards. This quality assurance has made university-produced seeds a preferred choice among farmers. Agriculture experts point out that seeds purchased from private outlets do not always guarantee germination, whereas the university's stringent testing protocols have helped build confidence among growers over the years.

Apart from the kharif season, the university also records substantial seed sales during the annual Dharwad Krishi Mela held in September, when farmers purchase seeds for the rabi season. The university continues to invest in research and development aimed at increasing crop productivity. Several improved crop varieties developed by UAS Dharwad have gained recognition at the national level and are being cultivated across different states.

During the current season, the Seed Unit has sold 840 quintals of soybean seed, 595 quintals of black gram, 370 quintals of green gram, 320 quintals of maize, 350 quintals of groundnut, 60 quintals of onion seed and 35 quintals of millet seed. DH-256 groundnut variety draws nationwide interest Among the university's most sought-after varieties is the DH 256 groundnut seed, developed by UAS Dharwad.

Suitable for cultivation across South India, the variety yields an average of 13 to 15 quintals per acre and is known for its higher oil content and strong disease resistance. The crop matures within 120 days. The variety has attracted farmers not only from Karnataka but also from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Assam and Gujarat. Demand has also been reported from Shivamogga, where growers are keen to procure the seed for cultivation.

The price of DH-256 groundnut seed has been fixed at Rs 13,100 per quintal. Last year alone, the university sold nearly 3,500 quintals of the variety, highlighting its popularity among farmers.