Bhubaneswar, April 29: The Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University-run Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS) observed International Seed Day at Bhola village on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on Sunday, with participation from around 70 local farmers.

Dean of the College of Agriculture, Prof. Santosh Kumar Rout, attended the programme as the chief patron. Dr. Debaraj Lenka joined as the chief guest, while Prof. Saroj Kumar Mohanty and Prof. Rabi Kumar Patnaik addressed the gathering as guest of honour and keynote speaker respectively. They highlighted the importance of quality seeds, methods to enhance seed standards, and proper storage practices.

Experts including Prof. Bibudh Parashar, head of the Agricultural Extension Department, Prof. Pravat Kumar Sarangi from the Entomology Department, and Assistant Professor Dr. Sai Timarao interacted with farmers, discussing crop production challenges and suggesting practical solutions.

The event was coordinated by Acting Head of the Seed Science and Technology Department, Dr. S.P. Monalisa, along with faculty members Dr. Ramakrishna Bastia, Dr Chiranjeevi C Kulkarni and Dr. Swastideepa Sahoo.

Kantabada Gram Panchayat samiti member Sasmita Behera encouraged the farmers during the programme. Two progressive farmers, Usha Jat and Kulamani Das, along with Krushak Sathis Syed Mohammad and Bhagyadhar Das, were felicitated on the occasion.

Students demonstrated seed testing, preservation techniques, and integrated pest management practices. The programme concluded with an awareness play by fourth-year students, underscoring the importance of quality seeds. Organisers said the initiative would help farmers adopt improved seed production practices in the coming days.