Telangana exports seeds to 18 countries: Agriculture minister

HYDERABAD: Telangana is currently exporting seeds to 18 countries and 65% seed requirement of the country is met by the state, according to agriculture minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy on Thursday.
Replying a question on seed production in Telangana in the Assembly on Thursday, the minister said Telangana now has the capacity to produce over five lakh tonnes per year and aims to increase the capacity to seven lakh tonnes.

According to the minister, seed cultivation was happening in about three lakh acres in Telangana.
The minister informed the House that in the proposed seed park to be set up by the state government at a cost of Rs 150 crore, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have sought space. “This will be a one-stop destination for all seed requirements of the country,” Singireddy Niranjan Reddy said.
“Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are the only states which give subsidised seeds for farmers,” he added.
“The state spends about Rs 150 crore for seed production. Hyderabad with over 200 seed companies gets about Rs 300 crore electricity bill and they (seed companies) spend another Rs 300 crore on research and development,” the minister added.