MPUAT: University’s Unmatched Contribution to Maize Seed Production with Historic Agreement with Six Seed Companies

Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) has made history on September 11, 2024, by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with six different seed-producing companies simultaneously for the production of breeder seeds of Pratap Hybrid Maize-6. This is a first in the university’s history.

The MoUs were signed with Indo U.S. Biotech from Gujarat, Chakrа Seeds, Sampoorna Seeds, Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Seeds, Murli Dhar Seeds Corporation from Andhra Pradesh, and Mahankaleshwara Agritech Private Limited from Telangana.

The agreement pertains to providing the parent seeds of the developed maize variety, Pratap Hybrid Maize-6. Signing agreements with six seed-producing companies from various states at once highlights the quality of the variety. On this occasion, the Honorable Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnataka of MPUAT, mentioned that the Pratap Hybrid Maize-6 yields between 62 to 65 quintals per hectare, and even higher under optimal conditions. He noted that this variety is used both as grain and forage. He also mentioned that the university would provide the breeder seeds of Pratap Hybrid Maize-6 at INR 40,000 per quintal, with companies paying the university INR 2.5 lakh plus 4% royalty in return. This comparatively low fee is designed to benefit farmers directly, as companies will use this breeder seed to produce foundation seeds and subsequently certified seeds for farmers.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the increasing use of maize in poultry farming, starch production, and ethanol production. Ethanol, blended with petrol and diesel, is used as a green fuel and is viewed as a future fuel option.

Research Director, Dr. Arvind Verma, stated that the Pratap Hybrid Maize-6 variety was tested at 22 centers nationwide, proving its superiority. This variety was approved at the 66th meeting of the All India Coordinated Maize Research Project held in Pantnagar. It has been found suitable for four states: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat. Dr. Verma added that the dissemination of this variety through seed-producing companies will ensure quicker and easier availability to farmers, allowing them to reap greater benefits.

Senior breeder and Dean of Rajasthan Agricultural College, Udaipur, Professor Dr. R. B. Dubey, explained that Pratap Hybrid Maize-6 is a high-yielding (84-85 days) early maturing variety with yellow and bold kernels. It is suitable for both irrigated and rainfed areas and is resistant to stalk rot, rootworm, and stem borer pests. The plant remains green after harvest, which contributes to high-quality silage.

The event was attended by senior officials, members of the senior officer council, regional research directors, Udaipur, and assistant directors of seeds and farms.