Dr S Ayyappan, secretary, Department of Agriculture Research (DARE) and director general, Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR) visited National Research Center on Seed Spice (NRCSS), Tabiji, Ajmer recently. He visited various labs, research farm area and facilities of the institute and addressed a meeting with the staff of NRCSS including scientists and technical and administrative staff.

Dr Ayyappan emphasized on the major areas and key issues related to seed spice research and development in the country, such as diversified approach, total factor productivity, secondary agriculture, technology impact study, bio fortification, value addition, farming system models, use of bioinformatics, phenomics, commercialisation of technologies and attracting and retaining youth in agriculture. He stressed upon the need to give a major focus for enhancing productivity and quality in seed spice production and expressed his satisfaction on the achievements.

Dr Balraj Singh, director, NRCSS presented a brief report of ongoing research programs at the institute and research and development achievements for the last two years that got appreciation from the DG, ICAR.

Dr G N Mathur, project co-ordinator, KVK, Tabiji, Ajmer and scientists from KVK were also present during the meeting.