Dr RS Paroda, former secretary, DARE and DG ICAR and now chairman TAAS, inaugurated a one day workshop-cum-brainstorming session on "Strategies to strengthen seed spices plant genetic resources and burning issues of cumin and coriander" at ICAR-National Research Center on Seed Spices (NRCSS), on 27th May 2015 Seed spices are low volume and high value crops of the arid and semi-arid India. These crops also possess high export and medicinal value. Dr Paroda in his address emphasized upon the need to have strong PGR's conservation facility dedicated to seed spices, he also suggested to explore seed spices genetic resources in a much intensified manner.

Dr RR Hanchinal, chairman, PPV & FRA presided over the function, advised to take up minor seed spices under DUS program for safeguarding national wealth. Dr SB Dandin ex-vice chancellor, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot was the Guest of Honour. He shared his views for the roadmap for seed spice improvement at national level. Dr Balraj Singh, director, ICAR-NRCSS gave an overview of the activities of NRCSS.

Scientists and experts from ICAR institutes and state agricultural universities particpated in the deliberation. Experts from various participating Institutes suggested points for the betterment of PGR in seed spices. Challenging problems of cumin and coriander i.e. Alternaria blight of cumin and stem gall of coriander were also deliberated to find ways for efficient management of both the diseases. It was suggested to study the basic aspects of plant interaction and also to screen large no of germplasm in the hot spots for developing disease resistant varieties.