Hisar agri varsity to scale up millet hybrid seed production through private partnerships

Hisar: Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU), Hisar, is set to scale up the production and supply of its improved pearl millet (bajra) hybrid seeds by partnering with more private seed companies, as demand for climate-resilient and high-yielding millet varieties continues to grow.

The university has already licensed several of its popular millet hybrids to private firms for commercial seed production and is now looking to expand the initiative to ensure wider availability of quality seeds to farmers before the kharif season. The move is expected to strengthen seed multiplication, improve access to certified hybrids and promote millet cultivation across different agro-climatic regions.

Vice-Chancellor B.R. Kamboj said the university has developed a number of improved pearl millet hybrids over the years that are known for higher productivity, drought tolerance and adaptability to rainfed conditions. However, seed production by the university alone is insufficient to meet the growing demand from farmers, making collaboration with the private sector essential.

According to the university, private seed companies will produce hybrid seeds under licensing agreements while maintaining the prescribed quality standards. This is expected to help farmers access improved seed more easily and on time.

Pearl millet is one of the most important kharif crops in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. With changing climatic conditions and increasing emphasis on nutri-cereals, demand for improved millet hybrids has risen significantly in recent years. Experts say climate-resilient hybrids can help stabilise yields under erratic rainfall and moisture stress.

CCS HAU has been a major contributor to pearl millet research in the country and has developed several widely adopted hybrids, including the HHB series, which have been commercialised through licensing arrangements with seed companies.

The university believes that expanding commercial seed production through industry partnerships will not only improve the availability of quality millet seeds but also support the Government of India's efforts to promote millets as climate-smart and nutritious crops.