The NIC created it in partnership with the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under the topic 'Uttam Beej - Samriddh Kisan'. Tomar stated on this occasion that the Government of India is continually working to solve the problems and difficulties faced by the agriculture sector through various plans and projects.
The SATHI site is a significant step in this direction. When its application begins at the grassroot level, it will be a game changer in the field of agriculture. Agriculture is very important to India, according to the chief guest, Union Minister Tomar. This significance has grown in the changing environment. Previously, we were just concerned with meeting our own agricultural demands, but now the rest of the world is expecting more from India.
In such a situation, it is our obligation to help feed the globe while addressing all of the difficulties associated with agriculture, climate change, and so on. According to Tomar, seeds, insecticides, fertilizers, and irrigation all play important roles in agriculture. Poor quality or forged seeds have a negative impact on agricultural growth. This results in losses for farmers and has an impact on the country's agricultural production.
It has been suggested from time to time that we should establish a method to verify the market for fake seeds and ensure that quality seeds reach farmers; for this purpose, the SATHI portal was inaugurated today. In this period of climate change, new pests are wreaking havoc on crops, and agricultural experts should focus their efforts to exterminate the threat. If we can avoid this loss, we will be able to conserve 20% of total agricultural produce.
Union Minister Tomar announced the opening of the first phase of the SATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication, and Holistic) portal. He directed that the second phase be completed as quickly as possible. Efforts should be made to raise awareness so that farmers can get the full benefits. This approach will include a QR code that will allow the seeds to be tracked.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and state governments should provide training. He asked all states to participate in the Seed Traceability System. The SATHI portal will ensure a quality assurance system and will identify the seed source in the seed production chain. The system will incorporate the following seed chain verticals: Research Organization, Seed Certification, Seed Licencing, Seed Catalogue, Dealer to Farmer Sales, Farmer Registration, and Seed DBT.
Only seeds with valid certification can be sold by valid licenced dealers to centrally registered farmers who would get subsidies directly into their pre-validated bank accounts via DBT. Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Joint Secretary (Seed), Pankaj Yadav, and other officers were in attendance, while senior officials from the states and ICAR participated through video conference.
