In a move to popularize mustard cultivation among farmers of the State two improved mustard varieties developed by Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Ranchi, have been taken up in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode for seed production and promotion among farmers. The two mustard varieties are Birsa Bhabha Mustard-1 (BBM-1) and Shivani.
In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the licensee BAU, Ranchi and the licensee M/s Delta Agrigenetics, Hyderabad for commercial seed production and marketing of both the mustard varieties in India. BAU's Director Research, Dr PK Singh, President Genetics and Plant Breeding, Dr Manigopa Chakraborty and Mustard breeder, Dr Arun Kumar and Director of M/s Delta Agrigenetics, Hyderabad signed an MoU to this effect in the presence of BAU Vice-Chancellor (VC), Dr Omkar Nath Singh on Thursday late evening. The Agency’s CEO, Mangesh Kumar Dev, Consultant, Dr NK Singh and Manager, Ranjit Kumar signed on the MoU.
On the occasion Singh said that a comprehensive technology transfer campaign is being carried out in the entire State for the techniques developed by the scientists of BAU. “The availability of quality certified seed in the State is very less. In the last two-three years, the university has developed dozens of advanced varieties suitable for the State. There is a need to strengthen and strengthen the seed chain of all new varieties in the interest of local farmers. In this direction, efforts are being made by BAU to promote commercial seed production of both varieties of mustard in PPP mode and among farmers,” he added.
As per this MoU, BAU will grant a non-exclusive license to M/s Delta Agrigenetics, Hyderabad for a period of three years. The breeder seed and genetically pure seed of BBM-1 and Shivani variety will be provided to BAU on payment basis in all the three years with a package system for seed production technology. After obtaining the seed certificate, the copy of the tag will be made available to the University after production and certification of the base seed and certified seed by the licensee.
Technical guidance of BAU for seed production will be on cost basis and inbred seed production program will be monitored and reviewed by a three member team. The MoU will be as per the rules and guidelines of ICAR, DARE, PPV and FR, IPR and Union and the State Government and subject to amendment. The parentage of both the mustard varieties will not be changed by the licensee and the name of the variety and the name of the university will be compulsorily indicated on the seed packet. All disputes will be resolved by mutual consultation by both the parties.
BAU Vice Chancellor, who will act as the sole arbitrator and his decision will be final and binding on both the parties.
Shivani, developed by BAU in the year 2005, is an early variety of mustard suitable for Jharkhand, whose maturity period is 100-115 days and yield potential is 12-14 quintals per hectare in irrigated condition and oil content is 39 per cent to 40 per cent. And the maturity period of Birsa Bhabha Mustard-1 (BBM-1) variety developed in the year 2020-21 and suitable for Jharkhand is 115-120 days (medium duration) and average yield capacity is 16-18 quintals per hectare and oil content is 40 per cent to 42 per cent.
