VEGETABLE SEEDS

Plantgene offers contract multiplication services of both open-pollinated and hybrid vegetable seeds. Our capabilities encompass tomato, muskmelon, watermelon, hot pepper, sweet pepper, zucchini, eggplant, okra and various squashes.

Plantgene does contract multiplication and exports open-pollinated and hybrid vegetable seeds to the European Union.

THE PLANTGENE ADVANTAGE

The production of hybrid vegetable seeds is a labor-intensive process. Since cytoplasmic male sterile lines are not usually utilized in vegetable seed production, emasculation and pollination have to be done by hand. The daily wage for farm labor in India being relatively low, Plantgene offers a massive advantage in terms of low-cost seed production.

In open-pollinated seeds too, Plantgene’s prices are extremely competitive by virtue of the low cost structure in rural Indian farms.

Another advantage offered by us is the possibility of producing vegetable seeds round the year – three seasons a year! India has a variety of agro-climatic zones.

Finally, aside from cheap labor and favorable climate, we have a large pool of scientists/technicians in seed research and production.

SEED MULTIPLICATION

1. Plantgene applies for an import permit from the Government of India for import of parental lines into India.

2. Using the import permit, the buyer sends a small quantity of parental lines to Plantgene through the Indian government’s National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi.

3. NBPGR, after plant quarantine procedures, releases the material to Plantgene.

4. Plantgene multiplies the lines at its research stations in Hyderabad and Bangalore.

5. The lines are issued to seed growers for hybrid seed production. The company supervises the entire production process closely.

6. After harvesting, the seed is transported to Plantgene’s facility in Hyderabad. The seed is tested for germination, vigor and physical/genetic purity. A grow-out test may be conducted.

7. After conditioning, the seed is exported by Plantgene to the buyer after complying with Government of India regulations.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

The Indian law relating to intellectual property rights is called The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act. The legal framework combined with Plantgene’s supervision ensures that the buyer’s inbred lines are not misappropriated by third parties.