A

PROJECT REPORT
ON
“SEED PROCESSING ”

BY

MR.SUMIT GAJANAN KOKATE

SUBMITTED TO

UNIVERSITY OF PUNE
SAVITRIBAI PHULE PUNE UNIVERSITY
IN THE PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR
AWARED OF DEGREE OF
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

UNDER THE GUIDANCE

OF
PROF.BHUMA RAMAN

INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH

CHINCHWAD, PUNE- 411019
2018-2020
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1
 It is a great pleasure to me in acknowledging my deep sense of gratitude to all
those who have helped me in completing this project successfully.

I would like to thank my project guide Prof. Bhuma Raman whose valuable guidance
and encouragement at every phase of the project has help to prepare this project
successfully.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to my family, all the faculties, office
staff, &friends who helped in some or other way in making this project.

Place: Pune SUMIT GAJANAN KOKATE

Date / / MBA (Agribusiness Management)

DECLARATION
2
This is to declare that I Sumit Gajanan Kokate student of Master of Business
Administration Institute of Business Management and Research, have given original
data and information to the best of my knowledge in the project report titled “SEED
PROCESSING” under the guidance of Prof. BHUMA RAMAN

I have prepared this report independently and I have gathered all the relevant
information personally. I also agree in principle not to share the vital information with
any other person outside the organization and will not submit the project report to any
other university.

Place: Pune SUMIT GAJANAN KOKATE

Date: / / MBA (Agribusiness Management)

INDEX

3
Chapter Particulars Page No.

1 Executive Summery

2 Research Methodology

3 Company Profile

4 Data Analysis and Interpretation

5 Findings

6 Suggestions

7 Limitations

8 Conclusion

9
Annexure-1

10 Annexure-2

4
 Executive summary

SEED is the most important input component for productive agriculture. In

the significant advances that India made in agriculture in the last four
decades, the role of the seed sector has been substantial. The expansion of
seed industry has occurred in parallel with growth in agricultural
productivity. India is one of the few countries where the seed sector is
already reasonably advanced. The private seed industry is no more
confined to just production and marketing of seed. It has as well acquired
technological strength to cater to the varietal needs of tomorrow.
Maharashtra State Seed Corporation Ltd. Shioni Akola was established in
1976. Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation Ltd., popularly known by its
brand name MAHABEEJ is one of the largest and leading State Seeds
Corporation among all State Seed Corporations in India serving in the
larger interest of farmers from three decades with farmer’s faith brand
loyalty, quality assurance, dedicated service and sustainable contribution
for upliftment of farmers with Glorious achievements
The project work on "SEED PROCESSING.”
Defination of seed processing:-
 Seed processing is a vital part of the total technology involved in making
available high quality seed.
 It assures the end users, seeds of high quality with minimum adulteration.
 In Agriculture, the term seed processing includes cleaning, drying, seed
treatment, packaging and storage.

5
  Seed processing may be understood to ‘comprise all the operations after
harvest that aim at maximizing seed viability, vigour and health.

The objectives of the project:-

1) Prevents spread of plant diseases

2) Protects seed from seed rot and seedling blights

3) Improves germination

4) Provides protection from storage insects

5) Controls soil insects.

Findings are as follow:-

1. Fresh seed from the field

2. Moisture testing
3. Drying
4. Pre-cleaning
5. Fine cleaning
6. Grading (gravity separation)
7. Seed treatment
8. Seed packaging

6
Introduction of seed:-

A seed is an embryonic plant enclosed in a protective outer covering. The

formation of the seed is part of the process of reproduction in seed plants, the
spermatophytes, including the gymnosperm and angiosperm plants. Seed is the
main source of future plants or foods, seed is the first link in the food chain, and
is the ultimate symbol of food security. Seeds are basic in crop production. No
agricultural practice can improve a crop beyond the limits set by the seed.
Quality seed production is the main goal for successful agriculture, which
demands each and every seed should be readily germinable and produce a
vigorous seedling ensuring high yield. “Care with the seed and joy with the
harvest” and “Good seed doesn’t cost it always pays” are the popular adage
which enlightens the importance of the quality seed. The farmers always very
much interested in the best seed management practices which are safe,
environmentally sound and scientifically proven technologies. Understandably,
in view of the importance of quality seeds in Agriculture, both as a product and
as a means of establishing a crop, most attention at all levels of investigation
has been directed to crop seeds. Seed enhancements is defined as post-harvest
treatments that improve germination or seedling growth, or facilitate the
delivery of seeds and other materials required at the time of sowing. Seed
enhancement is a range of treatments of seeds that improves their performance
after harvesting and conditioned, but before they are sown. Seed enhancement
include priming, hardening, pre germination, pelleting, encrusting, film coating
etc, but excludes treatments for control of seed born pathogens

Introduction of Gram:-

7
The botanical name of the gram is Cicer arietinum is an annual legume of
the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. Its different types are variously known
as gram[ or Bengal gram garbanzo or garbanzo bean, Egyptian pea, chana,
and chole. Gram seeds are high in protein. It is one of the earliest cultivated
legumes, and 7500-year-old remains have been found in the Middle East.

Gram is a key ingredient in hummus and chana masala, and it can be ground into

flour to make falafel. It is also used in salads, soups and stews, curry and other
meal products like channa. The Gram is important in Indian and Middle Eastern
cuisine. In 2017, India produced 67% of the world total for gram.

The nutritional value of the gram is a nutrient-dense food, providing rich content
20% or higher of the Daily Value, of protein, dietary fiber, folate, and
certain dietary minerals, such as iron and phosphorus in a 100 gram reference
amount (see adjacent nutrition table). Thiamin, vitamin B6, magnesium,
and zinc contents are moderate, providing 10–16% of the DV. Compared to
reference levels established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization and World Health Organization, proteins in cooked and germinated
chickpeas are rich in essential amino acids such as lysine, isoleucine, tryptophan,
and total aromatic amino acids.

A 100 g serving of cooked chickpeas provides 164 kilocalories (690 kJ). Cooked

chickpeas are 60% water, 27% carbohydrates, 9% protein and 3% fat (table). 75%
of the fat content is unsaturated fatty acids for which linoleic acid comprises 43%
of total fat.

8
Present Status of Gram seed in India:-

Gram (Chickpea):-

In 2017-18, chickpea was cultivated in about 106 Lha. The country harvested a
record production of > 111 Lt at the ever highest productivity level of 1056 kg/ha.
As usual, MP has contributed a significant 34% of the total gram area and 41% of
total gram production in the country, thereby ranking first both in area and
production. Maharashtra (18%) and Rajasthan (13%) were the next in terms of
area. More than 90 per cent of gram production of the country during the period
under report has been realized by 10 states of MP, MS, Rajasthan, Karnataka, UP,
AP, Gujarat, Jharkhand, CG and Telangana (Table-2.7).

(Table-2.7): States’ Contribution in Area & Production- Gram (2017-18)

States Area % Contri. States Production %Contri

.
Madhya 35.90 33.95 Madhya 45.95 41.18
Pradesh Pradesh
Maharashtra 20.00 18.92 Maharashtra 17.61 15.78
Rajasthan 13.75 13.01 Rajasthan 14.71 13.19
Karnataka 13.75 13.00 Karnataka 8.25 7.39
Uttar Pradesh 6.11 5.78 Uttar Pradesh 6.84 6.13
Andhra 5.21 4.93 Andhra 6.76 6.06
Pradesh Pradesh
Gujarat 2.95 2.79 Gujarat 3.62 3.24
Chhattisgarh 2.93 2.77 Jharkhand 2.60 2.33
Jharkhand 2.33 2.20 Chhattisgarh 2.03 1.82
Telengana 1.03 0.97 Telengana 1.50 1.34
Others 1.77 1.67 Others 1.70 1.52
All India 105.7 All India 111.58
3

9
 States' Contribution-- Gram Area States' Contribution-- Gram Production

CG Jharkh.Telang.
APGuj.
3% 3% 2% 1%
Guj. Jharkh. CG
Others 1% UP 6% AP 6% 3%2% 2% Telang.
UP5% MP 34% 1%
Others
6% Karnatak a 2%
Karnataka 8%
13%

Raj. 13%

Raj. 13%
MP 41%
MS 19%
MH 16%

Fig-2.6: States’ Contribution in Area & Production–Gram (2017-18)

Gram Cultivation in Maharashtra:-

10
 In case of planting in rows, space the rows about 12-16 inches apart. And sow the
seeds at least 4 inches apart. Sow the seeds to about 2 inches deep and water
lightly after sowing the chickpea seeds. And the seeds should be treated with
fungicide before sowing.  Excessive rains soon after sowing or at flowering and
fruiting or hailstorms at ripening cause heavy loss. It is best suited to areas having
moderate rainfall of 60-90 centimeters per annum. Chick pea is grown on a wide
range of soils in India. In the north, gram is generally grown on moderately heavy
soils Sandy loam to clay loam is considered to be most suitable soil for gram
cultivation. Soil having water logging problem are not suitable for cultivation.
Climatic requirement
 It is a winter crop but severe cold and frost are injurious for gram cultivation.
 Can be successfully raised in both irrigated and rain fed areas.
 Frost at flowering and high temperature at fruiting had adverse effect on crop
yield.
 The optimum temperature for gram sowing varies between 25-30 OC.
 Temperature above 30 OC at sowing encourages wilt disease so avoid early
sowing.
Soil

 Productivity is highest in well drained medium textured soils.

 Saline or alkaline or waterlogged soils are not suitable for gram cultivation.
 It should not be grown in high water table areas.
 pH of soil should not be more than 8.5 for gram cultivation.

Suitable crop rotations for gram

Fallow-Gram Fallow– Gram+ Desi wheat/barley/raya

Bajra-Gram Guar-Gram
Sorghum-Gram Maize-Gra
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 Field preparation for gram sowing

 Gram is very sensitive to aeration and therefore loose and airy soil is good
for gram sowing. It also prevents wilt disease so do not make fine tilth.
 Gram does not require fine tilth at sowing.
 Deep tillage of 22. 5 cm may be given in July- August if the field is fallow
and it will assist in controlling weeds, better root penetration and conserving soil
moisture and thereby increases gram yield.
 Give 2 ploughings with harrow/cultivator followed by planking.
 Bulky organic manures (FYM etc.) if applied should be spread in the field
preferably 2-3 weeks before sowing.
 Level the field well with a leveler.

Conservation of moisture in rain fed areas

 Field should be well leveled before the start of pre monsoon rains.
 Make strong bunds around the field so that during heavy rains; excessive
rain water do not go out of field.
 If the size of field is large then it may be sub divided in small sized plots.
 Give deep ploughing of 22.5 cm before the start of pre monsoon rains.
 At the end of monsoon the ploughing may be followed by planking.
 Do not allow the weeds to grow as they take away moisture and for that
plough the field regularly.
 In case soil looks to be low in moisture at sowing then run a roller about one
week before sowing. It will help in bringing moisture near the soil surface for the
germination of seed.

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 OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT :-

1) Prevents spread of plant diseases

2) Protects seed from seed rot and seedling blights

3) Improves germination

4) Provides protection from storage insects

5) Controls soil insects.

Scope of the study :-

 Company wants to know the customer satisfaction whether they
are satisfied with their product or not.
 Company wants to understand the buying pattern of customer,
so that they can improve in their product.
 Company wants to strengthen the relationship with existing
customer so that reduce the cost to obtain the new customer.
 Company wants to increase the sales volume of the product by
knowing level of brand preference.
Limitations of the study:-
 Limited protection under high pest pressure. Under high pest pressure,
significant crop damage may occur. ...

 Duration of protection. ...

 Limited shelf life of treated seed. ...

 Phytotoxicity.

13
 RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In the process of achieving the objectives of the study, it is very essential to

follow a systematic and scientific approach so as to present and interpret the
results of the study or investigation conducted. This chapter on methodology
14
consists of the details of the description of the analysis of operation, matching
capacity, covering, types of layout, planning, requirement in the seed processing,
physical characteristics used to separate seeds, seed processing equipments.

Analysis of operation
a) processing sequence:-
After the machines needed have been identify the next
step is to determine the proper processing sequence
Seed separator----------- Elevator-------------- Conveyor ------------------Storage bin
All should be so arrange that seed flows continuously from beginning to the yet
be flexible enough to be pass a machine to return to a part for recleaning.

b) Matching capacity :-
Equipment size of capacity should be carefully planned to
prevent bottlenecks when overall operating capacity needs have been determine
all machines must be able to handle that capacity with some reverse capacity for
problems let.

c) Conveying:-
The conveying system must be able to handle the capacity
needed in particular spots. It must be carefully adapted to seed handled.
d) Types of Layout :-
There are 3 main types of processing plant layout
1- Multistoried
2- Single level
3- Combination
15
 1) Multistoried:-
- In the system seed is carry by elevators to the top floor and emptied into
large bins.
- The cleaning machine are then arranged in vertical series on the lower
floors,
- Seed flows from one machine down into next by gravity.

2) Single level :-
In the single storage plant seed is moved from machine to the
next by elevators placed between the machines.
A great advantage of the single level system is that one man can
supervise the processing line without running up and down stain.
He thus can maintain closer supervision of all operation

3) Combined Design:-

A compromise between single and multistoried system could

also be adopted.

4) planning:-

After a proper machine ,elevator capacities cleaning sequence and

layout design have been selected detailed layout planning can begin.

16
Carefully layout planning can identity and remedy for bottlenecks and trouble
spots befour the plant is built and thus prevent trouble later.

As the layout and design develops it should be drawn on paper.

A good method is the draw line of flow first and these flow line convert into
machine line.

After appropriate revision detailed drawing can be made to show exact location of
equipment and distances.

Scale drawing are the most widely used method of layout planning.

Scale models and scale templates are also very effective but are more extensive.

Requirement in seed processing:-

1. there should be complete separation.

2. minimum seed loss

3. upgrading should be possible for any particular quality.

4. efficiency

5. it should have only minimum requirement

Movement of seed in processing plant:-

Handaling of seed at the processing plant to definite path irrespective of crop for
easy management of seed which is sensitive at each and every step of handling and
ready to loose or gain its quality all through the steps.

Physical characterestics used to separate seeds:-

17
1. size grader

Based on size it can be separated with air screen cleaner

2. length

Disc or indented cylinder separator

3. weight

Specific gravity separator

4. shape

Spiral seperator or droper separator for round and flat seed

5. surface texcture

Rough from smooth serface seed dodder mill

6. color

Electronic color separator

Electrical conductivity:-

Seed differing in their ability to conduct electrical charge

Affinity to liquid:-

The seed coat of seed will absorb water, oil etc. which provider means of separator
on magnetic separator.

18
The flow of chart illustrating the types of materialremoved from harvested product
during processing.

Seed processing equipment

Processing detail of machine there are several machines in seed processing plant
are given below

1 loader dumper

2 z-type elevator

3 air screen cleaner

4 specific gravity separator

5 seed treater

6 automatic weighting and bagging machine

7 automatic sealing matching

8 spiral separator

19
COMPANY PROFILE

MSSCL was established on 28th April, 1976 at Akola. Akola was a natural choice
for the headquarter as initially the seed production activities had been taken up in
Akola and nearby districts i.e. Buldhana, Parbhani & Nanded. Later on, the

20
production and seed distribution work has been extended to all the districts of
Maharashtra.
The authorized share capital of MSSCL as on is Rs.10 Crores divided into equally
shares of Rs.100 each. As against that, the paid up share capital of MSSCL is
Rs.4.18 Crores. The shares have been held by following categories of share
holders:
Government of Maharashtra 49.00 %
Shares National Seeds Corporation35.44 %
Shares Farmers/Seed Growers12.70 % shares
State Agril. Universities02.86 % shares
There are 9,300 share holding farmers and two of the representatives are elected
from among the share holders farmers in the Board of Directors. The present
strength of the Board of Directors is eleven. The directors are
appointed/nominated under the provision contained in Article-125 of the Article
of Association of the Company. Pursuant to the Art 142 of the Article of
Association of the Company, the Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra,
Department of Agriculture is the ex-officio Chairman of the Board of Directors.

21
 MSSCL Board
Sr.No
Name of Director Post/Designation Nominated By Photo
.
Shri. Eknath Rajaram
Ex-officio
Dawale ,
Chairman of The
IAS , Chairman, MSSC
Board of
Ltd., & Additional Chairman
1 Directors,
Chief Secretary(Agril.),
Nominated by
Agril. & ADF Deptt.
Govt. of
Mantralaya Annexe,
Maharashtra
MUMBAI

22
 Ex-officio,
Shri Anil Bhandari , Managing
IAS , Managing Managing Director,
2 Director
Director, MSSC Nominated by
Limited, Akola Govt. of
Maharashtra

Shri. Suhas Krishna

Diwase, IAS, Nominated by
Director
3 Commissioner of Govt. of
Agriculture, CAMS, Maharashtra.
Pune (MS)

Shri Vallabhrao T. Elected by

Deshmukh, At+Post – Director Shareholders
4
Amdapur, Tq- Chikhali, (Rest of
Dist- Buldhana. Maharashtra)

Dr.Anita Appointed as per

Women
Bhagwantrao Chorey, Independent Companies Act-
5
Near TTN College, Director 2013 and as per
Keshav Nagar, Akola opinion of GoM.

Nominated by
Shri.V.K.Gaur, CMD,
National Seeds
NSC Limited,  Beej Director
6 Corporation
Bhavan, Pusa Complex,
Limited, New
New Delhi.
Delhi.

23
 Shri. V. Mohan, Nominated by
Director (Finance), National Seeds
Director
7 NSC Limited,  Beej Corporation
Bhavan, Pusa Complex, Limited, New
New Delhi. Delhi.

Nominated by
Dr. Vijay Karahne, R. National Seeds
Director
8 M. National Seeds Co. Corporation
Ltd. , Pune Limited, New
Delhi.

24
ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS

Seed is the most critical and fundamental input for achieving sustained agricultural
growth. The role of seed sector is not only to ensure the timely supply of adequate
quantity of quality seeds to farmers but also to achieve varietal diversity to suit
various agro climatic zones.

Marketed under the popular brand name of “MAHABEEJ” (meaning great seed),
MSSCL seeds have become symbols of quality. Mahabeej seeds are produced in
diverse agro-climatic regions under the supervision of experienced technical work
force. From sowing to harvesting and processing, packing to storage, the seeds are
scientifically monitored to achieve and maintain uniform high quality.

MSSCL is located at Akola in Western Vidarbha, which is known as the centre of

seed sector of Maharashtra and the seat of agricultural education in the form of Dr.
Panjabrao Deshmukh Agriculture University, Akola also houses the headquarter of
State Seeds Certification Agency. The Chairman of MSSCL is the Secretary
(Agril) to Government of Maharashtra and Managing Director is also a senior IAS
officer based at Akola.

25
ANALYSIS OF MAHABEEJ COMPANY

MSSCL has 7 Regional Offices in Maharashtra viz. Pune, Thane, Jalgaon, Jalna,
Parbhani, Akola & Nagpur. The regional headquarters and area offices which are
located in outside states are at Kurnool, AP (Southern Region), Indore, MP
(Central Region), Kashipur, Uttarankhand (Northern Region), Gandhinagar, Gujrat
(Western Region), Kolkatta (Eastern Region).
There are 26 well developed Seed Processing Plants (SPPs) with scientific storage
facilities of 4.5 Lakhs quintals capacity, equipped with modern gadgets and
machineries located in various parts of the State, even in the fringes and
hinterlands with a view to facilitate the seed growers.

MSSCL produces high quality certified, foundation and truthful seeds of assured
genetic and physical purity with high germination and assured vigour. The seed
production programme is organized through more than 50,000 seed growers in
Maharashtra, AP, MP, Gujrat & Uttarankhand. The seed production programme is
taken on 90,000 Ha. With the seed growers directly and with the help of
organizers.
Standards of quality are maintained at every stage viz. production, processing,
storage and marketing through scientific approach and strict surveillance. During
seed production programme, rigorous concurrent inspections are done by MSSCL
field officers. Apart from that independent and strict inspections are also taken by
Seed Certification Agency officers. Technical guidance is consistently provided to
the seed growers to maintain quality standards in seed production. Any kind of
impurity found gets plugged during the inspection and the genetic purity levels are
maintained thoroughly. The seeds passed in the basic parameters are only taken for

26
processing. The processed seed is further tested in the grow out test for evaluation
of the genetic purity.

The market share of MSSCL is 50% in terms of volume & 35 to 40% in terms of
value in Maharashtra. MSSCL is the unchallenged market leader in Soyabean,
Wheat, Paddy, Groundnut, Gram Udid, Jowar, Bajra, Tur & Moog and has very
good market share in Jute, Dhaincha, Notified Improved & Hy. Cotton &
Vegetables.

Till 1993, MSSCL was dealing with public bred notified Hybrids/Varieties of
different crops. However, in order to fulfill the requirement of farmers for superior
quality research hybrids. MSSC Ltd. Set up its own full fledged R&D unit with
expert team of breeders. MSSCL has carried out own research and has come out
with some excellent hybrids in the field of Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Maize,
Sunflower, Cotton & Vegetables. In addition to own R&D, MSSCL has
popularized public bred notified varieties of SAUs (State Agricultural Universities)
and Research Institutions of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).
MSSCL has also entered in tie-up arrangements and research collaborations with
reputed International Institutions like ICRISAT, Hyderabad & CIMMYT(India).

In the era of Bio-technology and Genetic Engineering, MSCL has embarked on the
process of developing transgenic in Cotton and for that has set up in 2002, a state
of art Mahabeej Bio-Technology Centre (MBC) at Nagpur with the financial
assistance from Vidarbha Statutory Development Board.

MSSCL has also set up sophisticated Tissue Culture Laboratory for large scale
commercial production of Tissue Culture Banana & Sugarcane plantlets by micro
propagation techniques.

27
Under Research & Development Project of machinery, MSSCL has designed and
developed unique Pollution Free Cotton Seed Delinting Technology with the
research grant from DSIR & ICAR, New Delhi.

The new technology eliminates the use of Sulphuric acid, which is a major
pollutant and facilitates non hazardous and pollution free delinting of fuzzy cotton
seed, yielding about 15% enhancement in germination and overall vigor of the
cotton seed thus boosting the productivity of cotton crop. The project has proved to
be milestone in the TMC (Technology Mission on Cotton) launched by
Government of India and also finds mention in the web site of ICAR & DSIR.
Plants up to the capacity from 0.5 TPH (Tons Per Hour) to 4 TPH have been made
available commercially to public & private sector seed companies. RSSC
(Rajasthan State Seeds Corporation) & HSDC (Haryana Seeds Development
Corporation) orders are under execution on turn key basis. Several private seed
companies are coming forward for placing the orders.

MSSCL has diversified its activities and as part of diversification had established
Nurseries of ornamental, fruit & flower plants at various locations. It has sale
counters for marketing of these plants in Akola, Nagpur & Nasik. The Landscaping
& Gardening consultancy and development work is undertaken as a new business.
MSSCL is also planning to enter into marketing of planting materials in the area of
medicinal, aromatic & herbal plantation.

SEED PROCESSING PLANT

MSSCL has total 24 seed processing plants comprising of 22 Cereal Seed

Processing Plants having seasonal capacity of 6,72,000 quintals Kharif & 5,04,000
28
quintals Rabi, 1 Vegetable Seed Processing Plant having annual capacity of 10,500
quintals, 1 Cotton Seed Delinting Plant having seasonal capacity of 3,000 quintals
and due to less production of Cotton seed existing Six Ginning Centres are not
working. The total installed capacity of these plants is 11.90 lakhs quintals
annually (Kharif + Rabi) on wheat basis. The additional seed processing is also
carried out through outsourcing. The high capacity plants of 8 TPH capacity are
located at Shioni (Akola), Chikhali (Dist. Buldhana), Washim, Shrirampur (Dist.
Ahmednagar), Erandol (Dist. Jalgaon) & Parbhani and 4 TPH Capacity plants are
located at Jalna, Dhoki (Dist. Osmanabad), Ashta (Dist. Sangli), Seloo (Dist.
Wardha), Gadegaon (Dist.Bhandara), Mul (Dist. Chandrapur), Latur, Yavatmal,
Hingoli, Butibori (Dist. Nagpur), Malkapur (Dist. Buldhana), Tapovan (Dist.
Amravati), Dondaicha (Dist. Dhule), Satana (Dist. Nashik), Khamgaon (Dist.
Buldhana) & Dhanegaon (Dist. Nanded).

29
30
MSSCL has a wide range of contemporary processing machinery and equipment
suited for seed separation based on different criteria like size, shape, weight,
texture etc. The plants are equipped with latest machinery of different types like
Seed Cleaner & Graders, Gravity Separators, Seed Treators, automatic weighing,
packing machines & Automatic Flow Samplers and new sophisticated machinery
like Electronic Videojet Printing machines, and integrated stitching & sealing
machines.
The high capacity SPPs (Seed Processing Plants) are computerized to gather data
from receipt of raw seed to dispatch of seed for marketing.  The computerization at
plant level has facilitated the seed growers to get their seed accounts and
communication faster and easy.  The SMS service has been started to provide
quick & fast information about their seed lots to seed growers.  All the seed
processing plants are having high capacity seed storage godowns.  MSSCL has
constructed its own godowns for scientific storage of various types of seeds.  All
godowns have been provided with maintenance free steel lovers windows & glass
ventilators & turbo ventilators to keep seeds ventilated, cool & dry in the
godowns.  The HDPE lightweight perforated pallets are used on concrete floor for
ventilation of bottom layer of stacked seed bags.  The truss-less curved PPGL roof
sheets help to keep the attic air cool.  Existing storage capacity of MSSC’s own
godowns is 7.25 lakhs quintals.  Additional space is rented for storage of seed in
the districts.

31
MARKETING
MSSCL is marketing it’s seeds with the brand name “MAHABEEJ”, which is
quite popular among the farmers since last 3 decades. Since its inception, MSSCL
has been in a very consistent manner making available the seeds of hybrids and
varieties of improved cultivars at reasonable prices in time and maintaining its
status as market leader in seed business in Maharashtra.

SSCL caters to the extent of 50% demand of seed in Maharashtra mainly in the
crops like Soyabean, Wheat, Paddy, Moog, Udid, Groundnut, Jowar, Bajra &
Tur. MSSCL is handling mainly seeds of high volume and low value crops like
Cereals, Oilseeds & Pulses to cater to the needs of majority of farmers as a part of
social mandate. It has an extensive network of more than 1,400 dealers located
even in remotest clusters of the state for providing easy access to quality seeds to
the farmers.

MSSCL caters to the extent of 50% demand of seed in Maharashtra mainly in the
crops like Soyabean, Wheat, Paddy, Moog, Udid, Groundnut, Jowar, Bajra &
Tur. MSSCL is handling mainly seeds of high volume and low value crops like
Cereals, Oilseeds & Pulses to cater to the needs of majority of farmers as a part of
social mandate. It has an extensive network of more than 1,400 dealers located
even in remotest clusters of the state for providing easy access to quality seeds to
the farmers.

Apart from the above, MSSCL has also planned to diversify its activities and enter
into new area of business mainly in nursery plants, planting materials & plantlets
of floriculture, horticulture, aromatic & herbal plants, bio-diesel plants, production
and sale of tissue culture plants in Banana, Sugarcane & later on Bamboo. MSSCL
32
is also marketing its high value services in the field of land scaping, garden design
& development and improvement of interior aesthetics with the help of indoor
ornamental plants etc.

MSSCL has initiated number of motivational schemes to develop and encourage its
dealers. Apart from different types of cash incentives and rewards to dealers
achieving high turnover in specific crops/varieties, annual Dealers Conferences
and Star Dealer meetings are regularly organized to enthuse and inspire the
dealers. The feed back about products are taken and their suggestions are followed
by suitable managerial decisions regarding product mix, pricing, promotional
measures, packaging & advertising.

To promote new hybrids and varieties, proposed to be launched for marketing by

MSSCL, field demonstrations are organized at regional/district level to popularize
these varieties amoung the farmers and dealers and disseminate the information
about products and package of practices.

In case of vegetables, MSSCL has been mainly marketing OP (Open Pollinated)

seeds developed by ICAR & other Research Institutions. The In-house R&D of
MSSCL has made some breakthrough in development of hybrids in Okra,
Bottlegourd, Brinjal & Ridgerourd which have performed quite well in the field.

Considering significant shift of farmer’s preference to Hybrids vegetabale seeds,

MSSCL has made marketing tie-up with reputed transnational companies and has
made available complete range of excellent and world class hybrid vegetable
seeds. These hybrids have been launched for marketing after aggressive and far
reaching information and advertising campaign. The main purpose of such tie-up is
to make available the benefits of most advanced research in hybridization of
vegetable seeds to the vegetable growing farmers.
33
By using the forums like APSA & World Seed Congress, MSSCL has successfully
negotiated and entered into marketing tie-ups with some of the most renowned
transnational seed companies of countries like US, Japan, Germany, Netherlands &
Taiwan and their Indian subsidiaries. The dealers have welcomed the products as
they have been launched after thorough trials in Indian agro-climatic conditions.

MSSCL has also availed APEDA license & IE CODE from Government of India
and is making endeavor to export its seeds to SAARC Countries and tropical
Countries of Sub Sahara Africa & Latin America.

PRODUCTION

34
In the inception, MSSCL started seed production activities in 4 districts of
Maharashtra viz. Akola, Buldhana, Parbhani & Nanded but later on expanded the
seed production network to all over Maharashtra. More than 50,000 seed growers
take up the production of seeds in their farms in 33 districts in 90,000 Ha. Of land

SSCL has recognized the fast changing scenario and dynamics of seed production
and has evolved strategies to take up seed production with adequate product mix of
hybrids and improved varieties considering the requirements of all sectors of the
farming community. The social objectives of providing quality certified seeds to
the cultivators has never been taken up to promote high value low volume crop
seeds to take care of the profitability of the Company

 Seed production programme is being taken up in Maharashtra and other

States to the tune of 9 Lakhs quintals which may expand upto 12 Lakhs
quintals in future. Following the salient features of seed production
programme of MSSCL: Product mix covers the products evolved by Aus,
ICAR institutes viz. IARI, CICR, DRRI & National Research Centers
(NRCs) of different crops. Apart from that, technologies and varieties
developed by reputed national and international institutes i.e. ICRISAT,
Hyderabad, BARC, Trombay etc. have been made available to the farmers.
 The germplasm available at national as well as international institutes are
regularly procured and maintain at In-house R&D of MSSCL for developing
superior hybrids and varieties.
 MSSCL promotes direct and contract seed production through seed growers,
institutions like SFCI, NAFED at national level and cooperative societies in
Maharashtra as well as other states.

35
  Constant review & elimination, if necessary of uneconomical production
areas to reduce the cost of production.
 Compact seed production programmes with incentives through seed village
scheme to ensure better quality in seed production.
 Breeder seed is produced under the supervision of Scientists of SAUs &
ICAR Institutes for notified varieties and for R&D Hybrids & Varieties of
MSSCL the breeder seed is produced under the supervision of expert team
of breeders of MSSCL.
 Organizing rigorous production of foundation seed through growers and
Taluka Seed Farms & Au Lands under technical supervision of Scientists &
Field Officers.
 Timely availability of source seed and co-ordination with Seed Certification
Agency.
 Attempts to improve the technical know how of the seed growers. 

Schemes & Benefit to Seed Growers

In order to promote seed production in Maharashtra, different schemes like rebate

in certification fee, incentives for production of Foundation seed etc. Are
implemented to attract the seed growers for quality seed production programme of
different hybrids and varieties. To achieve above objectives, an elaborate incentive
system for the seed growers has been evolved by MSSCL and is being practiced
since last several years.

1. Registration Fee Rebate for Advance Booking growers participating in

scheme within stipulated period.

36
 2. Rebate in Field Inspection Fees (50% to 100%)for compact area registration
(CS & FS programme except Vegetable crops) in a village.
3. 100% Inspection Fee, Registration fee & Application fee Rebate for
Vegetable crops (subject to tendering of raw seed within final cut off date).
4. Special additional Incentives based on higher quality of seeds.

In order to promote production of better quality certified/foundation seeds and to

disseminate the latest know how and better cultivation practices in the seed
production, various workshops, training and visit programmes are organized for
seed growers by MSSCL.

MSSCL has also taken up seed production in other prominent seed producing
states viz. AP, MP, Gujrat & Uttarankhand etc. This has led to the improvement in
productivity of the seeds and better pricing for farmers.

The seed growers of Maharashtra are benefited in seed production by way of

additional revenue and technical know-how. The skilled and unskilled manpower
are employed in seed production thereby promoting employment generation.

37
 ii)Crop wise Standard Germination Percentage
Standard
Sr.
Crop Germination
No.
Percentage
1 Paddy 80
2 Wheat 85
3 Maize 90
4 Sorghum 75
5 Bajara 75
6 Udid 75
7 Moog 75
8 Oat 85
9 Raddish 70
10 Bitter Gourd 60
11 Bottle Gourd 60
12 Cabbage 70
13 Cauliflower 65
14 Onion 70
15 Carrot 60
16 Tur 75
17 Ground nut 70
18 Mustard 85
19 Safflower 80
20 Soybean 70
21 Til 80
22 Gram 85
23 Sunflower 70
24 Hy. Cotton 75
25 Jute 80
26 Pea 75
27 Berseem 80
28 Forage Sorghum 75
29 Gaur 70
30 Lucern 80
31 Cucumber 60
32 Ridge Gourd 60
33 Sponge Gourd 60
34 Tomato 70
35 Okra (Bhendi) 65

38
Improved variety of gram:-

Gram : ICCV-10

Duration 105-110 days

Suitable for rainfed & irrigated condition

Resistant to wilt

Rainfed 12-14 Qtls./Hect.

Yield
Irrigated 22-25 Qtls./Hect.

Gram : Annegiri-1

Duration 100 days

Grain Round

Resistant to wilt

Yield
10-15
potentia
Qtls./Hect.
l

Gram : Vijay

39
 Rainfed 85-90   days
Maturity
Irrigated  105-110 days

Dwarf spreading growth

Medium bold, yellow brown, wrinkelled

seed

Resistant to fusarium wilt & better

tolerance to moisture stress & high
yielding

14-15
Rainfed 
Qtls/Hect.
Yield
22-24
Irrigated 
Qtls./Hect.

Gram : Gulak-1

Duration 107-135 days

Medium maturity

Moderately resistance to fusarium wilt

Seeds gulabi bold type for parched kernel

Non-lodging & Non-shattering

Average yield 20 Qtls./Hect.

Gram : Vishal

40
 Maturity 105-110 days

Attractive, bold, yellowish colored seed

Resistant to fusarium wilt

Rainfed 14-15 Qtls/Hect.

Yield
Irrigated  30-35 Qtls./Hect.

Gram : PKV Kabuli-2

Duration 91-113 days

Early maturity

Resistance to wilt

Attractive bold seed

Non-lodging & Non-shattering

Average Yield 18-20 Qtls./Hect.

Gram : PKV Kabuli-2

41
 Duration 91-113 days

Early maturity

Resistance to wilt

Attractive bold seed

Non-lodging & Non-shattering

Average Yield 18-20 Qtls./Hect.

Gram : Virat

Duration 108-118 days

Extra bold seed size kabuli type

Resistance to fusarium wilt and relatively

less damaged by pod borer

Average yield 19.32 Qtls./Hect.

Gram : ICCV-37

42
Duration 90-100 days

Tolerant to pod borer and wilt

Yield
16-20 Qtls./Hect.
potential

43
 DATA ANALYSIS
AND
INTERPRETATION

Farmers Profile:

44
 The data collected from a sample of 100 farmers from Akola
(Shioni) districts of Maharashtra has been analyzed under the following
heads:

Type of Farming of Gram farmers:

Table: Type of Farming of Gram farmers:
Farming No.of Respondents %

Irrigated 75 75.00%

Non -Irrigated 25 25.00%

Grand Total 100 100.00%

Fig.: Type of Farming of Gram farmers:

45
 Farming
n=100

Non -Irrigated
25%

Irrigated
75%

It was found that the majority of the farmers 75% were having the irrigation
facility, and the 25% farmers were depend on the rain for irrigation that is
non- Availability of irrigation facility affects the choice of seed variety
selection by farmers as suitable to their land.

46
Fig. No. : Suggestion for purchase of seeds

Suggetion for improvement of Seed (%)

Multiple Response ,n=100
%

29
9 10 13 10 15 14
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

In the surveyed area it was found that the majority of the farmers (29%)
took the suggestions from Progressive farmers, 15 % farmer from Govt
Officer, 14 % from other that is company employee,13% from dealer,10%
from marketing officer and own experience and the least were 9% taking
suggestion from distributor. it could be concluded that the most of the
farmer were taking the suggestion from progressive farmer, govt. officer,
dealers in study area.

47
 FINDINGS

Finding of seed analysis:

 High genetic purity

48
 High pure seed percentage (physical purity)
 High germ inability
 High vigour
 Higher field establishment
 Free from pest and disease
 Good shape, size, colour etc., according to the specification of variety
 High longevity / shelf life.
 Optimum moisture content for storage
 High market value

49
SUGGESTIONS

50
SUGGESTIONS

1}Obtaining working sample:-

- Since the size of the seed lot that is received for testing in large, we need to
reduce it to be obtain a working sample to carry out various test.
2} Separation:-
- In this method the impurities which include the weed seed, other crop seeds,
inert matter are separated from the working sample.
3} Identification:-
- After the separation of impurities from the concerned seed is completed, we
identify and note down each kind of the inert matter, weed seeds and other crop
seeds.
4} Weighing of purity components:-
- If there is loss or gain between the weight of three components and the
original sample, other test is conducted
5} Check or duplicate test:-
- Duplicate test is carried out by of two half sample and one whole sample, if
the difference exceed the permissible tolerance, other analysis is done.

51
 LIMITATIONS

Limitations:-

 Most are polygenic.

 Difficult to estimate and evaluate, hence more finance required.
52
 Low heritability and affected by environment.
 There is negative association of seed protein with grain yield in both
cereals and pulses.
 In some cases improvement in quality leads to reduction in grain size and
yield.
 Sometimes, the quality characters is found in wild relatives or species.
 The analysis requires closed cooperation of bio chemist sometimes
becomes limiting factor in progress.
 Biotechnological tools have not been used widely in all crops.

53
 CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION

54
 From the study it could be concluded that in Akola district
Maharastra State seed Corporation Ltd. performance was moderate. they
had less number of popular varieties like JAKI9218, Vijay, Vijaya and only
one moderately popular variety i.e. Vishal(kabuli) and also company
adopted medium promotional strategies in study area. So, the company had
good opportunity to penetrate more in the area by improving their varieties
and adopting best promotional activities, since from last two years the Gra
area has decreased.

Also company was facing tough competition from

Rasi, Ajeet, Nizuveedu in study Also, it was observed that less number of
farmers preferred use of JAKI9218 Gram seeds and also only few dealers
were selling Gram seed in study area. So, Seed processing plant , Shioni
need to focus on strengthening distributors and retailers network for
effective marketing. Farmers took advice of progressive farmers before
purchase cotton seed. So the progressive farmers should be targeted by the
company. So, company need to work on increasing area under Gram seeds
and creating awareness by activities like field demonstration, training,
seminar etc.

55
 Annexure

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR FARMERS

56
 Name of farmer:-
____________________________________________________________
__

District:-_____________ Taluka:-_______________

Contact No:-___________________

1) Age
( ) < 25 years ( ) 25 – 35 years ( ) 35 –
45 years
( ) 45 – 55 years ( ) 55 – 65 years ( ) above
65 years

2) Education Qualification
( ) Below SSC ( ) SSC ( ) HSC
( ) Graduate ( ) Post graduate ( ) other,
please Specify…………..

3) Family Members (No. of People involved in

farming)_____________________________

4) Type of house holding

( ) Kacha ( ) Semi pakka ( ) Pakka

5)Landholding (in ha)

( ) Marginal {< 1 ha} ( ) Small {1 – 2 ha}
( ) Medium {2 – 5 ha} ( ) Large {> 5 ha}

6)A). Farming
( ) Irrigated ( ) Non
irrigated
57
 7) According to whose suggestion do you purchasing Gram seeds?
( ) Distributor ( ) Marketing officer ( )
Dealer
( ) Own experience ( ) Govt. Officer ( )
Progressive farmer
( ) Other, please Specify…………..

8) Since how long you are using Gram seeds?

( ) 1 – 2 year ( ) 2 – 5 year ( ) More than 5
Year

9) How do you purchase the Gram seeds?

( ) Cash ( ) Credit
10) According to you which company is doing best quality of seeds for
Gram?

( ) Ankur ( ) Rasi ( ) Mahabeej

( ) Mahyco ( ) Monsanto ( ) Nuziveedu

( ) Other, please Specify…………..

11) Which brand mostly prefer by farmer while purchasing Gram seed?
( ) Ankur ( ) Rasi ( ) Mahabeej
( ) Mahyco ( ) Monsanto ( ) Nuziveedu
( ) Other, please Specify…………..
12) Are you aware about BKSK Bt cotton seeds?

( ) Yes ( ) No

13) A). Are you using mahabeej Gram seed?

58
( ) Yes (
) No

59