Corteva Agriscience, the global agriculture company, is driving an awareness program in Rajsthan using technology-based solutions to support farmers against counterfeit mustard seeds in the market. The program aims to equip farmers and value chain
actors with relevant information and establish in-depth cooperation with enforcement agencies to combat the sale of counterfeit mustard seeds. Additionally, the company has launched a helpline number where farmers can report any incidence related to counterfeit.
Aruna Rachakonda, Director, Marketing – South Asia at Corteva Agriscience said, “Corteva is determined to help India achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil in coming years through adding value in yield levels by superior genetics & best agronomy advice to farmers. The production and sale of fake seeds not only harms farmers’ interests but also compromises food safety. Through this program, we aim to give farmers the confidence to maximize productivity, enhance yield and profitability. As a leader in global agriculture, Corteva provides farmers with greater value, and we are confident that the program will also assist in conserving resources and protecting soil health.”
Given recent regulation on imported palm oils and restrictions on the limit to mix other oils in mustard oil, the demand for mustard has risen. In fact, now, farmers are getting higher prices for their produce than the minimum support price. This upsurge has led to counterfeiting of the authentic and high-quality mustard seeds in the market. the counterfeit seeds menace is not only compromising sustainable agriculture and produce of the farmers but endangers food safety.
Right seed selection for farming can increase yield by 15% to 20%. To protect farmers produce, profitability and help them in making right seed selection, Corteva has created a unique four- layer protection mechanism in its product packaging so that the farmers can check the genuineness of the product. Each package contains a unique QR code that farmers can scan using the ‘Farmer Connect’ mobile app. Farmers can also check for inside lot number, hologram strip, hidden text to confirm the authenticity of the seeds.