Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Manipur Seed and Organic Certification Agency (MASOCA) to strengthen seed production, processing and distribution in Manipur and ensure wider access to quality seeds for farmers.
The MoU was signed by BBSSL Managing Director Chetan Joshi and Director of Agriculture Peter Salam in the presence of Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Agriculture) T. Pamei at the latter’s office in Imphal.
BBSSL, established under the Ministry of Cooperation under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, aims to develop a sustainable seed chain and reduce dependence on imported seeds. MASOCA was launched on June 6, 2026, to improve seed quality and certification of organic produce in the State.
Joshi said the initiative would begin immediately, with certified seeds from established seed chains in other States to be supplied to Manipur while local production capacity is developed.
He said BBSSL and MASOCA would identify crops and areas suitable for seed production in Manipur, distinguishing them from areas suitable only for cultivation. Seeds that cannot be produced locally would be sourced from outside based on the State’s requirements.
