Mahyco

Introduction

Infrastructure

1.          A strong R & D infrastructure developed near Jalna (Maharashtra) .

2.          An ISO 9001-2000 company with largest multi-locational ISO certification.

3.          Network of more than 100000 farmers in 30 production centres of India.

4.          State-of-art Processing units with in-house Quality Assurance facilities.

5.          All India marketing network – more than 5000 sales outlets

Commitment to Research and Development

Mahyco Research Centre (MRC), at Dawalwadi near Jalna is one of Asia’s most advanced seed industry Research and Development establishment and is well equipped with state of art labs for seed health, molecular biology, cytogenetics, pathology, entomology, molecular virology and plant transformation. Best multi- disciplinary talent, trained nationally and internationally work in the centre. Substantial investment in R & D have been made by Mahyco to be able to produce superior products to meet the customer needs.

Quality Assurance at Mahyco

Mahyco products are known for their excellent quality. The production, processing and packaging of seeds are done as per stringent quality assurance norms. The ISO 9001-2000 certification awarded to Mahyco is the largest multilocation certification in India covering 59 locations. Mahyco's Quality Assurance laboratory at Dawalwadi (INML-06), has been granted the status of Member Laboratory of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), Zurich, Switzerland since 1999 and the status of ISTA accredited Laboratory since April 2005.

Products:

·            Cotton

·            Field crops

·            Oil Seeds

·            Vegetable Crops

Research:

Plant Breeding and Crop Improvement

Commitment to Research and Development

Research and Development activities are organized as programmes targeted toward specific crops and/or technologies, with the overall goal to develop improved hybrid seeds. The fundamental requirement for each research program is continuous innovation resulting in constant product improvements to meet the challenges presented by changing environmental conditions and new market opportunities.

Biotechnology Research

Playing a leadership role in delivering biotechnology crops to the Indian farmer

Plant biotechnology can play an important role in improving human health as well as providing economic benefits to the farmer who use genetically enhanced seeds. Better crop pest and disease tolerance, fewer applications of pesticides, better nutritive value and higher yields are some of the benefits of biotechnology crops available now and in the near future.At Mahyco, plant biotechnology is viewed as a tool to be used in a selective manner, as an integral part of plant breeding programs. Traits of value which are difficult to breed for, or are absent in germplasm available to breeders, are the focus of biotechnology research at Mahyco. Making such traits available enables our breeders to incorporate them in a precise manner, eliminating unwanted traits that could be carried along in traditional breeding methods.In 1998, Mahyco established a new research facility, the Mahyco Research Center, near Jalna-Aurangabad, Maharashtra, to conduct cutting-edge biotechnology research in a number of areas relevant to crop improvement and productivity; while still remaining close to its roots in rural agriculture and seeds research. Major research areas include crop transformation, molecular virology, molecular microbiology, gene discovery and molecular markers, entomology and diagnostics.

Crop Transformation: Plant transformation research is ongoing in a number of field crop and vegetable species.

Molecular Virology: Research involves conventional and biotechnological approaches for control of economically important viruses. Target areas of emphasis for control strategies include biology of virus transmission between vectors and host plants, as well as viral replication and intercellular movement.

Molecular Microbiology: Microbes, genes or gene products with antimicrobial, pesticide, agrochemical degradation, biofertilizer or plant growth-promoting properties are key research areas. Plant-pathogen interactions at the molecular level are being investigated in order to develop durable and/or enhanced levels of resistance.

Gene Discovery and Molecular Markers: Projects in the area of gene discovery are aimed at identification of genes which confer tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity, as well as plant disease and insect resistance. DNA marker techniques are being used for marker-aided breeding in various crops, as well as seed purity assays.

Entomology: This group conducts basic and applied research that focuses on screening of crop plants for resistance to target insect pests of cereals, cotton, vegetables, oil seeds and pulses; develop integrated technologies for pest management; monitoring pest incidence and population dynamics in relation to crop phenology; pursue the management strategies to prolong the usefulness of transgenic crops, designing and continual assessment of resistance management strategies for sustainability of transgenic technology.

Service Offered

ISTA International Seed Analysis Certificates

The ISO 9001-2000 certified facility as well as seed testing laboratory (QA) at Dawalwadi (INML-06), Jalna which has been a member laboratory of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), Zurich, Switzerland since 1999 and now an ISTA accredited Laboratory since April 2005. The ISTA accredited laboratory at Dawalwadi offer seed testing facility and issue blue, green and orange ISTA International Seed Analysis Certificate for Germination, Physical purity, Moisture and Determination of other seeds (OSD).

Current Events

Mahyco Bollgard Cotton MRC-6301 Seminar at Kannad

Mahyco Seeds Limited & Ranade Micronutrients Ltd, Pune, organised a farmers mela for good cultivation of Mahyco Bollgard Cotton. Shri Namdeoraoji Pawar, Kannad MLA, was the chief guest for the programme. During the programme, Mr. Rajkarne addressed the gathering and highlighted important features of MRC 6301, which is grown under rainfed conditions. MLA Shri Namdeorao Pawar informed the gathering that Mahyco is popular for its excellent quality seeds. During the programme Shri Jawaharsing Jakhad, a progressive Mahyco farmer, purchased Bt Cotton MECH-12, To his surprise, he won the Motorcycle after scratching the card under the farmers booking scheme. Mr. Shrikant Sirsavkar, Area Manager Aurangabad & Local dealer M/s. Ramesh Krishi Seva Kendra, Kannad in co-ordination with Mr. Anil Kolte conducted the programme

Mahyco Bajra 2210 Campaigning Rath

To promote Hybrid Bajra 2210, district quality officer Shri Gujrathisaheb along with our respected Deputy Managing Director Shyamji Agarwal inaugurated bullet campaigning rath. Mahyco distributor M/s Navbharat Fertilizer Aurangabad, Mr. Vijaykumar Patni, Mr. Ajay Kulkarni, Mr. Rajkarne, Mr. Kolte & Mr. A. G. Vijay participated in the programme

Mahyco Brinjal MEBH-11 yields 400 quintals in 4 acres

Mr. Sudhir Chokhat a progressive farmer from Kakanwada harvested a bumper crop from Mahyco Brinjal MEBH-11. In just two months period he has harvested a bumper crop of 400 quintals from 4 acres. Brinjal MEBH-11 has more demand in the market hence Mr. Chokhat decided to cultivate this hybrid. This is a non-spiny purple coloured hybrid with white stripes. Hence it has wide acceptance amongst consumers. Mr. Chokhat is expecting another 400 quintals yield from the same plot. The value of the produce is around 2.5 lakhs in 4 acres. Mr. Chokhat received assistance from Mahyco staff Mr. Shankar Mahalle, Gokul Patil and Nitin Umbarkar for this success.

Awards

National and Global Recognition

In recognition of its achievements and contributions to the Industry, Mahyco has won several National and International awards.

National Award

1989 : National Award for R&D efforts in Agro Industries sector from the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.

1990 : Award by Indian Society of Science & Technology given to Mr. B. R. Barwale, founder & Chairman of Mahyco in recognition of his contribution to Seed Industry.

FICCI Award

1990 : Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, (FICCI) Award for outstanding achievement in research in Science & Technology with particular reference to development of Sunflower hybrid.

IARI Award

IARI Award presented by the Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to Seed Industry

IMC Award

IMC Award for outstanding performance in hybrid Bajra (MBH-110) production.

Life Membership at World Apex body

1996 : Honorary Life Membership awarded to Shri B.R. Barwale, by FIS-Federation International Seedsmen- the apex body of the Seed Associations of the World.

World Food Prize Award

1998 : Mahyco's chairman, Shri. B.R. Barwale, was awarded the World Food Prize for his outstanding achievements in the enhancement of the world's food supply, by the World Food Prize Foundation, USA.

Padma Bhushan Award

2001 : Company Chairman Shri B.R. Barwale has been awarded with Padma Bhushan on March 21,2001 by his Excellency, The President of India. The award was bestowed on him in recognition of his contribution to trade and economic activity.

Biotechnology Award

2003 : On 11th May, National Technology Day, the Vice President of India Hon. Shri Bhairov Singh Shekhawat, Hon. Minister of Science and Technology, Shri. Murli Manohar Joshi, Seceretary, Development of Technology, Dr. Manju Sharma, awarded mahyco the first national award for biotech product Commercialisation.