Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with IFSA Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, for the commercialization of its high-performing maize hybrid PMH 17. Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU; and Mr R S Pandey, CEO of IFSA Seeds Pvt. Ltd, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.
Dr GS Mangat, Additional Director Research (Agriculture); Dr Mahesh Kumar, ADR (Agricultural Engineering); Dr Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director, Technology Marketing and IPR Cell; and Dr VS Sohu, Head, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics; were present at the MoA signing ceremony.
Dr Dhatt congratulated Dr Surinder Sandhu, Principal Breeder and Incharge (Maize Section), for commercialization of the hybrid.
Dr Sandhu informed that PAU developed PMH 17 is a high-yielding single cross hybrid tailored for dual-purpose use– both grain and silage. “The PMH 17 recorded a grain yield of 62.7 quintals per hectare, showing a yield advantage of 8.5% over PMH 14. This hybrid exhibited green fodder yield superiority of 3.3% compared to PMH 14. The PMH 17 has been found suitable for silage production, meeting the quality parameters for desirable silage traits and demonstrating superior nutritional quality compared to the standard checks, she explained. Additionally, its starch-rich profile makes it a promising candidate for ethanol production, she observed, adding that the hybrid exhibits moderate resistance to fall armyworm and maydis leaf blight.
Dr Dharni stated that PAU maize hybrids are quite popular with the stakeholders. Through commercialization process, PAU continues to translate its research excellence into impactful technologies, ensuring farmers access to improved cultivars that boost productivity and profitability, he added.
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