The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Foragen Seeds Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad, Telangana, for the commercialization of its high-performing Maize Hybrid PMH 17. Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU and Mr Dalbir Singh from Foragen Seeds Pvt Ltd signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Dr GS Mangat, Additional Director of Research (Agriculture); and Dr Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director, Technology Marketing and IPR Cell, were present at the MoA signing ceremony.
Dr Dhatt congratulated Dr Surinder Sandhu, Principal Breeder and Incharge (Maize Section), for the commercialization of the hybrid. Dr Tosh Garg, Dr Rumesh Ranjan and Dr Ashutosh Kushwaha from the maize section also graced the occasion.
DrSandhu 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, she said, adding that 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 told. Additionally, its starch-rich profile makes it a promising candidate for ethanol production. The hybrid exhibits moderate resistance to fall armyworm and maydis leaf blight, she said.
Dr Dharni, Associate Director, Technology Marketing and IPR Cell, stated that PAU maize hybrids are gaining immense popularity among the stakeholders. The commercialization efforts made by the PAU have been instrumental in taking the research efforts of the scientists to the farmer fields, he added.
