Innovation in the Seed Sector Must Prioritise Farmers’ Welfare: Governor

Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has emphasised the need for innovation in the seed sector with a primary focus on farmers’ welfare, describing farmers as the backbone of the country’s economy. He paid tribute to late Mandava Venkatramaiah, founder of Nuziveedu Seeds Limited, for his remarkable contributions to agriculture. The Governor attended a memorial programme for Venkatramaiah at Kandlakoya in Medchal–Malkajgiri district on Thursday, October 15, 2026. He planted a sapling and offered floral tributes to the founder’s portrait. Shukla noted that Venkatramaiah had made significant contributions to the seed industry by prioritising quality, reliability and innovation, adding that his vision had helped provide a new direction for agricultural development.

The Governor said farmers’ hard work, dedication and determination were fundamental to ensuring the country’s food security. He called for greater investment in modern technology, scientific research and the development of quality seeds to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen farmers’ financial conditions. He also expressed hope that Nuziveedu Seeds would continue Venkatramaiah’s legacy by advancing agricultural research, encouraging innovation and supporting farmers’ welfare. Shukla urged young people to draw inspiration from the founder’s life and contribute to national development through knowledge, hard work, integrity and determination. Former Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Mandava Venkateswara Rao, ICRISAT Director General Dr Himanshu Pathak, Nuziveedu Seeds Limited Chairman and Managing Director M. Prabhakara Rao, members of the Mandava family, company representatives and other dignitaries attended the event.