Proceedings of the Fifth Asian Regional Maize Workshop - Search ...

ACTIVIlY OF MAHYOO IN INJIA
Rajendra R. Oeshpande 11
In 1963 farmers tilled and toiled. The land was dry and dusty, bare and barren, the
farming techniques were ancient and seeds indifferent. It was at that time that Mr. B. R.
Barwale transformed their world after successfully launching the hybrid maize seeds with the
assistance of Dr. W. H. Freeman, an expert in this area.
It was on November 24, 1964, that Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Co. (MAHYCO) was established in
India as the first private organiz~tion in the field of commercial seed production.
The Green Revolution in India has indeed been ushered in by the seed improvement program.
Introduction of high yielding varieties and hybrids has achieved a successful breakthrough. The
hybrid seed miracle has demonstrated the possibilities of exploiting plant vigor to increase
yield. For the last three decades, development of products suitable for Indian markets and
Indian agricultural conditions has been made possible by the research and demonstrations carried
out by Mahyco, the torch bearer of the Indian Seed Industry.
Mahyco, a breeding research company, was established in symbiosis with the Green Revolution
and it has developed a special niche in the seed industry by strengthening its commitment to
science and technology.
Mahyco's first research center was set up in 1966. At present six genetic research
centers staffed with professional scientists have pioneered many remarkable innovations in
producing advanced hybrid seeds in 35 different crops. Shortly we will be adding products in
wheat, sesame, castor bean, and most important, in paddy. Mahyco has given the Indian farmer his
first ever hybrid cotton seed based on a well-known technique that utilized both genetic and
cytoplasmic male sterilities. This has proved to be economical and practical.
India was the first country in the world to produce cotton hybrids exploiting both genetic
and cytoplasmic male sterile systems.
Mahyco's research activity has in fact been encouraged by the Government of India,
scientific institutions, and commercial firms.
In the past two years, Mahyco has been honored with many prestigious awards, of which the
most prominent are:
A National Award in recognition of Mahyco's contribution on R&D efforts to India's
agricultural sector.
Award of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in recognition
of Mahyco's corporate initiative in research involving science and technology.
An international Seeds and Sciences Technology Award in appreciation of Mahyco's effort to
promote agriCUltural progress.
During the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding,
a special award was delivered by the Society to Mr. B. R. Barwale for his valuable contribution
through Mahyco's research in the field of Plant Breeding.
Mahyco conducts research on 35 field crops and has released 127 hybrids in different craps
cultivated throughout India.
Mahyco offers the following range of high yielding maize hybrids to the farming community
of India:
a. Very early maize hybrids which mature in 80-85 days in kharif season. These are MEH­
114 and MEH-115 which yield 5-6 t/ha.
b. In intermediate maturity group with 100 days to maturity, we have developed high
yielding, disease tolerant hybrids with yield potential of up to 6-7 t/ha. These are MMH-65 ,
MMH-66 and MWM-107.
~ Maize breeder. Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Co., Ltd. 19 Rajamahal, 84 Veer Nariman Road, Bombay
40020, India.
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