Question : Availability of Seeds

(a) the steps taken by the Government to provide quality and proper seeds to the farmers in the country;

(b) whether the Government imports high quality, high production seeds;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the system adopted for their distribution;

(d) whether the Government has taken any concrete steps to increase the production of high quality seeds in the country itself and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether it is proposed to avail the services of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University in Pusa, Bihar for the purpose; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a): The Government provides financial assistance/subsidy for production and distribution of certified seeds to the farmers through various crop development programmes/schemes viz. National Food Security Mission, National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm, Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Materials, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.

(b) & (c ): Yes, Madam. To provide the best seeds and planting materials available in the World to the Indian farmers, Government allows the importer to import of high quality seeds for farmers under the New Policy on Seed Development, 1988.

(d): Well established systems are already existing for production of high quality seeds in the Country under various crop development programmes viz. National Food Security Mission, National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm, Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Materials, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.

(e) & (f): Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Pusa, Bihar produces nucleus, breeder, foundation and certified seeds. The foundation and certified seeds are distributed among the farmers of the State of Bihar and neighboring States through the Krishi Sewa Kendra, Agriculture Technology Information Center, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Seed Dealers’ of RPCAU.

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