Question : IMPORT OF SEEDS

(a) the quantum and value of different varieties of oil seeds including white poppy, canola, sunflower and soya seeds imported during each of the last three years and relaxation given in the criteria fixed for their import, country and variety-wise;

(b) whether the Government proposes to import different varieties of seeds including canola seeds during the current year;

(c) if so, the quantum and value thereof;

(d) whether any relaxation has been given for import permission at the port of exit for any oil seeds;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the Government has any agency/committee to examine the quality of imported seeds; and g) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a) The quantum and value of different varieties of oil seeds imported during each of the last three years and the current year (variety-wise and country wise) is at Annexure-I (a & b).


(b)& (c): As per the New Policy on Seed Development, 1988, EXIM Committee of the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation recommends imports of seeds and planting materials. In the current year, EXIM Committee has recommended import of 491 MT Canola seeds from USA, Australia and New Zealand by Advanta India Ltd.

(d) & (e): No, Madam.

(f) & (g): Yes, Madam. The following agencies are involved in examining the quality of imported seeds:

(i) Export-import (EXIM) Committee under Department of Agriculture and Cooperation

(ii) National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resource (NBPGR) for germ plasm materials.

(iii) National Regional Plant Quarantine Stations of the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage.

Prior to import of bulk quantity of oil seeds for propogation/sowing purpose, the importing agency/department is permitted to import small quantity of seeds for initial/multi location/ agronomic trials. Once trial data is submitted, proposal for bulk seeds import is examined by the Export-Import (EXIM) Committee of the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation. If the variety is found useful for Indian cultivators, import is permitted for a specific quantity.

Besides, at the time of import, seeds are examined at the point of entry by the subject matter specialists in order to ensure that the seeds are free from any exotic (alien) pests /diseases.