Question : Indian Market for Seeds

(a) whether Indian farmers are unable to get financial benefits from the Indian seed market despite its emergence as the fifth largest seed market in the world;

(b) if so, the efforts being made by the Government in this regard;

(c) the manner in which the Government is likely to reduce the increase in cost incurred on procurement of seeds for every crop cycle;

(d) whether barring these, shortage of authentic and quality seeds is also problem;

(e) whether the Government proposes to take any steps in this regard and if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the lack of availability of fodder seeds is an area of concern for the dairy sector; and

(g) the action taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

???? ??? ????? ?????? ?????? ( SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a) & (b): Indian Seed market is a big market which produces sufficient seeds for farmers. ICAR has developed more than thousand new varieties of agricultural and horticultural crops in last 5 years, which have resistance against insect and pest, salinity, flood, drought and other biotic/abiotic factors for enhancing income of farmers.


….contd..2/-

-2-


(c): Government provides financial assistance for production, distribution and other seed related activities which are available/provided through various crop developments programs/schemes viz. National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY), Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP) etc. to reduce the cost of seeds.

(d) & (e): Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India in consultation with the State Department of Agriculture develop seed rolling plant for ensuring availability of quality seeds.

Government of India also provides financial assistance through various schemes to enhance the production and distribution of seeds of high yielding varieties to the farmers. As such, there is no shortage of quality seeds.

(f) & (g): Yes, Sir, the Government is already implementing National Livestock Mission with a Sub Mission on feed and fodder development, wherein financial assistance is provided to the State Governments/UTs for production, procurement and distribution of quality fodder seeds.

Sincere efforts are also being taken to strengthen the fodder seed production chain, wherein Government is regularly receiving indents for the Breeder seeds of fodders crops, which further multiplied in to foundation and certified seed for distribution to the farmers.


*********