Question : USE OF HIGH YIELDING AND HYBRID VARIETIES

(a) whether Indian Council for Agricultural Research`s high yielding and hybrid varieties are used by farmers;

(b) if so, whether coupled with poor extension services, the inability of ICAR and other public sector research organisations to reach the farmers effectively, forces the Government to rely on the private sector;

(c) if so, whether the processes like hybridization are the technological means that stop seed from reproducing itself;

(d) whether hybrid varieties do not produce true-to-type seed and farmers must return to the breeder each year for new seed stock; and

(e) if so, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) The role of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is primarily to produce breeder seed. The production of foundation and certified seed is through state agencies and in this respect ICAR has been able to produce breeder seed as per the requirement of the Government and often in excess of the requirement placed. The Government continues to sponsor seed produced in the public system.

(c) The harvest of a hybrid crop does not produce true to the type seed in the next generation because of segregation. The Government of India has not allowed any terminator technology, which hinders the seed from reproducing itself.

(d) & (e): It is known that the hybrids give the best performance in its Ist generation and latter on segregates. The next generations do not produce the same yield and therefore, farmers have to purchase hybrid seeds every year.