(a) whether the new policy on seed development of 1988 has become obsolete with the
entry of multinational companies participation in seed business in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Union Government propose to frame a new policy in seed development
to protect the interest of indigenous agricultural based companies;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SBPBK SATYANARAYANA RAO)
(a) No Sir.
(b) Question does not arise
(c)to(e) The existing new policy on seed development is to encourage the import of best planting material available any where in the world for increasing the farm productivity, production, farm incomes of Indian farmers and export earnings on the farm surplus. Based on the trials conducted by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and recommendation of ICAR, bulk quantity of seed is allowed for import for two years only. Within two years the importer should bring the parent material and seed production technology from the foreign companies for production/multiplication of seed within the country, to avoid repetitive import. Hence, the existing New Policy on Seed Development protects the interest of indigenous agricultural based companies, while providing an environment for making available improved seeds and planting material to the Indian
farmers.