(a) whether the Government is aware that agricultural production is likely to be adversely affected in some States of the country due to use of sub-standard seeds;
(b) whether the Government has assessed the quantity of foodgrains affected due to use of such seeds;
(c) if so, the details of fall in production during each of the last three years;
(d) whether the Government is taking steps to make available quality seeds; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) to (c): No such report has been received. Availability of certified/quality seed is
126.51 lakh Qtls. for Kharif, 2009 against the requirement of 110.97 lakh Qtls. as projected
by the State Government.
(d): Yes, Madam. The Government of India is providing assistance under the following
schemes to the State Governments for seed:-
(i) Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA).
(ii) National Food Security Mission (NFSM).
(iii) Integrated Scheme for Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize(ISOPOM).
(iv) Technology Mission on Cotton.
(v) Technology Mission on Jute and Mesta.
(vi) Development and Strengthening of Infrastructure Facilities for Production and Distribution of Quality Seeds, which includes Quality Control Arrangements on Seeds.
(vii) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
The components covered under the Scheme are at annexure.
Quality Control is regulated under the Seeds Act(1966), the Seeds Rules(1968) and the Seed (Control) Order (1983) issued under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act (1955).
(e): Question does not arise.