Question : IMPORT OF SEEDS

(a) whether seeds worth crores of rupees are imported every year from foreign countries to meet domestic requirements;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has identified any region of our country especially for seed production;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government is aware of the fact that Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir is ideal for quality seed production due to its unique geo-climatic conditions; and

(f) if so, whether the Government proposes to initiate steps to utilise the unique conditions in Ladakh by identifying the entire region as quality organic seed producing area to meet domestic requirements and for export?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a)to(f): Seeds, particularly of fruits and vegetable crops, are imported as and when required. Similarly, Seeds of some crops like onion etc. are exported from India. Details of recommendations of Exim Committee of Department of Agriculture & Cooperation for imports for the last three years are given in the Annexure. No region of the country has been identified as such for seed production. However, agro-climatic conditions are a major factor influencing seed production. The Government has been encouraging and assisting all states to produce quality seeds to meet their requirement under its various schemes.