Question : Seed Testing Laboratories

(a) the names of places in the country where seed testing laboratories are located in the country, State wise and their functions thereof;
(b) whether any proposal is under consideration of the Government to set up more Seed Testing Laboratories in the country particularly in major towns and also at block level in rural areas;
(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Tamil Nadu;
(d) the number of poor quality samples detected by these laboratories; and
(e) the manner in which new laboratories would further promote production of quality seeds in the country?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a): Seed Testing Laboratories analyse the seed quality standard viz. germination per cent, purity, moisture content and admixture of seeds of other distinguish varieties/crops, inert matter etc. thereby enabling the farming community to get quality seeds for better production and productivity. The list of state wise seed testing laboratories is at Annexure-I.

(b) & (c): The Department provides financial support to States/UTs for strengthening of Seed Testing Laboratories for purchase of new equipment, DNA Finger Printing Facilities and specialized Seed Health Testing Unit, office automation/ communication facilities etc. under Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP).


(d)&(e): The information in respect to poor quality /sub-standard seed samples as reported by various States/ UTs is at Annexure-II. New Seed Testing Laboratories will further strengthen the seed quality control regime in the states and to make sure the availability of quality seeds to the farmers.