Question : SEEDS SHORTAGE

(a) whether there is shortage of good quality and authentic seeds for farmers which may spoil bumper crop;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government proposes to formulate any new seed policy to promote the production of quality seeds;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the steps being taken by the Government to increase the availability of good quality seeds at domestic and international level; and

(f) the assistance provided by the Government to various States/UTs for seeds production during the last three years and current year, State/UT-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

(a) to (f): As reported by the States, the availability of certified/quality seeds in the country for 2014-15 at 351.76 lakh quintals is sufficient as compared to the demand of 343.55 lakh quintals. Crop-wise details are at Annexure-I. Various policy and programme initiatives of the Department, including the New Policy on Seed Developments 1988 and amendments thereon, the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National Mission on Oilseeds and Oilpalm (NMOOP), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Mission on Agriculture Extension and Technology (Submission on seeds and planting material), extent EXIM Policy, Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) seed schemes and International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) accreditation etc. are under implementation for increasing the availability of good quality seeds. The details of the assistance provided by the Government to States/UTs for seed production during the last three years and the current year are at Annexure-II.