(a) whether the foreign Multinational Corporations have taken over the control over India major seed supply without any responsibility and liability;
(b) whether the role of the multinationals in the seed production and distribution need to be balanced with liabilities and responsibilities; and
(c) if so, the steps being taken by the Government for regulating the Multi-nationals to their activities in our country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (DR. RAMAN SINGH)
(a) to (c): No separate data for seed sector is maintained. The Government have approved a total number of 268 proposals of foreign companies, including MNCs in the Agriculture, Floriculture and Horticulture Sectors (including seed but not plantation) during the period 1.8.91 to 31.10.2000, which involve total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amounting to Rs. 645.50 crore.
To regulate the activities of the Multi-nationals/ foreign companies in the field of seed growing and protect the interest of Indian farmers and growers, the following conditions are usually imposed nowadays while granting foreign collaboration approvals :-
(a) The company shall not use any genetically engineered planting material for raising seeds;
(b) Import of materials shall be in accordance with National Seeds Policy; and
(c) The company will abide by the laws of the land.