Question : Re-structured Seeds Village Scheme

(a) whether re-structured Seeds Village Scheme to upgrade the quality of farmers saved seeds is being implemented;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is aware that financial assistance under the scheme has not reached the farmers directly, if so, the details thereof and the corrective measures taken in this regard;

(d) whether the Government is implementing any scheme to provide seeds at lower prices to SC/ST/OBC farmers living below the poverty line;

(e) if so, the details thereof along with the number of such farmers benefited in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra during each of the last three years and the current year; and

(f) whether the Government has utilized the services of Non-Governmental Organizations to provide seeds to the farmers, and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a): Yes. Since 2014-15, the restructured Seed Village Scheme is being implemented as a component of Sub-Mission for Seed and Planting Material (SMSP).
(b): In the restructured scheme financial assistance of 50% for distribution of certified/foundation seeds of cereal crops & 60% for distribution of certified/foundation seeds of oilseeds, pulses, fodder and green manure crops is available.

Contd…2/-

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(c): Under the scheme, Government of India provides financial assistance to the implementing agencies of different States for onward distribution to farmers and DBT has also been implemented so that the assistance could reach the farmers directly.

(d): The scheme is being implemented to benefit small and marginal farmers of all categories and there are differential norms of assistance in some components for SC &ST category of farmers.

(e): The details of beneficiaries in Tamilnadu and Maharashtra State under the Seed Village Scheme are placed at Annexure-I.
(f): Non Governmental Organizations(NGOs) are not eligible for financial assistance under this scheme.