(a) whether the Government is aware that farmers in the country are not getting
certified seeds and fertilizers at a proper price;
(b) if so, the facts and details thereof;
(c) whether the seeds available in the markets are of poor germination, poor quality
and are often overpriced;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to ensure availability of certified seeds to
farmers at an affordable price?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a) to (d): 194.31 lakh quintals of seeds of different crops is available in 2007-08
against the requirement of 179.84 lakh quintals as reported by States in Zonal Input
Conference. Seed production of quality seed in the country has increased by about 46.13
lakh quintals during 2006-07. The Seeds Act 1966, Seeds Rules 1968 and Seed (Control)
Order 1983 provide adequate provision to curtail supply of substandard seed to the
farmers.
The requirement/demand of Urea, (131.66 lakh tons) Diammonium Phosphate
(DAP) (40.08 lakh tons) and Muriate of Potash (MoP) (18.62 lakh tons) for Rabi 2007-08
has been assessed by Department of Agriculture & Cooperation in consultation with State
Governments, Industry and Department of Fertilizers. The Department of Fertilizers has
drawn up requisite supply plan of these fertilizers to ensure that these are available to
farmers at the price fixed by the Government of India. The States have been informed
accordingly.
(e): The details of assistance provided under various scheme to ensure availability of
certified seeds to farmers at an affordable price are given in the Annexure.