Question : SUPPLY OF QUALITY SEEDS

(a) the details of the demand and supply of quality seeds by the Government and private agencies during the last three years and the current year as on date, State/UT- wise;

(b) the details of the difference of rate of seeds provided by private agencies and Government agencies in the country;

(c) whether due to shortage of supply of quality seeds by Government agencies, farmers are forced to purchase them from private agencies; and

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to make available quality seeds to the farmers at cheaper prices?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)

(a): The State-wise details of demand and supply of certified/quality seeds and seed supplied by the Government and private agencies during last three years and the current year are at Annexure-I.

(b): The rate of private agencies seeds are approximately 5-10% higher than the Government Agencies depending on crop type and demand and supply status.

(c) & (d): No, Madam. Purchase of seeds is the free will of the farmers. However, to make available certified seeds to the farmers at cheaper prices, Government of India provides assistance/subsidy on production and distribution of certified seeds through various ongoing schemes/programmes of the Department.