(a) the Government propose to set up a National Seeds Bank and consulting
service in order to advise farmers about use of various types of seeds and also to
sell these at cheaper rates;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI NITISH KUMAR)
(a) to (c) : A statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.
THE STATEMENT REFFERED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK
SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 345 DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.03.2001.
(a) to (c): The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has been implementing
a Central Sector Scheme for Establishment & Maintenance of Seed Bank from
1999-2000 to make available seed for contingent situations arising due to natural
calamity etc. The Scheme is being operated through National Seeds Corporation,
State Farms Corporation of India and State Seeds Corporations. During 1999-
2000, 48,050 quintals of certified seed and 3,973 quintals of foundation seed and
during 2000-2001, 93,393 quintals of certified seed and 6,029 quintals of foundation
seed of various crops/varieties have been maintained by the Seed Corporations in
the Seed Bank. The seed from Seed Bank is supplied at prevailing rates fixed by
various Seed Corporations. Under the Minikit Programme and other schemes of
this Department, seeds of location specific, improved and newly released varieties
of selected crops are being supplied to farmers at a cheaper rates for popularizing
the use of these seeds.