(a) the salient features of the Seeds Policy, 2002;
(b) the targets fixed for raising seed production and export to boost the country`s share
in the global trade;
(c) the country`s position in relation to other countries in this regard;
(d) the details of the steps taken by the Government to increase seed production
and export;
(e) whether the Government has reviewed the National Seeds Policy, 2002; and
(f) if so, the outcome thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF
STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): The thrust areas of the Seeds Policy, 2002 are as under:
i) Varietal development and plant variety protection
ii) Seed Production
iii) Quality assurance
iv) Seed distribution and marketing
v) Infrastructure facilities
vi) Transgenic plant varieties
vii) Import of seeds and planting material
viii) Export of seeds
ix) Promotion of domestic seed industry
x) Strengthening of Monitoring System
(b) & (c): An annual requirement of 253.99 lakh quintals of seed was assessed under
National Seed Plan 2005. There is significant improvement in availability of seeds as indicated
below:
(Qts. in lakh Qtls.)
Year Availability
2004-05 132.27
2005-06 140.51
2006-07 148.18
2007-08 194.31
2008-09 250.35
2009-10 279.72