Seed Production System in India

Context:

Symposium on Production of Improved and Traditional Seed through Cooperative Sector was organized by Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL).

About BBSSL:

• A cooperative society established in 2023 under Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.
• Aim – To ensure that traditional and certified and scientifically prepared seeds reach every farmer.
• Focus on production, testing, certification, procurement, processing of seeds in country.

Traditional seeds are naturally grown in indigenous regions, ideally suited for quality and nutritional excellence in local environments.

Seed Production System in India:

• It adheres to limited generations’ system for seed multiplication in a phased manner.
• Recognizes 3 generations –
  • Breeder seed:
    • Progeny of nucleus seed of a variety
    • Produced by the originating breeder or by a sponsored breeder.
  • Foundation seed:
    • Progeny of breeder seed
    • Produced from breeder seed which can be clearly traced to breeder seed. 
  • Certified seed:
    • Progeny of foundation seed
    • Produced by registered seed growers under supervision of seed certification agencies.
• Benefits –
  • Enhancement in Seed Replacement Rate (SRR).
    • SRR – A measure of cropped area covered with quality seed.
  • Preserves genetic identity and ensures genetic purity of seeds.
  • Improving seed exports promoting Indian varieties

India’s share in the world seed export is only 0.6 per cent.

Government Initiatives:

• Seeds Act, 1966 Act to provide for regulating the quality of certain seeds for sale.
• National Seed Policy, 2002 to support seed industry, protecting farmers interests and conservation of agro biodiversity.
• Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 (PPVFR Act) protects the intellectual property rights of plant breeders. 
• Seed Village Programme (trained group of farmers are involved in production of seeds of various crops and cater to their own needs)
• Sub-Mission for Seed and Planting Material (SMSP) under National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET).

Must Read: Minimum Support Price

Source: Indian Express

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Previous Year Question

Which one of the following best describes the main objective of Seed Village Concept?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]

(a) Encouraging the farmers to use their own farm seeds and discouraging them to buy the seeds from others
(b) Involving the farmers for training in quality seed production and thereby to make available quality seeds to others at appropriate time and affordable cost
(c) Earmarking some villages exclusively for the production of certified seeds
(d) Identifying the entrepreneurs in villages and providing them technology and finance to set up seed companies

Answer: (b)

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