The NSC focused on "Innovating for a Sustainable Seed Ecosystem," highlighting seed technologies, biofortified crops, and climate-resilient practices like Direct Seeded Rice (DSR).
- Sustainable Seed Ecosystem: Ensures timely access to affordable, quality seeds of suitable crop varieties for farmers (FAO).
Significance of quality seeds:
- Ensures genetic and physical purity of the crops & capacity to withstand the adverse conditions.
- Seedlings produced will be more vigourous, fast growing and can resist pest.
- Development of root system will be more efficient that aids absorption of nutrients efficiently and result in higher yield.
- Good quality seeds of improved varieties ensure higher yield at least 10 – 12 %
Challenges in India’s seed ecosystem
- Seed Replacement Rate (SRR): In India SRR is around 15 – 20% which may vary with crop varieties. However, it’s 100% for hybrid seeds.
- SRR: It’s the percentage of a crop area sown with certified seeds instead of farm-saved seeds.
- Monoculture Farming: Widespread use of Bt cotton reduces biodiversity and increases pest vulnerability.
- Seed Market Monopoly: Multinational companies (e.g., Bayer) dominate seed markets, limiting access to local seeds.
- Other issues: Pending Seed Bill, lack of seed entrepreneurship, etc.
Steps taken by the government
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