141.8 Lakh quintals of quality seeds for Kharif season: Agriculture Ministry

As per the report from Ministry of Agriculture, from the projected requirement of 129.64 lakh quintals of seeds for present Kharif season, around 141.8 lakh quintals of seeds are available which is in excess by about 12 lakh quintals. In the last six years the availability of quality seed had been above the requirement. This can be attributed to the fact that high priority is given to production and promotion of quality seed. The quality seed production has nearly doubled during this period.

Besides, for ensuring adequate production, availability and supply of quality seed to the farmers through number of schemes is being implemented by the ministry. The farmers are also being provided with financial assistance for seed related activities. Separately, production and distribution subsidy is available under various crop development programmes/schemes.

The ministry also ensures that before Kharif and Rabi seasons of every year a zonal meeting are held with states for taking care of demand and supply of quality/certified seeds. This meeting facilitates tie-ups for seed supply and distribution between states and different seed producing agencies.