Seed is the most vital and cost-effective input in agriculture, acting as the carrier of genetic potential. In the Indian context, the quality of seed accounts for nearly 20-25% of overall productivity. While other inputs like fertilizers and irrigation are essential, their efficacy is fundamentally dependent on the quality of the seed used.
The Three-Generation Seed Multiplication Chain
India follows a structured “Seed Multiplication Chain” to ensure genetic purity and quality. This system is monitored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and various state agencies.
- Breeder Seed: The progeny of the nucleus seed (initial seed from the breeder). It is produced under the direct supervision of the breeder and has 100% physical and genetic purity. It features a Golden Yellow tag.
- Foundation Seed: Produced from breeder seeds by National/State Seed Corporations and private sectors. It serves as the source for certified seeds and has a White tag.
- Certified Seed: The final product made available to farmers for commercial cultivation. It is produced from foundation seeds and certified by State Seed Certification Agencies. It features an Azure Blue tag.
- Truthfully Labelled (TL) Seed: These are seeds produced by private companies that do not undergo the mandatory certification process but must comply with the quality standards of the Seeds Act. They carry a Green tag.
Evolution of Indian Seed Policy
The regulatory and policy framework for seeds in India has evolved from public sector dominance to a vibrant mix of public-private participation.
The Seeds Act, 1966
This was the first legislation to regulate the quality of seeds. It established the Central Seed Committee and the Central Seed Certification Board. It mandated the “notification” of varieties to regulate their sale and quality through seed inspectors.
New Policy on Seed Development, 1988
This marked a paradigm shift by liberalizing the import of seeds. It allowed the import of seeds for oilseeds, pulses, coarse cereals, and vegetables, facilitating the entry of high-yielding foreign varieties and private players into the Indian market.
National Seed Policy, 2002
Formulated to replace the 1988 policy, its primary objective was to provide a conducive environment for the Indian seed industry to grow. Key focus areas included:
- Encouraging the Private Sector in R&D and seed production.
- Establishing a National Seed Grid to provide information on seed availability.
- Creation of Seed Banks in non-traditional areas to meet demand during natural calamities.
- Strengthening the export of Indian seeds to the global market.
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001
This is a unique “Sui Generis” system in India that balances the rights of breeders and farmers.
- Breeders’ Rights: Grants intellectual property protection to breeders for developing new plant varieties.
- Farmers’ Rights: Farmers can save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange, share, or sell their farm produce, including seeds of a variety protected under the Act. However, they cannot sell branded seeds of a protected variety.
- Plant Genome Savior Awards: Recognizes farmers and communities for conserving traditional landraces and wild relatives of crops.
Key Indicators: Seed Replacement Rate (SRR)
SRR is the percentage of area sown out of total area of crop with certified/quality seeds other than farm-saved seeds. It is a direct indicator of the health of the seed industry.
| Crop Category | Recommended SRR | Current Trend in India |
| Self-Pollinated Crops (e.g., Wheat, Rice) | 25% | Increasing but varies by state |
| Cross-Pollinated Crops (e.g., Maize, Bajra) | 33% | High adoption due to hybrids |
| Hybrid Crops | 100% | High, as seeds must be bought every season |
Major Government Schemes and Missions
The government has launched several interventions to bridge the gap between demand and supply of quality seeds.
- Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP): A component of the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET). It focuses on increasing the production of certified seeds and strengthening seed infrastructure.
- Seed Village Programme (SVP): Aims to upgrade the quality of farm-saved seeds. Under this, foundation/certified seeds are provided at subsidized rates to a group of farmers in a village to produce seeds for their own use and for the local community.
- National Seed Reserve (NSR): Established to meet the requirement of seeds in case of natural calamities like droughts or floods. It maintains a stock of short and medium-duration varieties of various crops.
Recent Developments and Challenges
- FDI Policy: 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is allowed under the automatic route for the development and production of seeds and planting material.
- GM Crops: Currently, Bt Cotton is the only Genetically Modified (GM) crop permitted for commercial cultivation in India.
- Traceability: The government is promoting the use of QR codes and blockchain to ensure the traceability and quality of seeds from the breeder to the farmer.
- Climate Resilience: Policy focus is shifting toward developing “Climate Smart Seeds” that are heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and can withstand salinity.