Source: News on Air
Context:
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the National Seeds Corporation’s (NSC) new state-of-the-art seed processing plant in New Delhi, marking a major step toward ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds for farmers across India. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s seed supply chain, curb fake and substandard seeds, and enhance agricultural productivity and transparency through digital innovation.
New Seed Processing Infrastructure
- The newly inaugurated Beej Bhawan in Pusa, New Delhi, features a processing capacity of one ton per hour.
- Five additional NSC seed processing plants were virtually inaugurated in Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh), Dharwad and Hassan (Karnataka), Suratgarh (Rajasthan), and Raichur (Karnataka).
- Each of these plants is capable of processing four tons of seeds per hour, enabling large-scale production and distribution of certified seeds nationwide.
Addressing Quality and Counterfeit Concerns
- The Agriculture Minister highlighted that fake and substandard seeds had become a recurring challenge for farmers.
- The new plants will ensure that certified, high-germination seeds reach farmers efficiently and in time for the sowing seasons.
- NSC’s quality assurance and traceability mechanisms are designed to prevent fraudulent practices in seed supply chains.
Launch of Digital Platforms
- The Minister also launched Seed Management 2.0 and an online seed booking platform.
- These systems will allow farmers to book seeds online, ensuring real-time tracking, availability transparency, and reduction in middlemen dependency.
- The digital interface will also facilitate data-driven monitoring of seed demand and distribution across states.
Strengthening National Food Security
- Mr. Chouhan emphasized that seed availability and quality are foundational to increasing crop yields and farmers’ incomes.
- The initiative aligns with the government’s broader mission of achieving self-sufficiency in food production and boosting export potential.
- NSC has been tasked with creating a comprehensive roadmap to ensure small and marginal farmers receive timely access to superior seed varieties.
Role of the National Seeds Corporation (NSC)
- NSC, a Miniratna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is responsible for producing, processing, and distributing quality seeds across the country.
- It plays a vital role in promoting high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties, contributing to both agricultural resilience and national food reserves.
