In the context of food and nutritional security of India, enhancing the ‘Seed Replacement Rates’ of various crops helps in achieving the food production targets of the future. But what is/are the constraint/ constraints in its wider / greater implementation?
- There is no National Seeds Policy in place.
- There is no participation of private sector seed companies in the supply of quality seeds of vegetables and planting materials of horticultural crops.
- There is a demand-supply gap regarding quality seeds in case of low value and high volume crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 and 2
- 3 only
- 2 and 3
- None
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
- India has a National Seeds Policy (2002).
- The main features of the National Seeds Policy, 2002 include development of new and improved varieties of plants, timely availability of quality seeds, compulsory registration of seeds, creation of infrastructure facilities, quality assurance, promotion of seed industry, abolition of licensing for seed dealers, facility for import of best quality seeds, encouragement for export of seeds and creation of Seed Banks and National Seed Grid.
Statement 2 is incorrect
- The private sector actively participates in the seed industry in India, particularly in the supply of quality seeds for vegetables and planting materials for horticultural crops.
Statement 3 is correct
- A demand-supply gap for quality seeds, especially for low-value, high-volume crops like wheat and rice, compels farmers to depend on their own preserved seeds.
