The Seed Act, 1966, seed control order 1983 and New Policy on Seeds Development, 1988, from the basis of promotion and regulation of the Indian Seed Industry.
The “New Seed Policy” of 1988 ushered in a new area of Growth and phenomenal development. Because, it allowed limited import of commercial seed, remove curbs on imports of seeds of vegetables, flowers and ornamental Plants and even allowed import of seed of course Cereals, pulses and oilseeds for a period of two years.
The important constraints were
• Non existence of National Seed Policy
• IPR laws
• Restrictions and licenses on seed exports and imports
• Lack of incentives for the public and private seed sectors of the country
India later developed the National Seed Policy in 2002. The main objectives are the provision of an appropriate Climate for the seed industry to utilize available and prospective opportunities, safe guarding of the interests of Indian farmers and the conservation of agro-Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity.
To stimulate Investment in research and development (R&D) new varieties an effective sui generic system for IPR will be implemented.
Seed Production
India seed programme will adheres to generation system of multiplication namely nucleus, breeder, foundation and certified seed. Public seed sector will be restructured and will continue to have free access to breeder seed, while Private Seed Sector will have conditional access. Seed village scheme will be facilitated to upgrade the quality of farmers saved seeds.
Quality Assurance
New Seed Act will be enacted.
National Seed Board will be established as apex body in place of existing Central Seed Committee to implement New Seed Act.
National Seeds Register will be maintained varieties will be registered based on “Value for Cultivation and Usage”. (VCU).
Seed Distribution and Marketing
Seed Distribution and Marketing of any variety will be subject to registry in NSB.
National Seed Grid will be established as a data base on seed requirement, production, distribution and farmers preference.
National Seed Research and Training center (NSRTC) will be set up.
Seed processing and storage faculties will be augmented.
Computerized National Seed Grid will be established to provide information on seeds marketing.
Transgenic Plant Varieties
All GM crops will be tested for Environment and bio safety before commercial release as per EPA (1986).
Seeds of GM crops will be imported only through NBPGR as per the EPA (1986).
Required infrastructure will be developed for testing, identification and evaluation of transgenic planting material.
Import of seeds and planting material
Provision will be made to make available best planting material from anywhere in the world to Indian farmers without any compromise on quarantine requirements.
Export of seeds
Long term policy will be evolved to exploit varied agro climatic condition of India and strong seed production system, to raise seed export from present level of less than 1% to 10% by 2020.
Seed Export Promotion zones will be established and strengthened.
Data Bank on International Market will be created.
Promotion of Domestic Seed
Industry It will be facilitated by providing incentives to domestic seed industry, financial support through NABARD, commercial and co-operative banks, considering tax rebate / concessions for R&D, reduction of import duty on machines and equipment used for seed production and encouragement of membership in National and International organization related to seed.
Strengthening of monitoring system
Strengthening of Department of agriculture and Co-operation (DAC) will supervise the implementation of National Seed Policy.
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The National Seed Policy is a document that outlines the government’s vision for the seed sector in the country. It was developed in consultation with stakeholders from the public and private sectors, and it aims to promote the development of a strong and sustainable seed industry.
The policy has four main objectives:
To ensure the availability of quality seeds to farmers at affordable prices.
To promote the development of a competitive seed industry.
To protect the interests of farmers and consumers.
To contribute to the growth of the national economy.
The policy framework is based on the following principles:
The public sector will play a leading role in research and development, seed certification, and quality control.
The private sector will be encouraged to invest in seed production, processing, and marketing.
Farmers will be empowered to participate in the seed sector through farmer organizations and cooperatives.
The government will provide support to the seed sector through policy, regulation, and funding.
The institutional framework for the implementation of the policy includes the following:
The Ministry of Agriculture will be responsible for overall coordination and implementation of the policy.
The National Seed Council will be responsible for providing policy advice and guidance to the government.
The National Seed Board will be responsible for regulating the seed sector.
The National Seed Testing Laboratory will be responsible for testing the quality of seeds.
Seed production is the process of producing seeds for planting. It involves the selection of parents, the crossing of parents, the production of seed, and the storage of seed.
Seed processing and handling is the process of preparing seeds for planting. It involves cleaning, drying, and treating seeds.
Seed distribution and marketing is the process of making seeds available to farmers. It involves the transportation, storage, and sale of seeds.
Seed quality control is the process of ensuring that seeds meet the required standards of quality. It involves testing the germination rate, purity, and vigor of seeds.
Seed research and development is the process of developing new varieties of seeds. It involves the selection of parents, the crossing of parents, the evaluation of progeny, and the release of new varieties.
Seed extension and training is the process of providing farmers with information and training on seed production, processing, and handling.
Seed import and export is the process of importing and exporting seeds. It involves the inspection, quarantine, and certification of seeds.
Seed legislation is the body of laws that regulate the seed sector. It includes laws on seed quality, seed certification, and seed marketing.
Seed financing is the process of providing financial support to the seed sector. It includes loans, grants, and subsidies.
Seed awareness and promotion is the process of raising awareness of the importance of seeds. It involves educating farmers, consumers, and policymakers about the role of seeds in agriculture.
Monitoring and evaluation is the process of tracking the implementation of the policy and assessing its impact. It involves collecting data, analyzing data, and reporting on the results.
The National Seed Policy is a comprehensive document that outlines the government’s vision for the seed sector in the country. It is based on Sound principles and has the potential to make a significant contribution to the growth of the national economy.
What is a seed?
A seed is a small, embryonic plant enclosed in a protective coat. It is the first stage in the life cycle of a plant. Seeds are produced by the female part of a flower, the pistil.
What are the different types of seeds?
There are two main types of seeds: monocots and dicots. Monocots have one seed leaf, or cotyledon, while dicots have two seed leaves. Other differences between monocots and dicots include the number of flower petals, the arrangement of the leaves, and the type of root system.
How do seeds germinate?
Seeds germinate when they are exposed to water, Oxygen, and warmth. The seed coat breaks down, and the embryo begins to grow. The first part of the plant to emerge from the seed is the radicle, or root. The radicle grows down into the Soil, anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients. The next part of the plant to emerge is the plumule, or shoot. The plumule grows up into the air, developing leaves and stems.
What are the different stages of seed germination?
There are four main stages of seed germination: imbibition, germination, growth, and development.
Imbibition is the absorption of water by the seed. This causes the seed to swell and the seed coat to break down.
Germination is the beginning of the growth of the embryo. The radicle and plumule emerge from the seed.
Growth is the continued growth of the plant. The roots and shoots grow, and the leaves develop.
Development is the maturation of the plant. The plant produces flowers and fruits, and eventually seeds.
What are the factors that affect seed germination?
The following factors affect seed germination:
Water. Seeds need water to germinate. The amount of water needed varies depending on the type of seed.
Oxygen. Seeds need oxygen to germinate. The amount of oxygen needed varies depending on the type of seed.
Warmth. Seeds need warmth to germinate. The amount of warmth needed varies depending on the type of seed.
Light. Some seeds need light to germinate. Other seeds can germinate in the dark.
Soil type. The type of soil can affect seed germination. Some seeds need a certain type of soil to germinate.
Soil pH. The pH of the soil can affect seed germination. Some seeds need a certain pH level to germinate.
Soil fertility. The fertility of the soil can affect seed germination. Some seeds need a certain level of fertility to germinate.
Seed age. The age of the seed can affect seed germination. Older seeds are less likely to germinate than younger seeds.
Seed Health. The health of the seed can affect seed germination. Seeds that are damaged or diseased are less likely to germinate.
What are the benefits of seed germination?
Seed germination is the beginning of the life cycle of a plant. It is a necessary process for the production of new plants. Seed germination can also be used to propagate plants.
What are the challenges of seed germination?
There are a number of challenges associated with seed germination. These include:
Seed dormancy. Some seeds are dormant, which means they will not germinate until certain conditions are met.
Seed predation. Seeds can be eaten by animals or insects.
Disease. Seeds can be infected by diseases.
Soil conditions. The soil may not be suitable for seed germination.
Weather conditions. The weather may not be suitable for seed germination.
What are some tips for successful seed germination?
The following tips can help to ensure successful seed germination:
Choose the right seeds. Choose seeds that are fresh and healthy.
Prepare the soil. The soil should be well-drained and fertile.
Sow the seeds at the correct depth. The depth of sowing varies depending on the type of seed.
Water the seeds. The seeds should be kept moist but not wet.
Provide the right conditions. The seeds need the right amount of light, warmth, and oxygen.
Be patient. It can take several weeks or even months for seeds to germinate.
Which of the following is not a type of seed? (A) Hybrid seed (B) Open-pollinated seed (C) Genetically modified seed (D) Non-GMO seed
Which of the following is the most common type of seed? (A) Hybrid seed (B) Open-pollinated seed (C) Genetically modified seed (D) Non-GMO seed
Hybrid seeds are created by crossing two different varieties of plants. (A) True (B) False
Open-pollinated seeds are produced by plants that are allowed to pollinate naturally. (A) True (B) False
Genetically modified seeds are created by inserting genes from one organism into another organism. (A) True (B) False
Non-GMO seeds are seeds that have not been genetically modified. (A) True (B) False
Which of the following is a benefit of using hybrid seeds? (A) Hybrid seeds are more resistant to pests and diseases. (B) Hybrid seeds produce higher yields. (C) Hybrid seeds are easier to grow. (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a benefit of using open-pollinated seeds? (A) Open-pollinated seeds are more adaptable to different climates. (B) Open-pollinated seeds are more resistant to pests and diseases. (C) Open-pollinated seeds are easier to save and replant. (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a benefit of using genetically modified seeds? (A) Genetically modified seeds can be engineered to be resistant to pests and diseases. (B) Genetically modified seeds can be engineered to produce higher yields. (C) Genetically modified seeds can be engineered to be more nutritious. (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a concern about using genetically modified seeds? (A) Genetically modified seeds may not be as safe to eat as non-GMO seeds. (B) Genetically modified seeds may harm the environment. (C) Genetically modified seeds may harm beneficial insects. (D) All of the above