NATIONAL SEEDS POLICY, 2002
Indian
Agriculture has made enormous strides in the past 50 years, raising
foodgrains production from 50 million tonnes to over 200 million tonnes.
In the process, the country has progressed from a situation of
food shortages and imports to one of surpluses and exports.
Having achieved food sufficiency, the aim now is to achieve food
and nutritional security at the household level.
The
increase in agricultural production, however, has brought in its wake,
uneven development, across regions, crops, and also across different
sections of farming community. In
the decade of the 'nineties', a marked slackening in the pace of growth
has occurred, pointing to the need for infusing a new vitality in the
agricultural sector.
Seed is the most important determinant of agricultural production
potential, on which the efficacy of other agriculture inputs is
dependent. Seeds of
appropriate characteristics are required to meet the demand of diverse
agro-climatic conditions and intensive cropping systems. Sustained
increase in agriculture production and productivity is dependent, to a
large extent, on development of new and improved varieties of crops and
an efficient system for timely supply of quality seeds to farmers.
The
seed sector has made impressive progress over the last three decades.
The area under certified seeds has increased from less than 500
hectares in 1962-63 to over 5 lakh hectares in 1999-2000.
The quantum of quality seeds has crossed 100 lakh quintals.
The Seeds Act, 1966 and Seeds Control Order promulgated
thereunder, and the New Policy on Seeds Development, 1988, form the
basis of promotion and regulation of the Seed Industry.
Far-reaching changes, however, have taken place in the national
economic and agricultural scenario and in the international environment
since the enactment of the existing seed legislation and the
announcement of the 1988 Policy.
It has become evident that in order to achieve the food
production targets of the future, a major effort will be required to
enhance the seed replacement rates of various crops.
This would require a major increase in the production of quality
seeds, in which the private sector is expected to play a major role. At
the same time, private and Public Sector Seed Organisations at both
Central and State levels, will be expected to adopt economic pricing
policies which would seek to realise the true cost of production.
The creation of a facilitative climate for growth of a
competitive and localised seed
industry, encouragement of import of useful germplasm, and boosting of
exports are core elements of the agricultural strategy of the new
millennium.
Biotechnology will be a key factor in agricultural development in
the coming decades. Genetic engineering/modification techniques hold enormous
promise in developing crop varieties with a higher level of tolerance to
biotic and abiotic stresses. A
conducive atmosphere for application of frontier sciences in varietal
development and for enhanced investments in research and development is
a pressing requirement. At
the same time, concerns relating to
possible
harm to human and animal health and bio-safety, as well as interests of
farmers, must be addressed.
Globalization and economic liberalization have opened up new
opportunities as well as challenges. The main objectives of the National
Seeds Policy, therefore, are the provision of an appropriate climate
for the seed industry to utilize available and prospective
opportunities, safeguarding of the interests of Indian farmers and the
conservation of agro-biodiversity.
While unnecessary regulation needs to be dismantled, it must be
ensured that gullible farmers are not exploited by unscrupulous
elements. A regulatory system of a new genre is, therefore, needed,
which will encompass quality assurance mechanisms coupled with
facilitation of a vibrant and responsible seed industry.
THRUST
AREAS:-
1.
VARIETAL
DEVELOPMENT AND PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION
1.1
The development of new and improved varieties of plants and
availability of such varieties to Indian farmers is of crucial
importance for a sustained increase in agricultural productivity.
1.1.1
Appropriate policy framework and programmatic interventions will
be adopted to stimulate varietal development in tune with market trends,
scientific-technological advances, suitability for biotic and abiotic
stresses, locational adaptability and farmers' needs.
1.2
An effective sui generis system
for intellectual property protection will be implemented to stimulate
investment in research and development of new plant varieties and to
facilitate the growth of the Seed Industry in the country.
1.2.1
A Plant Varieties & Farmers' Rights Protection (PVP)
Authority will be established which will undertake registration of
extant and new plant varieties through the Plant Varieties Registry on
the basis of varietal characteristics.
1.2.2
The registration of new plant varieties by the PVP Authority will be
based on the criteria of novelty, distinctiveness, uniformity and
stability.
1.2.3
The criteria of distinctiveness, uniformity and stability could
be relaxed for registration of extant varieties, which will be done
within a specified period to be decided by the PVP Authority.
1.2.4
Registration of all plant genera or species as notified by the Authority
will be done in a phased manner.
1.2.5
The PVP Authority will develop characterisation and documentation
of plant varieties registered under the PVP Act and cataloguing
facilities for all varieties of plants.
1.3
The rights of farmers to save, use, exchange, share or sell farm
produce of all varieties will be protected, with the proviso that
farmers shall not be entitled to sell branded seed of a protected
variety under the brand name.
1.4
The rights of researchers to use
the seed/planting material of protected varieties for bonafide research
and breeding of new plant varieties will be ensured.
1.5
Equitable sharing of benefit arising out of the use of plant
genetic resources that may accrue to a breeder from commercialisation of
seeds/planting materials of a new variety, will be provided.
1.6
Farmers/groups of farmers/village communities will be rewarded
suitably for their significant contribution in evolution of a plant
variety subject to registration. The contribution of traditional
knowledge in agriculture needs to be highlighted through suitable
mechanisms and incentives.
1.7
A National Gene Fund will be established for implementation of
the benefit sharing arrangement, and payment of compensation to village
communities for their contribution to the development and conservation
of plant genetic resources and also to promote conservation and
sustainable use of genetic resources.
Suitable systems will be worked out to identify the contributions
from traditional knowledge and heritage.
1.8
Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Crops will be
permitted to be accessed by Research Organisations and Seed Companies
from public collections as per the provisions of the 'Material Transfer
Agreement' of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources and
the Biological Diversity Bill.
1.9
Regular interaction amongst the Private and Public Researchers,
Seed Companies/Organisations and Development Agencies will be fostered
to develop and promote growth of a healthy seed industry in the country.
1.10
To keep abreast of global
developments in the field of Plant Variety Protection and for technical
collaboration, India may consider joining Regional and International
Organisations.
1.11
The PVP Authority may, if required, resort to compulsory
licensing of a protected variety in public interest on the ground that
requirements of the farming community
for seeds and propagating material of a variety are not being met or
that the production of the seeds or planting material of the protected
variety is not being facilitated to the fullest possible extent.
2.
SEED PRODUCTION
2.1
To meet the Nation's food security needs, it is important to make
available to Indian farmers a wide range of seeds of superior quality,
in adequate quantity on a
timely basis. Public Sector
Seed Institutions will be encouraged to enhance production of seed
towards meeting the objective of food and nutritional security.
2.2
The Indian seed programme adheres
to the limited three generation system of seed multiplication, namely,
breeder, foundation and certified seed.
Breeder seed is the progeny of nucleus seed.
2.2.1
Nucleus seed is the seed produced by the breeder to develop the
particular variety and is directly used for multiplication as breeder
seed.
2.2.2
Breeder seed is the seed material directly controlled by the
originating or the sponsoring breeder or Institution for the initial and
recurring production of foundation seed.
2.2.3
Foundation seed is the progeny of breeder seed. Foundation seed
may also be produced from foundation seed. Production of foundation seed
stage-I and stage-II may thus be permitted, if supervised and approved
by the Certification Agency and if the production process is so handled
as to maintain specific genetic purity and identity.
2.2.4
Certified seed is the progeny of foundation seed or the progeny
of certified seed. If the
certified seed is the progeny of certified seed, then this reproduction
will not exceed three generations beyond foundation stage-I and it will
be ascertained by the Certification Agency that genetic identity and
genetic purity has not been significantly altered.
2.3
Public Sector Seed Production Agencies will continue to have
free access to breeder seed under the National Agriculture Research
System. The State Farms Corporation of India and National Seeds
Corporation will be restructured to make productive use of these
organisations in the planned growth of the Seed Sector.
2.4
Private Seed Production Agencies will also have access to breeder
seed subject to terms and conditions to be decided by Government of
India.
2.5
State Agriculture Universities/ICAR
Institutes will have the primary responsibility for production of
breeder seed as per the requirements
of the respective States.
2.6
Special attention will be given
to the need to upgrade the quality of farmers’ saved seeds through
interventions such as the Seed Village Scheme.
2.7
Seed replacement rates will be raised progressively with the
objective of expanding the use of quality seeds.
2.8
DAC, in consultation with ICAR and States, will prepare a
National Seed Map to identify potential,
alternative and non-traditional areas for seed production of
specific crops.
2.9
To put in place an effective seed production programme, each
State will undertake advance planning and prepare a perspective plan for
seed production and distribution over a rolling (five to six year)
period. Seed Banks
will be set up in non-traditional areas to meet demands for seeds during
natural calamities.
2.10
The 'Seed Village Scheme' will be promoted to facilitate
production and timely availability of seed of desired crops/varieties at
the local level. Special emphasis will be given to seed multiplication
for building adequate stocks of certified/quality seeds by providing
foundation seed to farmers.
2.11
For popularising newly developed
varieties and promoting seed production of these varieties, seed
minikits of pioneering seed varieties will be supplied to farmers. Seed
exchange among farmers and seed producers will be encouraged to
popularise new/non-traditional varieties.
2.12
Seeds of newly developed
varieties must be made available to farmers with minimum time gap. Seed producing agencies will be encouraged to tie up with Research
Institutions for popularization and commercialization of these
varieties.
2.13
As hybrids have the potential to improve plant vigour and increase yield, support for
production of hybrid seed will be provided.
2.14
Seed production will be extended
to agro-climatic zones which are outside the traditional seed growing
areas, in order to avoid unremunerative seed farming in unsuitable
areas.
2.15
Seed Banks will be established for stocking specified quantities
of seed of required crops/varieties for ensuring timely and adequate
supply of seeds to farmers during adverse situations such as
natural calamities, shortfalls in production, etc. Seed Banks will be
suitably strengthened with cold storage and pest control facilities.
2.15.1
The storage of seed at the village level will be encouraged to
facilitate immediate availability of seeds in the event of natural
calamities and unforeseen
situations. For the storage of seeds at farm level, scientific storage
structures will be popularised and techniques of scientific storage of
seeds will be promoted among farmers as an extension practice.
2.16
Seed growers will be encouraged to avail of Seed Crop Insurance
to cover risk factors involved in production of seeds. The Seed Crop
Insurance Scheme will be reviewed so as to provide effective risk cover
to seed producers and will be extended to all traditional and
non-traditional areas covered under the seed production programme.
3.
QUALITY
ASSURANCE
3.1
The Seeds Act will be revised to
regulate the sale, import and export of seeds and planting materials of
agriculture crops including fodder, green manure and horticulture and
supply of quality seeds and planting materials to farmers throughout the
country.
3.2
The National
Seeds Board (NSB) will be established in place of existing Central Seed
Committee and Central Seed Certification Board.
The NSB will have permanent existence with the responsibility of
executing and implementing the provisions of the Seeds Act and advising
the Government on all matters relating to seed planning and development.
The NSB will function as the apex body in the seed sector.
3.2.1
All varieties, both domestic and imported varieties, that are placed on
the market for sale and distribution of seeds and planting materials
will be registered under the Seeds Act. However, for vegetable and
ornamental crops a simple system of varietal registration based on
“breeders declaration” will be adopted.
3.2.2
The Board will undertake registration of kinds/varieties of seeds
that are to be offered for sale in the market, on the basis of
identified parameters for establishing value for cultivation and usage (VCU)
through testing/trialling.
3.2.3
Registration of varieties will be granted for a fixed period on
the basis of multilocational trials to determine VCU over a minimum
period of three seasons, or as otherwise prescribed as in the case of
long duration crops and horticultural crops. Samples of the material for
registration will be sent to the NBPGR for retention in the National
Gene Bank.
3.2.4
Varieties that are in the market at the time of coming into force
of the revised Seeds Act, will have to be registered within a fixed time
period, and subjected to such testing as will be notified.
3.2.5
The NSB will accredit ICAR, SAUs, public/private organisations to
conduct VCU trials of all varieties
for the purpose of registration as per prescribed standards.
3.2.6
The NSB will maintain the National Seeds Register containing
details of varieties that are registered.
This will help the Board to coordinate and assist activities of the
States in their efforts to provide quality seeds to farmers.
3.2.7
The NSB will prescribe minimum standards (of germination, genetic
characteristics, physical purity, seed health, etc.) as well as
suitable guidelines for registration of seed and planting materials.
3.2.8
Provisional registration would be granted on the basis of information
filed by the applicant relating to trials over one season to tide over
the stipulation of testing over three seasons before the grant of
registration.
3.3
Government will have the right to exclude certain kinds or
varieties from registration to protect public order or human, animal and
plant life and health, or to avoid serious prejudice to the environment.
3.4
The NSB will have the power to cancel the registration granted to
a variety if the registration has been obtained by misrepresentation or
concealment of essential data, the variety is obsolete and has outlived
its utility and if the prevention of commercial exploitation of such
variety is necessary in the public interest.
3.5
Registration of Seed
Processing Units will be required if such Units meet the prescribed
minimum standards for processing the seed.
3.6
Seed Certification will continue
to be voluntary. The Certification tag/label will provide an assurance
of quality to the farmer.
3.6.1
The Board will accredit individuals or organisations to carry out
seed certification including self-certification on fulfillment of
criteria as prescribed.
3.7
To meet quality assurance requirements for export of seeds, Seed
Testing facilities will be established in conformity with ISTA and OECD
seed certification programmes.
3.8
The State Government, in
conformity with guidelines and standards specified by the Board, will
establish one or more State Seed Testing Laboratories or declare any
Seed Testing Laboratory in the Government or non-Government Sector as a
State Seed Testing Laboratory where analysis of seeds will be carried
out in the prescribed manner.
3.9
Farmers will be encouraged to use certified seeds to ensure
improved performance and output.
3.10
Farmers will retain their right to save, use, exchange, share or
sell their farm seeds and planting materials without any restriction. They will be free to sell their seed on their own premises or
in the local market without any hindrance provided that the seed is not
branded. Farmers’ right
to continue using the varieties of their choice will not be infringed by
the system of compulsory registration.
3.11
Stringent measures would be taken to ensure the availability of
high quality of seeds and check the sale of spurious or misbranded
seeds.
4.
SEED
DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING
4.1
The availability of high quality seeds to farmers through an
improved distribution system and efficient marketing set-up will be
ensured to facilitate greater security of seed supply.
4.2
For promoting efficient and timely distribution and marketing of
seed throughout the country, a supportive environment will be provided
to encourage expansion of the role of the private seed sector. Efforts
will be made to achieve better coordination between State Governments to
facilitate free Inter-State movement of seed and planting material
through exemption of duties and taxes.
4.3
Private Seed Sector will be encouraged and motivated to
restructure and reorient their activities to cater to non-traditional
areas.
4.4
A mechanism will be established for collection and dissemination
of market intelligence regarding preference of consumers and farmers.
4.5
A National Seed Grid will be established as a data-base for
monitoring of information on requirement of seed, its production,
distribution and preference of farmers on a district-wise basis.
4.6
Access to term finance from Commercial Banks will be facilitated
for developing efficient seed distribution and marketing facilities for
growth of the seed sector.
4.7
Distribution and marketing of seed of any variety,
for the purpose of sowing and planting will be allowed only if the
said variety has been registered by the National Seeds Board.
4.8
National Seeds Board can direct a dealer to sell or distribute
seeds in a specified manner in a specified area if it is considered
necessary to the public interest.
5.
INFRASTRUCTURE
FACILITIES
5.1
To meet the enhanced requirement of quality/certified seeds,
creation of new infrastructure facilities along with strengthening of
existing facilities, will be promoted.
5.2
National Seed Research and Training Center will be set up to
impart training and build a knowledge base in various disciplines of the
seed sector.
5.3
The Central Seed Testing Laboratory will be established at the
National Seed Research and Training Center to perform referral and other
functions as required under the Seeds Act.
5.4
Seed processing capacity will be augmented to meet the enhanced
requirement of quality seed.
5.5
Modernisation of seed processing facilities will be encouraged in
terms of modern equipment and latest techniques, such as seed treatment
for enhancement of performance of seed, etc.
5.6
Conditioned storage for breeder and foundation seed and aerated
storage for certified seed would be created in different regions.
5.7
A computerized National Seeds Grid will be established to provide
information on availability of different varieties of seeds with
production agencies, their location, quality etc. This network will
facilitate optimum utilisation of available seeds in every
region.
5.7.1
Initially, seed production agencies in the public sector would be
connected with the National Seed Grid, but progressively the private
sector will be encouraged to join the Grid for providing a clear
assessment of demand and supply of seeds.
5.8
State Governments, or the National Seeds Board in consultation
with the concerned State Government, may establish Seed Certification
Agencies.
5.9
State Governments will establish appropriate systems for
effective execution and implementation of the objectives and provisions
of the Seeds Act.
6.
TRANSGENIC
PLANT VARIETIES
6.1
Biotechnology will play a vital role in the development of the
agriculture sector. This
technology can be used not only to develop new crops/varieties, which
are tolerant to disease, pests and abiotic stresses, but also to improve
productivity and nutritional quality of food.
6.2
All genetically engineered
crops/varieties will be tested for environment and bio-safety before
their commercial release, as per the regulations and guidelines of the
Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986.
6.3
The EPA, 1986, read with the
Rules, 1989 would adequately address the safety aspects of transgenic
seeds/planting materials. A list will be generated from Indian
experience of transgenic cultivars that could be rated as
environmentally safe.
6.4
Seeds of transgenic plant varieties for research purposes will be
imported only through the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)
as per the EPA, 1986.
6.5
Transgenic crops/varieties will be tested to determine their
agronomic value for at least two seasons under the All India Coordinated
Project Trials of ICAR, in coordination with the tests for environment
and bio-safety clearance as per the EPA before any variety is
commercially released in the market.
6.6
After the transgenic plant variety is commercially released, its
seed will be registered and marketed
in the country as per the provisions of the Seeds Act.
6.7
After commercial release of a transgenic plant variety, its
performance in the field, will be monitored for at least 3 to 5 years by
the Ministry of Agriculture and State Departments of Agriculture.
6.8
Transgenic varieties can be protected under the PVP legislation
in the same manner as non-transgenic varieties after their release for
commercial cultivation.
6.9
All seeds imported into the country will be required to be
accompanied by a certificate from the Competent Authority of the
exporting country regarding their transgenic character or otherwise.
6.9.1
If the seed or planting material is a product of transgenic
manipulation, it will be allowed to be imported only with the approval
of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), set up under the
EPA, 1986.
6.10
Packages containing transgenic
seeds/planting materials, if and when placed on sale, will carry a label
indicating their transgenic nature.
The specific characteristics including the agronomic/yield
benefits, names of the transgenes and any relevant information shall
also be indicated on the label.
6.11
Emphasis will be placed on the development of infrastructure for
the testing, identification and evaluation of transgenic planting
materials in the country.
7.
IMPORT
OF SEEDS AND PLANTING MATERIAL
7.1
The objective of the import policy is to provide the best
planting material available anywhere in the world to Indian farmers, to
increase productivity, farm income and export earnings, while ensuring
that there is no deleterious effect on environment, health and
bio-safety.
7.1.1
While importing seeds and planting material, care will be taken to
ensure that there is absolutely no compromise on the requirements under
prevailing plant quarantine procedures, so as to prevent entry into the
country of exotic pests, diseases and weeds detrimental to Indian
agriculture.
7.1.2
All imports of seeds will require a permit granted by the Plant
Protection Advisor to the Government of India, which will be issued
within the minimum possible time frame.
7.2
All import of seeds and planting materials, etc. will be allowed
freely subject to EXIM Policy guidelines and the requirements of the
Plants, Fruits and Seeds (Regulation of import into India) Order, 1989
as amended from time to time. Import of parental lines of newly
developed varieties will also be encouraged.
7.3
Seeds and
planting materials imported for sale into the country will have to meet
minimum seed standards of seed health, germination, genetic and physical
purity as prescribed.
7.4
All importers will make available a small sample of the imported
seed to the Gene Bank maintained by NBPGR.
7.5
The existing
policy, which permits free import of seeds of vegetables, flowers and
ornamental plants, cuttings, saplings of flowers, tubers and bulbs of
flowers by certain specified categories of importers will continue.
Tubers and bulbs of flowers will be subjected to post-entry
quarantine.
7.5.1 After the
arrival of consignments at the port of entry, quarantine checks would be
undertaken; which may include visual inspection, laboratory inspection,
fumigation and grow-out tests. For
the purpose of these checks, samples will be drawn and the tests will be
conducted concurrently.
8.
EXPORT
OF SEEDS
8.1
Given the diversity of agro-climatic conditions, strong seed
production infrastructure and market opportunities, India holds
significant promise for export of seeds.
8.2
Government will evolve a long term policy for export of seeds
with a view to raise India's share of global seed export from the
present level of less than 1% to 10% by the year 2020.
8.2.1
The export policy will specifically encourage custom production of seeds
for export and will be based on long term perspective, dispensing with
case to case consideration of proposals.
8.3
Establishment and strengthening of Seeds Export Promotion Zones
with special incentives from the Government will be facilitated.
8.4
A data bank will be created to provide information on the
International Market and on export potential of Indian varieties in
different parts of the world.
8.5
A data base on availability of seeds of different crops to assess
impact of exports on domestic availability of seeds will be created.
8.6
Promotional programmes to improve
the quality of Indian seeds to enhance its acceptability in the
International Market will be taken up.
8.6.1.
Testing and certification facilities will be established in
conformity with international requirements.
9.
PROMOTION
OF DOMESTIC SEED INDUSTRY
9.1
Incentives will be provided to the domestic seed industry to
enable it to produce seeds of high yielding varieties and hybrid seeds
at a faster pace to meet the challenges of domestic requirements.
9.2
Seed Industry will be provided with a congenial and liberalized
climate for increasing seed production and marketing, both domestic and
international.
9.3
Membership to International Organisations and Seed Associations
like ISTA, OECD, UPOV, ASSINSEL, WIPO, at the National level or at the
level of individual seed producing agencies, will be encouraged.
9.4
Emphasis will be given to improving the quality of seed produced
and special efforts will be directed towards improving the quality of
farmers' saved seeds.
9.5
Financial support for capital investment, working capital and
infrastructure strengthening will be facilitated through NABARD/
Commercial Banks/Cooperative Banks.
9.6
Tax rebate/concessions will be considered on the expenditure
incurred on in-house research and development of new varieties and other
seed related research aspects. In
order to develop a competitive seed market, the States will be
encouraged to remove unnecessary local taxation on sales of seeds.
9.7
To encourage seed production in non-traditional areas including
backward areas, special incentives such as transport subsidy will be
provided to seed producing agencies operating in these marginalised
areas.
9.8
Reduction of import duty will be considered on machines and
equipment used for seed production and processing which are otherwise
not manufactured in the country.
10.
STRENGTHENING
OF MONITORING SYSTEM
10.1
The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC) will
supervise the overall implementation and monitoring of the National
Seeds Policy.
10.2
The physical infrastructure in terms of office automation,
communication facilities, etc., in DAC will be augmented in a time bound
manner.
10.3
The technical capacity of DAC need to be augmented and
strengthened to undertake the additional work relating to implementation
of National Seeds Policy, implementation of PVP&FR Bill, Seeds Act,
Import and Export of Seeds, etc.
10.4
Capacity building, including National and International training
and participation in Seminars/Workshops will be organized for concerned
officials.
11.
CONCLUSION
The Government of India trusts that the National Seeds Policy
will receive the fullest support of State Governments/Union Territory
Administrations, State Agricultural Universities, plant breeders, seed
producers, the seed industry and all other stakeholders, so that it may
serve as a catalyst to meet the objectives of sustainable
development of agriculture, food and nutritional security for the
population, and improved standards of living for farming communities.
The
National Seeds Policy will be a vital instrument in attaining the
objectives of doubling food production and making India hunger free.
It is expected to provide the impetus for a new revolution in
Indian agriculture, based on an efficient system for supply of seeds of
the best quality to the cultivator.
The
National Seeds Policy will lay the foundation for comprehensive reforms
in the seed sector. Significant
changes in the existing legislative framework will be effected
accompanied by programmatic interventions.
The Policy will also provide the parameters for the development
of the seed sector in the Tenth and subsequent Plans.
The progress of implementation of the Policy will be monitored by
a High Level Review Committee.
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