Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A Review: The Indian Seed Industry, Its Development, Current Status and Future
A Review: The Indian Seed Industry, Its Development, Current Status and Future
P-ISSN: 2349–8528
E-ISSN: 2321–4902
IJCS 2019; 7(3): 1571-1576 A review: The Indian seed industry, its
© 2019 IJCS
Received: 15-01-2019 development, current status and future
Accepted: 18-02-2019
Jogendra Singh Jogendra Singh, Vinod Kumar and Tarun Kumar Jatwa
Assistant Professor, Rajasthan
Agricultural Research Institute,
Durgapura-Jaipur, Rajasthan, Abstract
India The agricultural sector is highly dependent on the availability and quality of seeds for a productive
harvest. The response of all other inputs depends on quality of seeds to a large extent and estimated 15 –
Vinod Kumar 20% contribution of quality seed alone to the total production which is depending upon the crop and it
Seed Officer, Rajasthan State can be further raised up to 45% with efficient management of other inputs. Today, the Indian seed
Seeds Corporation Ltd.,
industry is the fifth largest seed market in the world and valued at more than Rs 2500 crores. The seed
Suratgarh, Rajasthan, India
industry has grown steadily in the last four decades. A number of transformations have taken place in
this sector over the past few decades like rising a penetration of the organised sector, growth in contract
Tarun Kumar Jatwa farming, agriculture becoming more mechanized, easy loan facilities, rise of exports, use of
Assistant Professor, Rajasthan agrochemicals and high yielding seeds and an increasing role of the private sector in processing,
Agricultural Research Institute, branding and marketing, etc. Government took many progressive and reformative steps in last three
Durgapura-Jaipur, Rajasthan, decades for the growth of seed sector in the country. In terms of global trade, India is almost self-
India sufficient in flower, fruits and vegetables and field crops seeds. Research also have related to quality
enhancement technologies such as cereals with higher proteins, minerals and vitamin contents like
Golden rice, QPM and Fe and Zn enriched millets. A single-window clearance is recommended for faster
release of useful transgenic crops along with its public awareness on benefits and possible risk issues in
future.
Keywords: Indian Seed Industry, Seed Production, Seed Certification, Seed policy.
Introduction
What is seed?
Seed is a basic agricultural input and it is an embryo, embedded in the food storage tissue.
Seed is also defined as a matured ovule which consists of an embryonic plant with storage of
food and surrounded by a protective seed coat.
Importance of seed
Seed is the basic and most critical input for sustainable agriculture. Therefore our major
concern and focus is to produce quality seed to take more and more from less and less. The
response of all other inputs depends on quality of seeds to a large extent and estimated that
the direct contribution of quality seed alone to the total production is about 15 – 20%
depending upon the crop and it can be further raised up to 45% with efficient management of
other inputs. Today, the Indian seed industry is the fifth largest seed market in the world and
valued at more than Rs 2500 crores ($ 500 million). Government took many progressive and
reformative steps in last three decades for the growth of seed sector in the country.
The agriculture is the backbone of rural economy. Agriculture in India has made significant
growth and we are on the path of second green revolution through modern agricultural
technology. For sustainable agriculture, a good quality seed is the most basic and essential
input. The Indian seed industry has played a very critical role in the growth of Indian
agricultural. Indian seed industry is the fifth largest seed market in the world and valued
around Rs 2500 crores ($ 500 million) with about 150 organized seed companies and is
Corresponden
ce Jogendra
proposed to be around 3750 crores ($ 750 million) by 2002 (Gadwal, 2003) [6]. Indian seed
Singh industry is accounting for 4.4 % of global seed market after the U.S. (27%), China (20%),
Assistant Professor, Rajasthan France (8%) and Brazil (6%). In terms of global trade, India is almost self-sufficient in
Agricultural Research Institute, flower, fruits and vegetables and field crops seeds. The seed industry has grown steadily in
Durgapura-Jaipur, Rajasthan,
India
the last four decades. There is seed legislation in place and a Draft Seeds Act of 2001 is being
finalized on the basis of the recommendations of Seed Policy Review Group. It will replace
the existing Seeds Act of 1966 and Seed (Control) Order of 1983.
~1~
International Journal of Chemical Studies
A number of transformations have taken place in this sector during natural calamities, shortfall in seed production and
over the past few decades like rising a penetration of the other emergency situations. PPV & FRA (Protection of Plant
organised sector, growth in contract farming, agriculture Varieties and Farmers Rights Act) in 2001 provides farmers
becoming more mechanized, easy loan facilities, rise of the right to save, use exchange, share and sell farm produce
exports, use of agrochemicals and high yielding seeds and an of protected variety except sale of branded seed. Farmer or
increasing role of the private sector in processing, branding group of farmers can claim compensation if it is failed to give
and marketing, etc. The agricultural sector is highly specified performance under given conditions as specified by
dependent on the availability and quality of seeds for a the breeder of the variety. The National Seeds Policy of 2002,
productive harvest. Therefore, in order to increase the stresses the importance of providing farmers enough superior
quantity and quality of produce, efforts are made to introduce quality seed on time to meet the country’s food security
enhanced varieties of seeds with the help of advance needs. In 2005, National Seed Research and Training Centre
technology and modern agricultural methods. In March 2002 (NSRTC) in Varanasi were initiated to have a separate
the first transgenic hybrid cotton seed was allowed for Central Seed Testing Laboratory for seed quality control and
commercial cultivation in the farmer’s field. act as a referral lab when disputes arise in a court of law with
regard to quality of seed. The government has also launched
Need for a second Green Revolution a Central Sector Scheme namely, “Development and
The “Green Revolution” ushered during the late 60s and 70s Strengthening of Infrastructure Facilities for Production and
is recognized to be a turning point in our Indian Agriculture. Distribution of Quality Seeds” from the year 2005-06.
It is well known that the introduction of high yielding, semi-
dwarf and fertilizer responsive varieties of wheat and rice led Current status of the seed industry
to a dramatic shift from “food scarce” to “food secure” status The requirement of certified/quality seeds is assessed by
in the country. This success was the result of holy alliance State Governments on the basis of the area sown under
between policy makers/administrators and the hard working different crop varieties, area covered by hybrid and self-
farmers. In order to meet the growing demands for our pollinated varieties as well as the seed replacement rate
increasing population, likely to be 1.7 billion by 2050, we achieved. The availability of seed is ascertained by the State
shall need to double our food production (Paroda, 2013) [13]. Departments of Agriculture on the basis of the production of
This can only be possible by bridging the existing yield gaps different public and private seed production agencies.
through improved productivity and by integrated natural India’s seed industry has grown in size and level of
resource management. Hence, the second Green Revolution performance over the past four decades. Both private and
would demand much faster growth of seed sector especially public sector companies/corporations are involved with the
to meet the demand of hybrid seeds and to replace old with production of seed. The success achieved with the
new high yielding varieties. For this, a Mission on Seed introduction of high yielding varieties of wheat and rice and
Production is urgently needed. the hybrids of maize, millets and cotton could be sustained
due to sound policy support provided through establishment
Development of seed industry in India (Policies and of public sector organizations, such as the National Seeds
Regulations) Corporation (NSC), Tarai Development Corporation (TDC),
Seed industry’s excellent growth story is reflective of India’s State Farms Corporation of India (SFCI) and the State Seed
own agriculture momentum. The National Seeds Corporation Corporations (SSCs) during the Green Revolution period.
(NSC) were established in 1963 undertakes production, The seed sector grew steadily in the subsequent period with
processing and marketing of agricultural seeds. The Seeds the establishment of several private seed companies dealing
Act, 1966 provides for the legislative framework for with both field crops and vegetables.
regulation of quality control of seeds sold in the country. The The most dramatic change in the seed scenario was
Seeds Act was formulated in 1963 and came into force in experienced in the first decade of current millennium. First,
1966. Its important features are; seeds should contain specific the introduction of PPV&FR Act, 2001 and the second
seed standards, which include stipulated minimum physical release of Bt cotton in India in 2002. The rapid expansion of
and genetic purity, seed germination % and not exceeding the Bt cotton production area (reaching to ~90% in 10 years) has
maximum permissible limit of off-types and weed seeds. The enhanced the demand for Bt cotton hybrid seed by 220%
seeds should be tagged either by compulsory labelling or (Dravid, 2011) [4]. The adoption of Bt cotton technology
voluntary certification. Seed testing laboratories (STLs) are increased production by 139%. India could turn into a net
now 124 (till mid of 2016) which involved in checking the exporter of cotton from being an importer just a decade ago.
compatibility of different varieties of seeds, usually tested for In this case, the private sector took the lead in accessing the
germination and vigour, diseases, purity, genetic traits and technology from the MNCs. All these factors led to higher
general seed health for quality assurance. World Bank growth of Indian seed industry (around US $ 2000 million),
launched a funding project i.e. The National Seed Project with a potential to grow by 60% in the next 5 years.
(NSP) which was implemented in three phases viz., Phase I At present, a decelerating productivity growth rate,
(1977-78), Phase II (1978-79) and Phase III (1990-91). Under increasing prices and demand for food grains, shrinking
these projects initially nine State Seed Corporations (15 at natural resources, fragmented land holdings and the
present), State Seed Certification Agencies (22 at present), challenges of climate change have emerged as the major
State Seed Testing Laboratories were established and Breeder concerns for the governmental policy makers and scientists
Seed Programme were also under taken. alike. For raising the agricultural productivity, seed is most
New Seeds Policy of 1988 made a revolution in Indian seed appropriate and cheapest input. Only by the use of good
industry by liberalizing the seed trade and made Indian quality seeds we can increase the yield about 15-20 percent
farmers to access best quality seed or planting material from and it may be up to 45
abroad the world. Seed Bank Scheme (2000) also set up seed % with proper and efficient use of other inputs (Ali, 2016) [2].
banks in non-traditional areas to meet the demand for seeds Therefore, any attempt to turn around our agricultural
productivity will largely depend on higher replacement rate of
International Journal of Chemical Studies
quality seeds of high their capability further. The
and Chand, 2011) [19]. But, 91. Private R&D’s real
yielding varieties / hybrids. contribution of private
as per available data, the investment in research has
Unfortunately, in spite of research in terms of value is
availability of quality seed is quadrupled between 1986
several efforts to ensure steadily increasing.
sufficient to meet our and 1998. Subsidiaries and
availability of good quality Though it is difficult to
requirement (Table 1) and it joint ventures with
seeds of high yielding have an accurate estimation,
is encouraging that both multinational companies
varieties/hybrids, the it is presumed that private
private and public sectors account for 30% of all
replacement rates in most of sector is currently spending
are contributing towards it private seed industry
the field crops are much on R&D about 10-15% of
(Table 2). research (Kuldip, 2000) [10].
below the optimum level the total turnover. The top 5
(Singh The private sector has also
MNCs account for ~44% of
started to play an important
the total R&D investments,
Table 1: Year-wise requirement and availability of role in the supply of quality
quality/certified seeds (in lakh quintals) whereas the remaining 56%
seeds of vegetables and
is contributed by nearly 30
Year Requirement Availability crops like hybrid maize,
Indian companies totaling
2004-05 110.83 132.27 sorghum, bajra, cotton,
about Rs. 200-300 crores
2005-06 107.08 140.51 castor, sunflower, paddy
per annum (Paroda 2013)
2006-07 128.76 148.18 [13] etc. In the case of vegetable
2007-08 180.74 194.31 and an estimated Rs.
seeds and planting
2008-09 207.28 250.35 1200 crores have been
materials of horticultural
2009-10 249.12 279.72 invested by the industry in
crops, the private sector is
2010-11 290.76 321.36 the recent years in quality
the dominant player (as
2011-12 330.41 353.62 assurance, seed testing,
2012-13 315.00 329.00
given in table 3). The
processing and storage
2013-14 335.00 347.00 private sector’s research
infrastructure. The share of
2014-15 344.00 352.00 focus is on Pest & disease
research hybrids in total
Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Ministry of resistance and most
turnover of crops like pearl
Agriculture, GOI (http://docnet.nic.in/eands), Chauhan et al. (2016) recently into developing
millet, sorghum-sudan grass
[3] varieties that can resist
(SSG), sunflower, maize,
climatic extremities.
sorghum and cotton was
The contribution of private sector seed companies in
about 70% in 1997–98 Table 3: New vegetable
total seed production of the country is depicted in the
compared to 46% in 1990– hybrids in India (1998-
following table:
2005)
Table 2: Total seed production by the public and private Crop Public Sector P
sectors Tomato 3
Brinjal 8
Total Seed Production Seed produced by public sector
Year of Production Chilli 2
(MT) (MT)
Capsicum 1
2003-04 1.32 0.70
Cauliflower 1
2004-05 1.41 0.77
Cabbage 0
2005-06 1.48 0.79
Okra 2
2006-07 1.94 1.15
Watermelon 2
2007-08 1.94 1.12
Cucumber 2
2008-09 2.50 1.51
Gourds 6
2009-10 2.80 1.71
2010-11 3.22 1.66 Source: NSAI (2005)
2011-12 3.54 1.81 The major share of proprietary hybrids, public-
2012-13 3.29 1.61 investments in agriculture bred hybrids and open-
2013-14 3.47 1.68 by the private sector pollinated varieties. The
2014-15 3.52 1.51
pertains to Seed and proprietary hybrids formed a
(Source: Singh and Chand (2011) [19] and Seeds Division, Biotechnology Research, significant portion of the
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture,
which is about 33% of the total seed market. In terms
GOI)
total (Pray & Nagarajan, of quantity, although
In last two decades the took a bold decision of 2012) [15]. The private sector proprietary hybrids had only
comprises around 150 seed 32.34% share of the market,
ICAR institutes and SAUs providing breeder seed of
companies, which include in terms of value the share
have made significant parental lines of public bred
progress in meeting fully hybrids and varieties freely national and multinational was 76% (Gadwal, 2003) [6].
the breeder seed to the private sector in order companies and other seed The total market for
requirement. In less than a to ensure higher producing/selling purchased seed was 8.64
decade, even the breeder productivity of major crops. companies. The quantum of lakh tons valued at Rs 2249
seed production has been This enabled private seed seed produced and sold has crores. The component of
doubled from 62231 companies to grow much gone up by five times from proprietary hybrid seed was
quintal (2005-06) to faster even with limited R 14 lakh quintals to 70 lakh estimated to be around
122633 quintal (2010-11) & D capacity. For this quintals from 1962-63 to 51,314 tonnes in 1998–99 as
1995-96 period (DAC, against 19,300 tons in 1990–
(Paroda 2013) [13]. reason, we find today that
some of the local seed Ministry of Agriculture, 91 and valued at Rs 636
In real sense, growth of
companies are highly GOI). This seed component crores as against Rs 95
private sector began in
successful and building in 1990–91 comprised of crores respectively. The
early nineties when ICAR
International Journal of Chemical Studies
volume of seed of open the NSC, SFCI, State Seeds Corporation, NSC, SFCI, by seed certification
pollinated varieties (OPV) Corporations, State other public, cooperatives through State department
increased by 51% to departments of Agriculture & private companies etc. of Agriculture. Seeds being
774,881 tonnes In case of and private seed producers, on it’s own farms, sold in the market are
vegetables and pulses, the who have the necessary governmental farms and compulsorily required to be
bought seeds were 1981.11 infrastructure facilities. progressive famer’s field. labelled as prescribed
tonnes and 41,900 tonnes Foundation seed is required under the Seeds Act, 1966.
respectively in 1998–99 to meet the standards of Seed Certification System Seed quality standards are
compared to nil in 1990–91 seed certification prescribed in India prescribed under the
(Francis Kanoi survey in the IMSCS, 2013 both at Seed certification is a IMSCS, 2013 [9]. Grow-out
report, 1991[5] and Mahyco the field and laboratory legally sanctioned system test (GOT) is evaluation of
report, 1999 [11]). level. for quality control of seed the seeds for their
multiplication and genuineness to species or
Seed production system in Certified Seed production. In India, seed varieties or seed borne
India Certified seed is the certification is voluntary infection. Here the samples
The Indian seed progeny of foundation seed and labelling is drawn from the lots are
programme largely adheres and must meet the standards compulsory. The main grown in the field along
to the limited generations’ of seed certification objective of the Seed with the standard checks.
system for seed prescribed in the IMSCS, Certification is to ensure Growing plants are
multiplication in a phased 2013. In case of self the acceptable standards of observed for the varietal
manner. The system pollinated crops, certified seed viability, vigour, purity. GOT test were
recognizes three seeds can also be produced purity and seed health. conducted to evaluate
generations namely from certified seeds Any variety to become foundation seed mostly but
breeder, foundation and provided it does not go eligible for seed sometimes it is also tested
certified seeds and provides beyond three generations certification should meet in certified and truthfully
adequate safeguards for from foundation seed stage- the field and seed labelled (TL) seeds in
quality assurance in the I. Certified seed production standards. General special conditions.
seed multiplication chain to is organized by State Seeds requirements includes
maintain the purity of the variety should be a notified Need to enhance SRR
variety as it flows from the under Section-5 of the For achieving the desired
breeder to the farmer. Indian Seed Act, 1966 and levels of Seed Replacement
should be in the production Rates (SRR), adequate seed
Breeder Seed chain and its pedigree of good variety needs has
Breeder seed is the progeny should be traceable also. to be produced first. Each
of nucleus seed of a variety Field standards include the state needs to prepare a
and is produced by the selection of site, isolation State Seed Plan to meet the
originating breeder or by a requirements, spacing, seed requirement specific
sponsored breeder. Breeder planting ratio, border rows to concern region. In last
seed production is the etc. Specific requirements two decades the ICAR
mandate of the Indian like presence of off-types institutes and SAUs have
Council of Agricultural in any seed crop, pollen- made significant progress
Research (ICAR) and is shedders in Sorghum, in meeting fully the breeder
being undertaken with the Bajra, Sunflower etc., seed requirement. In less
help of ICAR Research Shedding tassels in maize, than a decade, even the
Institutions, National disease affected plants, breeder seed production
Research Centres and All objectionable weed plants has been doubled from
India Coordinated etc., should be within the 62231 quintal (2005-06) to
Research Project of maximum permissible 122633 quintal (2010-11)
different crops, State levels for certification. In (Table 4).
Agricultural Universities India, Seed Certification Production of Breeder Seed
(SAUs). There has been a Agencies in each States are in different crops is
steady increase in the establishment under adequate to achieve a
production of breeder seed Section 8 of the Seeds Act, desired seed replacement
over the years. 1966. rate i.e. around 30% in self
pollinated species, 50% in
Foundation Seed Maintenance seed quality often cross pollinated
Foundation seed is the Seed quality is maintained species and 100% in
progeny of breeder seed through seed certification, hybrids (DSR/ICAR,
and is required to be seed testing, seed labelling 2012). Yet the organized
produced from breeder and seed law enforcement seed sector is estimated to
seed or from foundation by the State Seed cater to only 25-30% of
seed which can be clearly Certification Agencies, total seed requirement in
traced to breeder seed. The which are 24 at present in the country (Agrawal, 2012
responsibility for different states in the [1]
and Rabobank, 2012 [16]).
production of foundation country. Other states have Hence, even if the SRR is
seed has been entrusted to maintains the seed quality increased to 50%, the
International Journal of Chemical Studies
domestic seed market will
exceed to US$ 5000
million thus bringing
India’s position to 3rd
rank.
Table 4: Indent and Production of Breeder Seed (BS) in India
Year Indent for BS production (qtls) Actual production of BS (qtls) Excess BS production than indent (%)
2004-05 43057 60793 41.19
2005-06 47879 69507 45.17
2006-07 55547 77666 39.82
2007-08 73687 92060 24.93
2008-09 79913 91883 14.98
2009-10 91410 115867 26.76
2010-11 90266 115867 28.36
2011-12 87215 115696 32.66
2012-13 90577 117827 30.08
2013-14 98791 95012 (-) 3.83
2014-15 112152 128312 14.41
2015-16 122305 124843 2.08
(Paroda, 2013 [13] and Prasad et al., 2017 [14])
Need to innovation
(Paroda, 1999 [12] and Swaminathan, 1999 [20]). We must
The seed sector had been quite active to outscale new
ensure that our regulatory process efficient and safe from
innovation in agriculture. Such innovation encompasses
environment and health point of view. The first transgenic Bt
development of superior hybrids, transgenics and advanced
cotton underwent field-testing in 1995. Today 185
seed treatments especially in crops like rice, maize, sorghum
institutions, which include both public research institutions
(rabi), pigeon pea, rapeseed mustard, castor, vegetables etc. If
and private research laboratories, are engaged in transgenic
ICAR provides the parental lines of new vegetable hybrids to
research. Currently, transgenic research is being done on
private companies without any cost, may be a progressive
several field crops, viz. cotton, Indian mustard, corn, potato,
steps. If government provides subsidy to public bred hybrids
tobacco and rice and in vegetable crops namely tomato,
the farmers also take interest in same. A collective and
brinjal, cauliflower, cabbage, chillies and bell pepper. The
targeted approach by government and research institutes will
problems receiving priority attention include insect pest
be made and also need to develop better climate resilient
control, hybridization systems and nutrition improvement
hybrids as well as varieties both by public and private sector.
(Gordon, 1997) [8]. Only Bt cotton hybrids against bollworm
complex was released during March, 2002.
Need to exchange Germplasms
National Bureau of Plant Genetics Resources (NBPGR) was
The Indian regulatory system is a 3-tier structure. It
established in 1976, which houses the world's third largest
comprises the following:
Gene Bank. This not only acts as a national repository of
plant genetic resources, but also acts as an apex organization Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC), set-up at each
facilitating germplasm conservation, access and exchange for institution for monitoring institute level research in
research purposes. NBPGR has a rich collection of 3,95,000 genetically modified organisms.
accessions of more than 1500 plant species, which can be of Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM)
great significance in plant breeding programs. set-up at DBT to monitor ongoing research activities in
GMOs. A Monitoring and Evaluation Committee
Need for Biotechnology (MEC), comprising agricultural scientists, was
The high-yielding technology that heralded the Green constituted in July 1998 by RCGM to monitor and
Revolution has, no doubt, rescued the country from chronic supervise field trials permitted by the government.
food deficiency and starvation but it has had its adverse Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) in
effects too. The high input cultivation of rice and wheat has the Ministry of Environment and Forests has been setup
led to excessive water use and eroded soil quality; to authorize large-scale trials and environmental release
indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides has led to pesticide of genetically modified organisms (DBT, 1998 [17] and,
resistance making pest management increasingly difficult Gosh and Ramanaiah, 2000 [7]).
(Gordon, 1997) [8]. Weed infestation causes heavy crop
losses, if not controlled in time. The estimates of losses Conclusion
caused due to pests and weeds range between 10% and 40% Thus, the Indian Seed Programme is now occupying a pivotal
but in some cases the losses could be much more (Sahoo and place in Indian agriculture and is well poised for continued
Saraswat, 1999) [18]. Hybrid technology, though a potential growth in the years to come. NSC, SFCI, States Seeds
technological option, has not yet become a reality in several Corporations and other seed producing agencies are
crop plants for want of stable male sterility/fertility continuously and gradually expanding all its activities
restoration system and lack of economic hybrid seed especially in terms of its product range, volume and value of
production technology, the scope for increasing yield has seed handled, level of seed distribution to the un-reached
been limited (except sorghum, pearl-millet, sunflower, rice, areas, etc. Production of hybrids/HYVs needs to be promoted
mustard, pigeonpea and safflower). on high priority to improve productivity and increase
Application of biotechnology should be focused to develop production especially in crops like, rice, maize, sorghum
new improved varieties particularly resistant to biotic and (rabi), arhar, rapeseed & mustard, castor, many vegetables
abiotic stresses. Recombinant DNA technology that enables etc. There is a need for promoting joint venture
movement of genes of interest across sexual incompatibility collaborations between industry and national and
barriers is one approach plant scientists are relying upon international institutions related to seed. if Government also
worldwide today to find genetic solutions to specific extends the benefit of subsidy to truthfully labeled seed of
problems promising hybrids produced by the private sector, may be
beneficial for seed
sector. Sharing of germplasm is imperative for crop 14. Prasad SR, Chauhan JS, Sripathy KV. An overview of
improvement, while the national repository makes available national and international seed quality assurance systems
the germplasm to the researchers and national seed and strategies for energizing seed production chain of
companies, the private sector must also come forward and field crops in India. Indian Journal of Agricultural
share their valuable germplasm with the public sector Sciences. 2017; 87(3):287-300.
institutions for research purpose. Also these need to be stored 15. Pray CE, Nagarajan L. Innovation and research by
in the Gene Bank for posterity. private agri-business in India. IFPRI Discussion Paper.
Innovation and adoption of biotechnology and 2012; 01182:43.
nanotechnology would be critical for desired impact on 16. Rabobank Industry Note. Diverse strategies for seed
livelihood of resource poor small holder farmers. Application
players in India. Rabobank Industry Note. 2012; 347:7.
of biotechnology should be focused to develop new improved
17. Revised guidelines for research in transgenic plants and
varieties particularly resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses.
guidelines for toxicity and allergenicity evaluation of
Research also have related to quality enhancement
transgenic seeds, plants and plant parts, Department of
technologies such as cereals with higher proteins, minerals
Biotechnology, New Delhi, 1998, 2.
and vitamin contents. The Golden rice, QPM and Fe and Zn
18. Sahoo KM, Saraswat VN. Pesticides Information, April–
enriched millets are some such examples.
June, 1988.
Only Bt cotton hybrids against bollworm complex as the first
19. Singh H, Chand R. “The Seed Bill, 2011: Some
transgenic crop in India was released for commercial
Reflections.” Economic and Political Weekly. 2011;
cultivation during 2002. Even after a long gap none of crops
46:22-25.
as transgenic permitted for commercially cultivated, on some
20. Swaminathan MS. Cotton and Rural Livelihoods, Silver
crops field trials were conducted successfully in india like,
Jubilee Lecture Series–Indian Society for Cotton
Bt- mustard, Bt-brinjal, Bt-corn etc. The current regulatory
Improvement (ISCI), Mumbai, 1999, 11-12.
system in India requires coordination among 3 to 4 ministries
and a 3-tier structures system like Institutional Biosafety
Committee (IBSC), Review Committee on Genetic
Manipulation (RCGM) and Review Committee on Genetic
Manipulation (RCGM). A single-window clearance is
recommended for faster release of useful transgenic crops.
The need for creation of awareness among farmers and
general public on the benefits and risks associated with
transgenic crops is also very important.
References
1. Agarwal PK. Future growth drivers for the India Seed
Industry. Seed Testing International. 2012; 144:4-9.
2. Ali AA. Role of seed and its technological innovations in
Indian agricultural sector, Biosci. Biotech. Res. Comm.
2016; 9(4):621-624.
3. Chauhan JS, Prasad SR, Pal S, Choudhary PR, Bhaskar
KU. Seed production of field crops in India: Quality
assurance, status, impact and way forward. Indian
Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 2016; 86(5):563-579.
4. Dravid PS. Future growth drivers for Indian Seed
Industry. Indian Seed & Planting Material. 2011;
4(4):41- 44.
5. Francis Kanoi. The Market for Seed in India: a
syndicated report based on secondary research, 1991.
6. Gadwal VR. The Indian seed industry: Its history,
current status and future. Current Science. 2003;
84(3):399-405.
7. Ghosh PK, Ramanaiah TV. J Sci. Ind. Res. 2000;
59:114- 120.
8. Gordon C. The Doubly Green Revolution: Food for all in
the 21st century, Penguin, London, 1997, 334.
9. Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards. Published
by The Central Seed Certification Board, DAC, Ministry
of Agriculture, Government of India, New Delhi, 2013.
10. Kuldip RC. Asian Seed Planting Material. 2000; 7:6-9.
11. Mahyco. Marketing database, benchmarking the seed
market, 1999.
12. Paroda RS. Biotechnology and future of Indian
Agriculture, keynote address at IIC New Delhi, 24 June,
1999.
13. Paroda RS. An evening lecture delived to the “Indian
Seed Congress 2013, organized by NSAI at Hotel Leela
Kempinsky, Gurgaon on 8 February, 2013.