Lok Sabha Question No. 1022 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-08
Subject: Seed Export
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Jual Oram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1022 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08 TH  FEBRUARY,2023

## SEED EXPORT

## 1022.   SHRI JUAL ORAM:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मं त्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Indian seed industry is worth INR 22,000 crore and is constantly growing but the share of India's seed export in the global seed trade is less than 1%, if so, the details thereof including the measures taken by the Ministry to promote seed export; and
- (b) the  steps  and  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote  private  sector  investment  in agricultural research and development in the country?

## ANSWER

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## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a): As per International Seed Federation data, India's share in global seed exports during 2020 was 1.14%. The Government has been taking several measures to promote export of seeds. India has been a member of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes since October, 2008. India is participating in six OECD Seed Schemes viz. Cereals, Maize, Sorghum, Crucifers and other oil or fibre species, Grasses and Legumes and Vegetables. Participating in the OECD Seed Schemes facilitate the international trade among the member countries by using globally recognized labels  and certificates.  Since  India  joined  OECD seed  schemes,  more than 250  Indian varieties of various aforesaid crops have been enlisted in OECD list of varietal certifications. Financial support  is  also  provided  to  State  seed  certification  agencies  for  implementation  of  OECD  Seed Schemes to add to the seed exports from India.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare is also promoting membership of International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). ISTA is engaged in developing standard seed testing methods, facilitates the trade of quality seeds and makes a valuable contribution to food security. There are eight ISTA accredited member laboratories functioning in India.

The Government of India has also signed Seam Reap Protocol of Discussion for collaboration in the seed sector with the Governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal & Sri Lanka and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). The Protocol covers following activities: (i) Joint

varietal evaluation and release (ii) Reciprocal recognition of evaluation data for varietal release (iii) Reducing time for the evaluation of varieties released in neighboring countries to be considered for commercialization in similar agro-ecologies (iv) Reducing time for evaluation for varieties generated using Marker Assisted breeding (v) Provision of Pre-release seed multiplication & promotion (vi) Encouraging  private  sector by  providing  level-playing field for their  engagement  and  (vii) Harmonization of seed system guidelines and regulations across the partner countries.

(b): The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has formulated a policy for investment by the private companies through their Corporate Social Responsibility Funds.  In the field of seed science  &  technology,  ICAR  is  engaged  in  carrying  out  basic,  strategic  and  anticipatory  research through its Indian Institute of Seed Science, Mau (UP) apart from coordination of nation-wide network project in seed realm i.e. All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Seed (Crops). ICARIISS,  Mau  has  strong  linkages  with  the  private  sector  institutions  for  carrying  out  collaborative research  programmes.  A  number  of  collaborative  research  projects  have  been  implemented  with private partners.

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