Lok Sabha Question No. 3634 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-17
Subject: Objectives of BBSSL
Ministry: COOPERATION
Asked by: Shri Sunil Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3634 TO BE ANSWERED ON  17 th  December, 2024

## Objectives of BBSSL

## 3634 Shri Sunil Kumar:

Will the Minister of Cooperation ( सहकारिता मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) the purpose and objectives of the Government behind the establishment of Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL);

(b) whether it is true that BBSSL is instrumental in boosting the rural economy and making the country self-sufficient in seed production and the manner in which it is likely to help the country become self-sufficient in seed production;

- (c) the places in Bihar where BBSSL branches are functioning;
- (d) whether it has its branches in Balmiki Nagar, Bihar;
- (e) if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) if not, whether the Government is considering to open its Branch, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COOPERATION सहकारिता मंत्री (SHRI AMIT SHAH)

(a): Ministry of Cooperation has set up Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. The BBSSL is promoted by Indian Farmers  Fertilizer  Cooperative  Limited  (IFFCO),  Krishak  Bharati  Cooperative  Limited (KRIBHCO), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED), National  Dairy  Development  Board  (NDDB)  and  National  Cooperative  Development Corporation (NCDC). The initial paid up capital of BBSSL is Rs. 250 Cr with contribution of Rs. 50 Cr each by the five promoters and authorized share capital is Rs. 500 Cr. The BBSSL will  undertake  production,  procurement  &  distribution  of  quality  seeds  under  single  brand through network of cooperatives to improve crop yield and develop a system for preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds. BBSSL will help in increasing the seed replacement rate, and varietal replacement rate by ensuring the role of farmers in production of certified seeds. This society will focus on production, testing, certification, procurement, processing, storage,  branding,  labelling  and  packaging  of  two  generations  of  seeds  i.e.  foundation  and certified  (breeder  seeds  will  be  sourced  from  Public  Sector  Research  Organizations  and International  Research  Institutes  i.e.,  ICRISAT,  IRRI,  CIMMYT  etc.)  through  Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) by leveraging various schemes and policies of different ministries of Government of India in a focused manner through 'Whole of the Government Approach'.

(b): BBSSL  will  help  in  increasing  the  production  of  quality  seeds  in  India  through cooperatives  thereby  reducing  the  dependence  on  imported  seeds,  enhancing  agriculture production,  providing  boost  to  rural  economy,  promoting  'Make  in  India'  and  leading  to Atmanirbhar Bharat.

(c) to (f): BBSSL has a full-time resource based in Patna and Bhagalpur. The cooperatives of all  levels  from  primary  to  apex  can  become  members  of  BBSSL.  BBSSL  will  perform  its activities through a network of its member cooperatives. So far, a total no. 14,816 cooperatives have become members of BBSSL. Out of which 418 cooperatives are from Bihar. So far as Balmiki  Nagar  is  concerned,  05  cooperatives  of  West  Champaran  District  have  become member of BBSSL. Further, to start its operations in Bihar, BBSSL has posted an officer in Bihar for sales & marketing activities.

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