Previous Year Question
In the context of food and nutritional security of India, enhancing the ‘Seed Replacement Rates’ of various crops helps in achieving the food-production targets of the future. But what is/are the constraint/constraints in its wider/greater implementation?
There is no National Seeds Policy in place.
There is no participation of private-sector seed companies in the supply of quality seeds of vegetables and planting materials of horticultural crops.
There is a demand-supply gap regarding quality seeds in the case of low-value and high-volume crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1 and 2
3 only
2 and 3
None of these
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
The Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) refers to the percentage of the total cropped area sown with certified or quality seed instead of repeatedly used farm-saved seed.
A higher SRR can provide better germination, genetic purity, disease resistance and yield potential. However, a very high SRR is not necessary for every crop. Seeds of self-pollinated crops may be reused for some years, whereas hybrid seeds generally require more frequent replacement.
Statement 1 is incorrect. India already had a National Seeds Policy, 2002. The seed sector is also governed through legal and regulatory provisions such as the Seeds Act, 1966; Seeds Rules, 1968; and Seeds (Control) Order, 1983. Therefore, the assertion that no National Seeds Policy existed is incorrect.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The private sector has significant participation in supplying seeds and planting material for vegetables, fruits, hybrids and other high-value crops. Private seed companies are particularly active in the hybrid and high-value seed segments.
Statement 3 is correct. Wheat, rice, pulses and other low-value, high-volume crops require seeds in very large quantities. In these crops:
Profit margins on seeds are comparatively low.
Their bulk raises production, processing, storage and transportation costs.
Timely supply to remote areas is difficult.
Commercial incentives for private firms may be lower than in high-value hybrid seeds.
Consequently, a gap can persist between demand for quality seeds and their timely supply. Therefore, only statement 3 is correct.
Current status (2026)
The National Seeds Policy, 2002 and the statutory framework governing seeds remain part of the foundational structure of India’s seed sector. Production and distribution of quality seeds are promoted through the Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP), Seed Village Programme, seed minikits, certified-seed production and seed-testing infrastructure.
The present policy framework particularly emphasises:
Climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties.
Quality seeds of pulses, oilseeds and millets.
Local seed production and Seed Villages.
Seed traceability and quality control.
Participation of both public institutions and private seed companies.
Thus, statements 1 and 2 do not become correct even in the present context, although differences in quality-seed availability across crops and regions remain an important policy concern.