Aims and Objectives

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. A major increase in the production of quality seeds is required in which the private sector is expected to play a significant role. At the same time, private and Public Sector Seed Organizations at both Central and State levels are expected to adopt economic pricing policies that would seek to realize the true cost of production. The creation of a facilitative climate for growth of a competitive and localized seed industry, encouragement of import of useful germplasm and boosting of exports are the 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.