Chouhan pushes the PPP model for quality seed availability, calls for strict action on spurious inputs

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday underscored the need to boost the availability of quality seeds at affordable rates through public-private partnerships (PPP) and to take strict action against the sale of spurious agricultural inputs.

Speaking at the virtual inauguration of the 13th National Seed Congress (NSC) 2024, Chouhan highlighted India’s leadership in the global seed sector. The three-day event, hosted at the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi, brings together over 700 delegates, including experts, policymakers, and farmers, to deliberate on innovations in the seed sector.

"I encourage the experts and participants to develop actionable strategies to make seeds more accessible, affordable, and impactful through strengthened public-private partnerships," Chouhan said. He emphasized leveraging India’s biodiversity and research capabilities to address challenges like climate change and food security.

Chouhan reiterated India’s growing leadership in the global seed sector and emphasized the importance of leveraging the country’s biodiversity, research capacity, and innovative technologies to meet the challenges posed by climate change and food security. "Seeds are the foundation of farming. Providing farmers with high-quality seeds is one of the greatest services we can offer to agriculture, he said.

In a review meeting, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called for strict action against those selling spurious seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. "Farmers often complain about receiving poor-quality inputs, resulting in significant losses. We must ensure that farmers receive good-quality fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides under all circumstances," he said, advocating strict and effective action against the culprits. 

During the review, Chouhan asked what action is being taken against those who make and sell such fake products, during which it came to light that effective action is not being taken even at the level of investigation and prosecution in many states. Most of the guilty people are acquitted or receive very little punishment. 

Chouhan instructed officials to implement concrete measures to effectively control the distribution of fake or substandard pesticides, fertilisers, and seeds. He will also discuss enforcement mechanisms with state governments to ensure effective action at local levels.