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?
1. There is no National Seeds Policy in place.
2. There is no participation of private sector seed companies in the supply of quality seeds of vegetables and planting materials of horticultural crops.
3. There is a demand-supply gap regarding quality seeds in case of low value and high volume crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. Enhancing 'Seed Replacement Rates' (SRR) - the percentage of area sown out of total area of crop planted in the season using certified/quality seeds other than farm-saved seeds - is crucial for improving productivity and achieving food production targets.
2. Statement 1 is incorrect. India has a National Seeds Policy, which was promulgated in 2002. This policy provides a framework for the development and regulation of the seed sector.
3. Statement 2 is incorrect. The private sector seed companies play a significant role in the supply of quality seeds, especially for hybrid seeds of various crops, including vegetables and horticultural crops. While public sector involvement is also crucial, stating no participation of the private sector is factually wrong.
4. Statement 3 is correct. A significant constraint in achieving higher SRR is the demand-supply gap for quality seeds, particularly for low value and high volume crops (like many cereals and pulses). Producing and distributing quality seeds for these crops on a large scale at affordable prices poses challenges related to logistics, storage, and economic viability compared to high-value, low-volume hybrid seeds.
Therefore, only statement 3 represents a valid constraint.
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