The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Centre offers incentives to farmers for seed production

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Tuesday, Feb 26, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Centre offers incentives to farmers for seed production

Staff Reporter

Government purchases certified seeds at a price higher than that offered by private firms
‘Centre gives Rs. 1,000 per quintal production of oil seeds, pulse and hybrid paddy seeds’

BANGALORE: The Karnataka State Seed Certification Agency is making efforts to increase the area for the production of certified seeds. The agency is attempting to involve more farmers in seed production by making them aware of the incentives offered by the Central Government.

Director of the agency K.J. Devendrappa said that there is a great demand for certified seeds that give good yield to the farmers. The State requires about 12 lakh quintals of certified seeds. Mr. Devendrappa told The Hindu on Monday that last year, 2.95 lakh quintal seeds were produced in 21,548 hectares of land. This year, the agency plans to grow 4.5 lakh quintal seeds from 33,000 hectares of land. “We plan to increase the area by 20 per cent every year,” he said.

“As certification of seeds is not mandatory under the Seed Act, we are trying to convince seed growers and seed producers about the advantages of having certification.” Mr. Devandrappa said the Karnataka State Seed Corporation (KSSC) purchases certified seeds from farmers at a price that is 20 per cent more than what private players offer. Apart from 75 per cent subsidy given for growing seeds, the Central Government also gives production incentives. “The Central Government gives Rs. 1,000 per quintal production of oil seeds, pulse and hybrid paddy seeds,” Mr. Devendrappa said. Seeds required for a season is grown a year earlier, he said, adding that the climate in Haveri, Gadag, Raichur, Koppal and Bellary was conducive to the purpose. The seed corporation gives certified seeds grown by farmers to various seed producers for growing more seeds. The agency closely monitors the growth, including testing of seeds, its germination and genetic purity, before giving the certification.

Mr. Devendrappa was participating in the training programme for seed growers and seed producers in the production of certified seeds. The programme was jointly organised by the certification agency and the University of Agriculture’s Farmers Training Institute.

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