Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Improved seeds are the cornerstone of modern agriculture, playing a crucial role in enhancing crop yields and improving food security. These seeds, developed through plant breeding techniques, possess superior traits like higher yield, disease resistance, and improved nutritional value. The Seed Act, 1966, and its subsequent amendments aim to regulate the production, sale, and distribution of these seeds, ensuring quality and farmer confidence. The Indian seed system is structured around a four-tier classification system, each with specific quality standards and intended purpose, designed to guarantee the reliability of seeds available to farmers.
What are Improved Seeds?
Improved seeds are those that have been produced through plant breeding methods, involving selection, hybridization, mutation, or genetic engineering. They are significantly different from seeds collected from naturally occurring plants and offer improved characteristics compared to traditional varieties.
Classes of Improved Seeds
The Indian seed system categorizes improved seeds into four classes based on quality control and intended use:
1. Breeder Seed
Definition: Produced by public sector research institutions, universities, or notified breeders. It is the initial material from which foundation seed is produced.
Quality Control: Subject to rigorous evaluation and multiplication under strict supervision to maintain genetic purity and trueness to type. The National Seed Board (NSB) approves breeder seed varieties.
- Intended User: Primarily for multiplication by seed producers to generate foundation seed.
2. Foundation Seed
Definition: Multiplied from breeder seed under strict quality control procedures. It serves as the source for certified seed production.
Quality Control: Produced under the supervision of Seed Certification Agencies (SCAs) to ensure genetic purity and physical purity. Stringent field inspections and seed testing are conducted.
- Intended User: For seed companies and other authorized agencies to produce certified seed.
3. Certified Seed
Definition: Multiplied from foundation seed under the supervision of SCAs. This is the seed most commonly available to farmers.
Quality Control: Subject to stringent field inspections, seed testing for germination, purity, and disease incidence. SCAs issue a seed certification label.
- Intended User: Farmers for sowing. The Seed Act mandates certification for most crops.
4. Truthfully Labeled Seed
Definition: Seed produced by registered dealers or companies, but not certified by an SCA. It must meet certain minimum standards.
Quality Control: Requires a declaration of varietal identity and germination percentage on the label. Less stringent than certified seed.
- Intended User: Farmers who prefer non-certified seed. Its sale is regulated to prevent misrepresentation.
| Class of Seed | Producer | Quality Control | Intended User |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breeder Seed | Public/Notified Breeders | NSB Approval, Genetic Purity | Seed Producers |
| Foundation Seed | Seed Producers (under SCA supervision) | SCA Supervision, Field Inspections | Certified Seed Producers |
| Certified Seed | Seed Companies (under SCA supervision) | SCA Certification, Seed Testing | Farmers |
| Truthfully Labeled Seed | Registered Dealers/Companies | Declaration of Identity and Germination | Farmers |
The Seed Act, 1966
The Seed Act, 1966, and its subsequent amendments (2004) regulate seed production, sale, import, and storage. It establishes Seed Certification Agencies and provides for the inspection and certification of seed. The Act aims to ensure the quality of seeds sold to farmers and protect their interests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the classification of improved seeds into breeder, foundation, certified, and truthfully labeled categories provides a structured framework for quality control and distribution within the Indian agricultural system. This tiered approach, coupled with the Seed Act and its amendments, is crucial for safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds that contribute to enhanced agricultural productivity and food security. Continuous improvement in seed technology and regulatory mechanisms remains vital for sustaining this progress.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.