Explain formal and informal seed supply systems in India.

Formal Seed Supply System in India

The formal seed supply system in India is characterized by regulated production, processing, distribution, and sale of seeds. It involves registered seed companies, public sector undertakings, and research institutions.

Key Features

• Regulation & Quality Control: Seeds produced under this system are subject to stringent quality control measures mandated by the Seed Act, 1966 (amended in 2004). This includes seed certification, testing for germination and purity, and adherence to specific standards.
• Variety of Seeds: Offers a wide range of seeds, including hybrid, improved varieties, and genetically modified (GM) crops (subject to regulatory approvals).
• Seed Certification Agency (SCA): SCAs are responsible for seed certification and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
• Seed Testing Laboratories: These labs conduct quality testing of seeds.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Formal sector seeds are often protected by IPR, particularly Plant Varieties Protection Act (PVPA), 2001, which has been amended several times to balance innovation and farmer access.

Strengths

• High-Quality Seeds: Ensures seeds meet specific quality standards, leading to better yields and crop performance.
• Technological Advancements: Facilitates the introduction of new technologies and improved varieties.
• Professional Expertise: Involves trained professionals in seed production and distribution.

Weaknesses

• High Cost: Formal sector seeds are often more expensive, making them less accessible to small and marginal farmers.
• Dependency on External Inputs: Reliance on external inputs (fertilizers, pesticides) can increase production costs and environmental impact.
• Limited Availability of Local Varieties: Focus on high-yielding varieties may neglect traditional and locally adapted varieties.

Informal Seed Supply System in India

The informal seed supply system is largely decentralized and relies on farmer-saved seeds, seeds exchanged between farmers, and seeds sourced from local traditional sources. It forms the backbone of agriculture for a large proportion of Indian farmers.

Key Features

• Farmer-Saved Seeds: Farmers collect and store seeds from their previous harvests for planting in subsequent seasons. This constitutes the largest share of seeds used in India.
• Exchange & Local Sourcing: Farmers exchange seeds with each other or purchase them from local vendors and traditional sources.
• Traditional Varieties: Primarily uses locally adapted traditional varieties and landraces, which are often resistant to local pests and diseases.
• Lack of Regulation: Operates outside the formal regulatory framework, with little or no quality control.

Strengths

• Affordability: Significantly cheaper than formal sector seeds, making them accessible to resource-poor farmers.
• Adaptability: Traditional varieties are often well-adapted to local agro-climatic conditions and resistant to local stresses.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Contributes to the conservation of traditional crop varieties and genetic diversity.
• Farmer Knowledge: Relies on farmers' traditional knowledge and experience in seed selection and preservation.

Weaknesses

• Low Quality: Seed quality often deteriorates over time due to improper storage and lack of quality control.
• Low Yields: Traditional varieties often have lower yields compared to high-yielding varieties.
• Genetic Erosion: Over-reliance on a few varieties can lead to genetic erosion and loss of biodiversity.
• Vulnerability to Pests & Diseases: While locally adapted, they might lack resistance to emerging pests and diseases.

Comparison Table: Formal vs. Informal Seed Supply Systems

Feature	Formal Seed System	Informal Seed System
Regulation	Highly regulated (Seed Act, 1966)	Largely unregulated
Seed Type	Hybrid, improved varieties, GM crops	Traditional varieties, farmer-saved seeds
Cost	Higher	Lower
Quality Control	Stringent quality control measures	Limited or no quality control
Yield Potential	Generally higher	Generally lower

Interlinkages & Challenges

The formal and informal seed systems are not mutually exclusive; they are interconnected. Farmers often source seeds from both systems, depending on their resources and needs. However, several challenges exist:

• Declining Availability of Traditional Varieties: The shift towards formal sector seeds has led to the decline of traditional varieties.
• Lack of Awareness: Many farmers are unaware of the benefits of formal sector seeds or the risks of relying solely on farmer-saved seeds.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of proper storage facilities and processing infrastructure hinders the quality of seeds in both systems.
• Climate Change: Changing climate conditions pose a challenge to both systems, requiring the development of climate-resilient varieties.

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) under the National Mission for Agricultural Development (NMAD) includes components aimed at promoting the conservation and utilization of traditional varieties and improving seed quality.

In conclusion, both the formal and informal seed supply systems play vital roles in Indian agriculture. While the formal sector offers high-quality seeds and technological advancements, the informal sector ensures affordability and preserves traditional knowledge. A balanced approach is needed, promoting the strengths of both systems and addressing their weaknesses. Strengthening the informal sector through farmer training, improved storage facilities, and promoting the conservation of traditional varieties, alongside ensuring affordability and accessibility of formal sector seeds, is crucial for achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development in India.