States told to pick up seeds

The Centre has informed the states that adequate stocks of seed were available with public and private sector seed producers and dealers and states should make advance arrangements for procuring the required quantities for the ensuing rabi sowing season.

The latest assessment made by the agriculture ministry showed that the total availability of certified and quality seed would be over 7.63 million quintals, against the anticipated requirement of around 6 million quintals.

The total availability of rabi cereals, including wheat, is estimated at 6.32 million quintals, against the projected demand of 487 million quintals.

For pulses, the availability is assessed at over five lakh quintals, against the requirement of 4.71 lakh quintals.

Similarly, the availability of seeds of oilseeds crops is estimated at 4.05 lakh quintals, against the demand of 3.31 lakh quintals.

Last month, the ministry had cautioned states that the demand for seeds would be relatively higher this year.

This was because of heavy floods in the eastern and north-eastern regions between June and August which had damaged the farm-saved seeds of wheat, gram, mustard and some other crops.

The states have also been advised to prepare district-wise "seed maps" to guide seed production and distribution policies over a longer period.

For the forthcoming rabi, the states have been asked to focus on seed production of crops that might be affected due to deficient or heavy rains or pests. This would ensure adequate seed availability for subsequent season of rabi 2005-06.