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.
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) None
Why the answer is (b)
• Seed replacement rate is the share of area sown with fresh certified seed rather than farm-saved seed.
• Statement 3 is correct: for low-value, high-volume crops such as wheat, paddy and pulses, private companies find seed production unprofitable, leaving a demand–supply gap in quality seed that public agencies struggle to fill.
• Statement 1 is wrong: a National Seeds Policy has existed since 2002; statement 2 is wrong: private companies dominate vegetable and horticultural seed supply.
• Hence 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2
- Statements 1 and 2 are wrong: a policy exists and private players are active.
- (c) 2 and 3
- Statement 2 is wrong: private firms supply vegetable seeds.
- (d) None
- Statement 3 is a genuine constraint.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.