The information so generated is used by 24 crop-specific All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) of ICAR, located in State Agricultural Universities, to develop location-specific high yielding varieties of crops including rice, wheat and pulses.
As a result, a total of 339 varieties/hybrids including rice (68), wheat (28), pulses (61) and other crops (182) were released during last three years.
Breeder seeds of different crop varieties were produced to the tune of 98419, 104784 and 81620 quintals during 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively. This ensured effective seed chain for making available quality seeds to the farmers resulting in improved productivity of crops.
Under the Central Sector Scheme, an amount of Rs. 227.34 crores, Rs. 276.7 crores and Rs.184.48 crores have been provided to various organizations during 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively for the development and strengthening of infrastructure to facilitate production and distribution of seeds including high yielding varieties of various crops.
Assistance is also provided by way of subsidy for seed related activities including production and distribution under schemes like National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Integrated Scheme on Oilseeds, Oil palm and Maize (ISOPOM) and Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millet Promotion (INSIMP).
These schemes help in facilitating production and distribution of quality seeds of high yielding varieties to the farmers.
This information was given today by Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, Shri Tariq Anwar in a written reply to Rajya Sabha questions.
