India's share in world seed trade is only 1.22%

NEW DELHI: India's seeds exports were $ 101 million in 2010-11, comprising only 1.22 per cent of the world trade, the government said today.

"The world export of seeds in 2010 was $ 8,256 million. India's export of seed quality items in 2010-11 was $ 101 million. Thus India's share in world trade of seed items works out to 1.22 per cent," Minister of state for Agriculture Harish Rawat said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

However, the government has taken measures to improve India's share in global seed trade by way of liberalising exports with removal of quantitative restriction, he said.

Rawat said promotional programmes are being run to improve the quality of seeds to enhance the market acceptability. Testing and certification facilities have been established in conformity with international requirements.

Private seed testing labs have been accredited and permitted to issue certificate of International Seed Testing Association ( ISTA) for export of seeds, he added.

To facilitate movement of seeds in international trade, the minister said India has become member of the Oraganisation of Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD).

He further said the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Bill, 2001 has been enacted and is expected to encourage the export of seeds.

On the domestic seed production, Rawat stressed on the role of private sector in boosting seed production.

He said a centrally-sponsored scheme is being implemented to provide credit linked back-ended capital subsidy to private sector at the rate of 25 per cent of the project cost subject to maximum limit of Rs 25 lakh per unit on seed infrastructure development.