Union Minister Amit Shah Commits to Making India Self-Reliant in Improved & Traditional Seed Production

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, has unveiled a bold vision for India's agricultural sector by committing to make the country self-reliant in the production of improved and traditional seeds. Speaking at the national symposium on "Production of Improved and Traditional Seeds through Cooperative Sector," Shah emphasized the pivotal role of the cooperative sector in achieving this ambitious goal.

Amit Shah expressed confidence that India could achieve self-reliance in the production of improved and traditional seeds, with the cooperative sector playing a significant part in making this vision a reality. He lauded the Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) for its substantial contributions in three key areas: seed conservation, seed promotion, and seed research.

Shah formally unveiled the logo, website, and brochure of BBSSL during the event, and he also distributed membership certificates to committee members. He assured that India would work simultaneously on the production, processing, branding, labeling, and export of seeds through the cooperative sector, aiming for a world-class system. Shah noted that the global market eagerly awaits India's contributions and that concrete targets will be set to achieve this.

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The Union Home Minister firmly believes that BBSSL will assist cooperatives across India in demand-based seed production, infrastructure development for storage, processing, and packaging of seeds, logistics support, quality enhancement, standardization, requisite certification, and marketing of the seeds produced. Furthermore, the profits generated will directly benefit farmers, as the earnings will be credited directly to their bank accounts.

Amit Shah emphasized the importance of scientifically prepared seeds and noted that Indian farmers are currently not benefiting from them as they should. He expressed optimism that BBSSL would play a vital role in conserving, promoting, and researching seeds in India, particularly improved and traditional varieties, which are essential for the production of healthy fruits, vegetables, and grains.

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The day-long symposium, organized by BBSSL, covers various topics, including the objectives of BBSSL, the role of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) in seed production, and the significance of seeds in crop productivity and nutrition. Discussions will also revolve around the role of cooperative societies in supporting small and marginal farmers.

The BBSSL was established following Amit Shah's advocacy for a national-level multi-state cooperative society dedicated to advanced and traditional seed research, production, processing, and marketing. It aims to multiply and conserve traditional seeds of different crops and varieties. By improving seed production and distribution, BBSSL aims to boost agricultural output, generate employment opportunities, reduce reliance on imported seeds, stimulate the rural economy, support 'Make in India,' and contribute to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat,' in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.

The symposium witnessed the participation of approximately 2,000 individuals from across the country, with thousands more attending virtually. BBSSL, jointly promoted by major cooperative societies and government bodies, is set to play a transformative role in India's agriculture sector and contribute to the country's self-reliance in seed production.

This ambitious initiative aligns with the Indian government's overarching goal of strengthening the agricultural sector, improving food security, and fostering economic growth in rural India.

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