ri lt re and ood ana ement 8.35
cent in last two decades(Economic Survey accounts for 20 to 25 per cent of productivity.42
2014–15). Thus, the adoption of quality seeds needs
(iii) Tractor penetration in the country is 38 promotion in India. There are multiple challenges
per cent for large farmers (with more to the development and adoption of quality seeds
than 20 acres), 18 per cent for medium in the form of –
farmers (5–20 acres) and just around 1 (i) Inadequate research inputs for
per cent for marginal farmers.40 development of new seeds especially,
(iv) The economic benefit of adoption of (ii) Early ripening and resistant (to pest,
improved implements is about Rs. moisture variations, etc.) varieties,
83,000 crore per annum, which is only (iii) High cost of seeds for small and marginal
a small fraction of the potential (NITI farmers,
Aayog, 2016).
(iv) Shortage of supply of quality seeds,
(iv) Farm mechanisation has resulted in
(v) Non-resolution of issues related to
generating employment to rural youth
adoption of Genetically Modified Seeds,
and artisans for the production, operation,
and
and maintenance of machines (Economic
Survey 2013-14. (vi) Inadequate number of players restricting
competition.
Two important and contemporary policy
suggestions41 may be given in this regard: The issues43 that require immediate attention
are:
(i) Due to increased fragmentation of
landholdings and low rates of tractor (i) Affordability: Open pollinated varieties of
penetration among small farmers, there is seeds can be developed by farmers from
need for a market in tractor rentals, akin their own harvested crops. However, for
to cars and road construction equipment, high-yielding hybrid varieties, the farmer
driven by private participation. has to depend on the market for each
crop which gets very costly for the small
(ii) Appropriate farm equipment which
and marginal farmers.
are durable, light weight and low cost,
(ii) Availability: Quality seeds have shortage
region, crop and operation specific using
in supply. While there is a demand for
indigenous/adapted technologies need to
banning non-certified seeds, certification
be made available for small and marginal
per-se does not ensure quality seeds.
farmers to improve productivity.
Presence of more players (both public and
private) and competition in the market
seed develoPment for seeds would improve this situation.
Seed is the basic input for increasing productivity (iii) Research and Development of Seeds and Seed
in agriculture. It is estimated that the quality of seed technology: The first Green Revolution
40. Agricultural Machinery and Manufacturers Association 42. As per the DAC&FW (Department of Agriculture,
in India (AMMAI) was quoted in the Economic Survey Cooperation & Farmers Welfare) – as quoted by the
2015-16, op. cit., Vol. 2, p. 105. Economic Survey 2015-16, Vol. 2, p. 105.
41. Ministry of Finance, Economic Survey 2015–16, 43. Ministry of Finance, Economic Survey 2015–16,
p. 105. pp. 105-107.