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
Correct Answer
C
2 and 3
D
None
Explanation
Statement 3 is correct because private seed companies often find low-value, high-volume crops (like pulses and cereals) less profitable, leading to a supply gap that forces farmers to use farm-saved seeds instead of certified ones. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect because India has had a National Seed Policy since 2002, and the private sector is actually a dominant player in the high-value vegetable and horticultural seed segments. The core concept being tested is the Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) and the structural bottlenecks in India’s agricultural input supply chain.
AgricultureSeed Technology and PolicySeed Replacement Ratesfood production targetsNational Seeds Policyprivate sector seed companiesquality seedsdemand-supply gaplow value cropshigh volume crops