Measures Being Taken to Increase India’s Share in Seed Trade

The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has taken the following measures to enhance India’s share in global seed trade:

(i) Quantitative restrictions for export of seeds have been removed and exports liberalized.

(ii) Promotional programs are being run to improve the quality of seeds to enhance the market acceptability.

(iii) Testing and certification facilities have been established in conformity with international requirements.

(iv) Private Seed Testing Laboratories have been accredited and permitted to issue Orange Certificate of International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) for export of seeds.

(v) India has become a member of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) since October, 2008 to facilitate movement of seeds in international trade. 10 State seeds certification agencies have been nominated as Designated Authorities for implementation of the OECD Programme. 61 varieties of 21 crops have been listed under the OECD catalogue for varietal Certification.

(vi) The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Bill, 2001 has been enacted and is expected to encourage the export of seeds.

The world export of seeds in 2010 was of value USD 8256 million as per the information available at the website of International Seed Federation. India’s export of seed quality items in 2010-11 was of value USD 101 million. Thus, India’s share in world trade of seed items works out to 1.22%.