BP Singh

IINew Policy on Seed Development and Role ofDesignated Inspection AuthoritiesRadhey ShyamIntroductionThe New Policy on Seed Development (NPSD) was introducedby the Government of India in October, 1988 with an objective tomake available to the Indian farmers the best genetic materialsavailable anywhere in the world to increase productivity, farmincomes and export earnings. Simultaneously, while importingseeds/planting materials, care has to be taken to ensure that thereis absolutely no compromise on the Plant Quarantine requirements!procedures in order to preclude the entry of exotic pests, diseasesand weeds detrimental to Indian Agriculture.Emphasis of the policyThe said policy has two basic aspects. Firstly, liberalisationof imports alongwith streamlining of Plant Quarantine proceduresand secondly, certain incentives to encourage domestic seedindustry. The policy has laid special emphasis on the followingitems:a) Import of high quality seeds/planting materials;b) Strengthening/ modernisation of Plant Quarantine facilities;c) Effective observance of Plant Quarantine requirements/procedures;d) Incentives to the domestic seed industry.