Parliament Question: Distribution of seeds to farmers by BBSSL

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4168 ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026 Distribution of seeds to farmers by BBSSL 4168 # Shri Aditya Prasad: Will the Minister of COOPERATION be pleased to state: (a) the number of different crop seed varieties that the Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) has introduced into the market for distribution so far; (b) the manner in which BBSSL will distribute its seeds; (c) whether BBSSL has established zonal or regional offices across the counrty for the effective implementation of its seed distribution programmes; (d) whether BBSSL also provides services to farmers such as seed selection, fertilizer advice and technical training; and (e) the channels through which BBSSL is distributing its seeds? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF COOPERATION (SHRI AMIT SHAH) (a): Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) has so far introduced 78 crop varieties across 8 crops, including wheat, paddy, pulses and fodder crops, for distribution in the market. (b) & (e): BBSSL is distributing seeds through a multi-channel network comprising its institutional business network, cooperative network of about 37,000-member societies, and direct outreach through around 480 registered dealers across the country. During FY 2025–26, approximately 3,24,090 quintals of seeds have been supplied through these channels. (c): BBSSL has its Head Office in New Delhi and has established a zonal operational structure in its Head Office to oversee multiple States. This is supported by officials at the State level to facilitate effective implementation of its seed distribution programmes. (d): BBSSL provides basic advisory support to farmers through digital outreach mechanisms, including a dedicated WhatsApp helpline for addressing farmer queries. *****