Parliament Question: Production of quality seeds through cooperatives

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4171 ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026 Production of quality seeds through cooperatives 4171 Dr. Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade: Will the Minister of COOPERATION be pleased to state: (a) the steps taken for increasing the production of quality seeds through cooperatives thereby reducing the dependence on imported seeds, e1nhancing agriculture production and providing boost to rural economy; (b) the aim and objective of Government behind establishing the Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) with reference to its impact on Karnataka; (c) the steps initiated by BBSSL to contribute to strengthening the rural economy and promoting self-reliance in seed production in the country; and (d) the plans for utilizing BBSSL's profits to benefit farmers and agricultural development in Karnataka? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF COOPERATION (SHRI AMIT SHAH) (a): To increase the production of quality seeds through cooperatives, Ministry of Cooperation, with the approval of the Union Cabinet, has established Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) with the objective of achieving self-sufficiency in seed production while strengthening the agricultural economy. In pursuance of this mandate, BBSSL is actively promoting cooperative- led seed production and distribution systems to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds at affordable prices to farmers. Since its inception in 2023, BBSSL has recorded a turnover of around ₹250 crore and has cumulatively supplied about 39,893 metric tonnes of seeds. It has also built a robust cooperative network, enrolling over 37,000 cooperative societies as members, thereby emerging as one of the largest cooperative-based seed networks in the country. (b): The objective of BBSSL is to act as an apex organization for production, procurement, processing, branding, labelling, packaging, storage, marketing and distribution of quality seeds;strategic research & development; and to develop a system for preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds. In the State of Karnataka, BBSSL commenced its operations in the financial year 2025–26, marking its initial phase of engagement and expansion within the State. (c): BBSSL has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen the rural economy and promote self- reliance in seed production. These include expanding cooperative-based seed production programmes across multiple States and enrolling approximately 37,206 cooperative societies nationwide. So far, BBSSL has introduced 78 crop varieties across 8 crops, including wheat, paddy, pulses and fodder crops, for distribution in the market. During FY 2025–26, approximately 3,24,090 quintals of seeds have been supplied to farmers. Additionally, BBSSL is working towards building institutional capacity through collaborations with reputed organizations to support research, conservation, and development of indigenous and improved seed systems, thereby enhancing long-term sustainability and resilience in agriculture. (d): BBSSL follows a cooperative and farmer-centric model, wherein the surplus generated is reinvested into expanding seed production programmes, strengthening cooperative infrastructure, and improving farmers’ access to quality seeds. The funds are also utilized for capacity building of farmers and cooperatives, improving supply chain efficiency, and developing infrastructure related to seed processing, storage, and distribution in various States, including Karnataka. *****