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The Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP) is designed to enhance the production and quality of Read More... certified seeds, improve seed replacement rates, and promote advanced technologies in seed production for Indian farmers. Read less
Details
The Indian government, through its ambitious 'Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana', has launched several initiatives to modernise agriculture. One key component is the Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP). This program aims to ensure farmers have access to high-quality seeds, boost overall crop production, and increase their income through better yields and returns.
What Is This Scheme?
The Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP) is part of a larger umbrella scheme launched in 2016-17 to holistically develop the agriculture sector. SMSP specifically focuses on improving the seed ecosystem in India. Its main goal is to increase the availability of certified seeds, encourage farmers to replace their old seeds with better quality ones, and promote new technologies in seed production, processing, and testing.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is primarily aimed at supporting the backbone of our agriculture – the farmers. It seeks to empower them with better resources and knowledge related to seeds. The program also supports public and private seed-producing organizations to strengthen the entire seed supply chain.
Why This Scheme Is Important
High-quality seeds are the foundation of good agriculture. By focusing on certified seeds, SMSP ensures better germination rates, improved disease resistance, and higher yields. This directly translates to increased income for farmers and a stronger food security system for the nation. The mission also supports the adoption of new technologies and infrastructure development, making India a more competitive player in the global seed market.
Objective
Benefits
- ₹4,000 per month (up to a maximum of 12 months)
- ₹15,000 for students who clear the mains stage of Central/State Civil Services (Class I & II)
- All financial benefits (stipend & fees) are transferred directly to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for benefits under specific components of this scheme, particularly those aimed at farmers, the applicant must be:
- A Small or Marginal Farmer.
How To Apply
Farmers interested in availing benefits under certain components of the scheme typically need to apply offline. The process generally involves:
- Visiting the local District Agriculture Officer or Agriculture Development Officer.
- Submitting the required application form along with all necessary documents.
For other components involving institutional support or private sector participation, the application process might be different and may require proposals submitted to the designated departments or agencies. For specific details, it is advisable to refer to the official scheme guidelines or contact the relevant agricultural department.
Documents Required
Farmers applying for benefits may need to provide the following documents:
- Copy of farmer's B1 khasra / loan book.
- Aadhaar Number.
- Copy of the Bank Passbook.
FAQ’s
What is the main goal of the Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)?
The SMSP aims to significantly boost the production of certified and quality seeds, increase the Seed Replacement Rate (SRR), and enhance the quality of farm-saved seeds. It also focuses on strengthening the entire seed multiplication chain and promoting new technologies in seed production and processing.
Which farmers can apply for support under the SMSP?
Primarily, small and marginal farmers are eligible to receive benefits under various farmer-centric components of the Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material.
What kind of financial assistance is available for seed treatment?
Financial assistance up to 75% of the cost is provided for seed treatment. The funding pattern is 75% from the Government of India and 25% from the State. The maximum central assistance for one agency per year is Rs. 20 lakh.
How does SMSP support the export of seeds?
The scheme provides assistance for freight charges from seed stores to ports, for setting up seed conditioning units for export, and for upgrading seed testing laboratories to meet ISTA standards, which helps in issuing 'orange certificates' for international trade.
What financial aid is offered for seed storage facilities?
The scheme offers 100% GOI funding for the construction of various types of seed storage godowns, including costs for pallets, racks, covers, sprays, and dusters. It also provides assistance for modernizing existing storage facilities at differential rates per square meter.
Can you explain the support for Research & Development (R&D) under this mission?
Yes, for R&D, contract research, and acquiring new varietal products, the funding pattern is 60% from the GOI and 40% from the State. Assistance is provided up to a maximum of Rs. 1.15 crore per project.
What are the documents required for farmers to apply for SMSP benefits?
Farmers generally need to submit a copy of their B1 Khasra or loan book, their Aadhaar number, and a copy of their bank passbook when applying for farmer-specific benefits under the scheme.
What is the funding pattern for strengthening seed farms?
For strengthening seed farms, the funding is 75% from GOI and 25% from the State. This covers renovation of staff quarters, internal roads, purchase of farm machinery, construction of sheds, threshing floors, seed processing plants, and irrigation facilities.
How does the National Seed Reserve (NSR) function under SMSP?
The NSR ensures seed availability during contingent situations. The scheme provides 100% GOI assistance as revolving funds for seed procurement, covers maintenance costs (processing, packing, certification), and supports the construction of storage infrastructure and acquisition of material handling equipment.
What kind of assistance is available for the private sector to boost seed production?
The private sector can receive credit-linked back-ended subsidies, which are enhanced to 40% of the capital cost in general areas and 50% in hilly and scheduled areas, with an upper limit of Rs 150 lakhs per project. Assistance is also available for R&D.
Is there any support for promoting biotechnology in agriculture?
Certainly. The scheme offers financial assistance of up to Rs. 2.50 crores for establishing new Tissue Culture Units and up to Rs. 20 lakhs for rehabilitating or strengthening old tissue culture laboratories.
How are seed certification agencies supported under the scheme?
Seed certification agencies receive support for staff salaries (up to Rs. 50.00 lakh per agency annually), travelling allowances for inspections and analysis (up to Rs. 10.00 lakh per agency), and for office automation and communication facilities (up to Rs. 50.00 lakh per agency).
What is the role of PPV&FRA within the SMSP framework?
The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) undertakes its day-to-day activities and mandated work under the PPVFR Act. The entire funding for these activities comes from the Government of India.
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