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This mission under Krishonnati Yojana aims to improve the availability and quality of seeds and planting materials Read More... for farmers, boosting agricultural productivity and income. Read less

Details

The Indian government, through the 'Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana,' has launched the Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP). This initiative is designed to give a major push to agriculture by ensuring farmers have access to high-quality seeds and planting materials. It's part of a larger umbrella scheme aimed at developing the agricultural sector holistically and scientifically, with the ultimate goal of increasing farmers' income through better production and higher returns.

What Is This Scheme?

The Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP) is a key component of the 'Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana.' It focuses specifically on improving various aspects of seed production, quality, and distribution across the country. The mission works to enhance seed replacement rates, upgrade farm-saved seeds, and promote modern techniques in seed processing and testing. It also aims to strengthen the infrastructure needed for seed production and quality control.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The SMSP is primarily aimed at supporting farmers, particularly small and marginal ones, by providing them with better quality seeds. It also extends support to public and private seed-producing organizations, seed certification agencies, and research institutions involved in developing and disseminating improved seed varieties.

Why This Scheme Is Important

High-quality seeds are the foundation of good agricultural yield. By focusing on improving seed quality, increasing the seed replacement rate, and promoting advanced technologies, the SMSP plays a crucial role in enhancing crop productivity, ensuring food security, and ultimately improving the economic well-being of farmers. It also helps in adapting to new crop varieties and meeting international standards for seed trade.

Objective

This mission under Krishonnati Yojana aims to improve the availability and quality of seeds and planting materials for farmers, boosting agricultural productivity and income.

Benefits

Stipend

₹4,000 per month (up to a maximum of 12 months)

Interview Incentive

₹15,000 for students who clear the mains stage of Central/State Civil Services (Class I & II)

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

All financial benefits (stipend & fees) are transferred directly to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account

Course Fee Coverage are as follows:

CourseMaximum Total Course Fee in RupeesMinimum and maximum duration of course in monthsCivil Services Exam by UPSC/SPSCs₹75,000/-12 monthsSSC/RRB₹40,000/-6 months - 9 monthsBanking/Insurance/ PSU/CLAT₹50,000/-6 months - 9 monthsJEE/NEET₹75,000/-9 months - 12 monthsIES₹75,000/-9 months - 12 monthsCAT /CMAT₹50,000/-6 months - 9 monthsGRE/GMAT/SAT/ IELTS/TOFEL₹35,000/-3 months - 6 monthsCA-CPT/GATE₹75,000/-9 months - 12 monthsCPL Courses₹30,000/-6 months - 9 monthsNDA/CDS₹20,000/-3 months - 4 months

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

To benefit from certain components of the Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP), especially those directly aimed at farmers:

Applicants must be identified as Small or Marginal Farmers.

Note: Specific eligibility criteria may vary for different interventions targeting organizations, agencies, and private sector entities, as detailed under the respective components.

How To Apply

Farmers interested in availing benefits under the farmer-centric components of the SMSP can typically apply through an offline process. The general procedure involves:

Visit your local agricultural office. This could be the District Agriculture Officer or the Agriculture Development Officer.
Inquire about the specific SMSP component you wish to apply for.
Obtain the necessary application form.
Fill out the form completely and accurately.
Submit the filled form along with all the required documents to the designated officer.

For other components involving public sector undertakings, private companies, or research institutions, the application process might be different and may involve direct proposals to the relevant ministry or department.

Documents Required

For farmers applying under the Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP), the following documents are generally required:

A copy of your farmer's B1 khasra or loan book.
Your Aadhaar Number.
A copy of your Bank Passbook.

It is advisable to check with the local agriculture office for any additional documents that might be needed for specific interventions.

FAQ’s

What kind of financial help is available for setting up seed storage facilities under this mission?

The government fully funds seed storage facilities under this mission. This includes the costs for construction, electrification, compound walls, and purchasing necessary handling equipment, ensuring seeds are stored safely.

How does the Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP) help in international seed trade?

SMSP aims to boost India's presence in the global seed market. It plans to increase India's share in international seed trade to 10% by the year 2020, as envisioned in the new seed development policy, by improving quality and meeting international standards.

Can you tell me about the support provided for seed treatment under this scheme?

Yes, financial aid is available for seed treatment, covering up to 75% of the cost. The funding pattern is 75% from the GOI and 25% from the state, with a maximum central assistance limit.

What is the pattern of funding for research and development (R&D) activities within SMSP?

Projects related to R&D, contract research, or acquiring new varietal technologies receive 60% of their funding from the GOI, with the remaining 40% to be contributed by the state. This support can go up to Rs. 1.15 crore per project.

Who is considered eligible to benefit from the Krishonnati Yojana - Sub Mission On Seed And Planting Material (SMSP)?

The scheme is open to small and marginal farmers. Specific eligibility may also apply to various organizations and agencies involved in the seed sector for different components of the mission.

What documents do farmers need to submit when applying for benefits under SMSP?

Farmers typically need to provide 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.

What are the funding arrangements for supporting seed certification agencies?

For seed certification agencies, the funding pattern is 25% GOI and 75% state share. This covers staff salaries, travelling allowances, and office automation costs.

How does the National Seed Reserve program work under this mission?

The National Seed Reserve program ensures seed availability during emergencies. It includes financial assistance for procuring seeds (as a revolving fund), covering maintenance and storage costs, and setting up necessary infrastructure. Funds are also provided for material handling equipment and machinery.

What financial assistance is offered for applying biotechnology in agriculture through SMSP?

SMSP provides substantial financial aid for biotechnology applications. Up to Rs. 2.50 crores can be provided for establishing new Tissue Culture Units, and up to Rs. 20 lakh is available for upgrading or rehabilitating existing tissue culture laboratories.

What is the process for farmers to apply for benefits under the SMSP?

Farmers can apply offline by submitting the required documents to their local District Agriculture Officer or Agriculture Development Officer. It's best to visit the local office to get the correct application form and details.

What support is available for private companies looking to increase seed production?

Private companies can receive credit-linked back-ended subsidies. This subsidy can be up to 40% of the capital cost in general areas and 50% in hilly and scheduled areas, with a maximum limit of Rs 150 lakhs per project. Assistance for R&D is also provided.

How is the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) supported under this scheme?

The PPV&FRA is fully funded by the GOI. Funds are allocated to enable it to carry out its daily operations and fulfill its responsibilities as mandated by the PPVFR Act.

What are the main components of SMSP related to seed quality and testing?

The scheme focuses on strengthening seed quality control through better seed testing laboratories, improving Grow Out Test (GOT) facilities, and supporting seed certification agencies. It also includes initiatives for seed villages and promoting certified seed production.