What do you understand by seed Replacement Rate? Despite of a plethora of Government and Private Agencies developing certified seeds in the country, why India suffers from dismal Seed Replacement Ratio? Examine.

Hint: Seed Replacement Ratio denotes how much of the total cropped area was sown with certified seeds in comparison to farm saved seeds. It also denotes actual quality seed distributed to farmers vis-a-vis actual seed required for cultivation of crops.
Due to huge demand supply gap, India suffers from a dismal seed Replacement Ratio. The public sector was limited to produce quality seeds of only low value food grain crops; while private sector since it was allowed to enter into market has focused on high value crops. Further, since wheat and rice are self pollinating crops; the entire R&D efforts can pass on to farmers who can save the progenies of these plants as farm saved seeds.

Topics: GS-III: Issues Related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices