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Govt updates mission to improve seed production, transparency, subsidies, soil health, and promote traditional seed varieties for farmers.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan announced significant updates to the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission on February 11, 2025. The new changes aim to benefit farmers through increased subsidies and improved seed production and distribution systems.
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One of the main updates is the promotion of traditional and native seed varieties. These varieties will be identified, cataloged, geotagged, and marketed to ensure wider usage. The government also plans to enhance the production and marketability of these seeds.
To support farmers at the grassroots, seed processing and storage units will be set up at the Panchayat level. These units will help with seed cleaning, grading, packaging, and storage, ensuring easier access for local farmers.
The National Food Security and Nutrition Mission has been integrated with the Krishi Samvardhan Yojana and the Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP) Sub-Mission.
The mission will focus on increasing the production of key staple crops such as rice, wheat, pulses, maize, barley, and nutri-cereals (SRI-Anna).
Efforts will be made to enhance soil health, improve farm profitability, and strengthen market linkages for better price realization.
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The revised guidelines aim to improve the Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) and Variety Replacement Rate (VRR), ensuring farmers have access to better-quality seeds.
The scheme will be monitored digitally using platforms like Krishi Mapper and Saathi Portal to ensure transparency and efficient implementation.
The government has approved higher subsidies under key components, including the demonstration of new varieties, certified seed production, and certified seed distribution.
The updated guidelines prioritize climate-friendly, bio-fortified, and high-yielding seed varieties to ensure sustainable agricultural growth.
The SMSP component has been revived to establish more seed processing and storage units at the Gram Panchayat level. These units will help farmers access locally processed seeds more easily.
New methods for potato seed production have been introduced, along with increased support for government agencies involved in seed production, certification, and testing.
Union Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi and other senior officials were present at the meeting to oversee the implementation of these reforms for the benefit of farmers.
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The revised National Food Security Mission focuses on improving seed production, promoting traditional varieties, enhancing soil fertility, and boosting subsidies for farmers. With digital monitoring and Panchayat-level seed units, the changes aim to ensure transparency, sustainable agriculture, and better market access, ultimately enhancing farm profitability and securing farmers' livelihoods.