Fodder: Seed crisis | Photo credit: Nagara Gopal
The adaptation of India in food production has greatly attributed to the development of improved seeds for different crops, partly wheat and rice, their transfer to farmers and efficient coordination between development departments. However, when it comes to the fodder seed sector, India still is left behind to meet its domestic demand.
The production of quality fodder seeds has constantly decreased, from approximately 514 tons in 2015-16 to only 270 tons in 2023-24, with only a few years showing slight improvements. The seed replacement rate (SRR): the percentage of land planted with certified or quality seeds, excluding the seeds from the seeds saved to the alarmingly low farm, less than 20 percent in the fodder sector.
This decrease is mainly due to two factors: the biological challenges of the crops themselves and the problems within the seed supply chain. The biology of forage crops hinders seed production due to irregular flowering, long flowering periods and cross pollination dependence, all of which hinders the production of uniform seeds.
In addition, the seeds are small and fragile, which makes them prone to damage the harvest of doors. The genetic diversity of these crops further complicates the maintenance of pure seed lines, since cross pollination can lead to pollution and reduced purity. Seed supply chain problems include limited participation of ineffective marketing production organizations and strategies.
Regional variations
He thought, the country has progressed significantly in reducing the green fodder deficit, from the approach to -24 percent in 2010 to 11 percent today; Substantial regional and seasonal variations in the availability of forages persist. The situation remains particularly worrying in the Eastern and South regions, with the green fodder deficit reaching up to 68 percent in Jharkhand and 63 percent in Andhra Pradesh. The estimated total deficit in the territories of the Union is around 76 percent.
A well coordinated fodder seed center can address the challenges in the production of fodder seeds largely due to the production, processing and distribution of centralization, while the promotion collaboration between farmers, research institutions and other key interested parties. The seed center has proven to be a vehicle for a faster seed replacement, special in oleaginous pulses and seeds.
The Indian Pills Research Institute with headquarters in Jhansi can serve as the central node of the center, with self -help groups (SHG), farmers, NGOs and research institutions such as key interested parties.
Compromise with farmers
Another key component that needs attention is to involve farmers directly in the seed production process, including the selection of high quality fodder varieties and integrate them into a repurchase guarantee scheme. This repurchase system guarantees that the seeds produced by farmers will be purchased at a fair price. In addition, developing a solid seed market is crucial for the success of this model.
Strengthening public-private associations (PPP) in the production of fodder seeds can significantly improve the sector. It is important to keep in mind that around 500 seed companies are dedicated to the seed business, but only 15-20 private players actively participate in the fodder sector.
The introduction of minimum support prices (MSP) for fodder seeds in key crops such as Bersem and Lucene would be a significant step. With MSP instead, farmers would be encouraged to invest in the production of fodder seeds, knowing that they will receive fair compensation even if market prices fluctuate. This approach would also reduce substantial dependence on India in imported fodder seeds, particularly berseem. During the last decade, India has imported an average of around 9,000 tons or Bersem seeds annually, at a cost of approximately ₹ 109.2 million rupees each year.
Finally, strengthening the seed chain is essential to guarantee the soft flow of quality fodder seeds from production to end users. This requires developing a more efficient infrastructure, including seed processing units, storage facilities and distribution networks.
Choudhary is a scientist, Singh is head of the Seed Technology Division in Icar-iigfri, Jhansi, and Kaoushal is director of the Institute. The views are personal
Posted on April 21, 2025