The Union Agriculture Minister recently inaugurated a state‑of‑the‑art seed processing and packaging unit of the National Seeds Corporation (NSC) in New Delhi, marking a significant step towards enhancing the supply of high‑quality seeds for farmers. The inauguration underscores the government’s emphasis on quality inputs in agriculture and strengthening seed infrastructure.
Key Highlights of the Inauguration
- The processing unit is located at the Pusa Complex in New Delhi and is specifically designed for vegetable and flower seeds, with a capacity of 1 tonne per hour.
- Alongside the New Delhi unit, five additional NSC plants (in Bareilly, Dharwad, Hassan, Suratgarh and Raichur) were inaugurated virtually, each having a processing capacity of 4 tonnes per hour.
The event also saw the launch of digital initiatives by NSC, including,
- The “Seed Management 2.0” system.
- An online seed‑booking platform for farmers to order their seed requirements.
About NSC (National Seeds Corporation) and Its Role
- The National Seeds Corporation (NSC) is a key public sector enterprise in India functioning under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
- It was established in 1963, and is tasked with the production, processing and distribution of certified quality seeds, as well as maintaining genetic purity of foundation and breeder seeds.
- Being headquartered in New Delhi and operating nationwide, NSC has a mandate to ensure availability of high‑quality seeds across crops and to support agricultural growth.
Significance of the New Facility
- Improved seed processing capacity: With advanced capacity in multiple locations, NSC can cater to increased demand and serve diverse geographies.
- Quality assurance & farmer trust: Through modern processing and digital booking, the risk of spurious or substandard seeds can be reduced, thereby instilling greater confidence among farmers.
- Support for high‑value crops: The vegetable and flower seed unit highlights a focus on horticulture and allied sectors, which are high‑growth areas in Indian agriculture.
- Integration of digital systems: Online booking and management systems make seed supply more transparent and accessible—a major benefit for small farmers in remote areas.
- Aligns with government objectives: The inauguration aligns with broader goals such as ‘Seed Security’, strengthening input systems, and promoting efficient agricultural supply chains.