Amit Shah Reviews BBSSL’s Role in Strengthening Cooperative Agriculture

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a review meeting of Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) in New Delhi. Attendees included Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Shri Krishna Pal and Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Secretary of Cooperation Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, and senior officials. Shri Shah emphasized BBSSL’s pivotal role in realizing PM Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sehkar Se Samriddhi” by empowering farmers through the preservation and promotion of India’s traditional seeds.

Key Objectives and Targets

Expansion of Cooperative Network: Shri Shah set a target for BBSSL to connect with 20,000 additional cooperatives by 2025-26 to enhance outreach and seed distribution.

Focus on Sustainable Seeds: BBSSL was directed to prioritize seeds requiring less water and pesticides while boosting yields for small farmers and extending crop maturity periods.

Nutritional Value Assessment: Organizations like IFFCO and KRIBHCO were tasked to evaluate the nutritional quality of indigenous and hybrid seeds and make laboratories exemplary.

Production Highlights and Future Goals

Rabi 2024 Seed Production: BBSSL is cultivating certified seeds on 5,596 hectares across six states, targeting a production of 1,64,804 quintals from 49 varieties of 8 crops.

Sales Achievements: BBSSL has sold 41,773 quintals of seeds worth ₹41.50 crore, focusing on wheat, groundnut, oats, and berseem.

Ambitious Revenue Target: BBSSL aims to achieve a total turnover of ₹18,000 crore by 2032-33.

Roadmap for Seed Development

Shri Shah emphasized preparing a 10-year roadmap with regular reviews to enhance seed production and achieve strategic goals. BBSSL will leverage scientists and laboratories from government universities to advance seed research and innovation.

Summary of the news