Which one of the following best describes the main objective of Seed Village Concept?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]

(a) Encouraging the farmers to use their own farm seeds and discouraging them to buy the seeds from others

(b) Involving the farmers for training in quality seed production and thereby to make available quality seeds to others at appropriate time and affordable cost

(c) Earmarking some villages exclusively for the production of certified seeds

(d) Identifying the entrepreneurs in villages and providing them technology and finance to set up seed companies

Answer: (b)        

Explanation:

• A seed village is a village where a skilled group of farmers engage in producing seeds for various crops.
• They meet the requirements of their own community, as well as the farmers in neighboring villages, by providing them with high-quality seeds at an affordable price.
• The primary focus of seed villages is to encourage the production of superior seeds of foundation and certified seed classes.
• They achieve this by carefully selecting an area suitable for growing a specific crop and cultivating it with a single variety.