Review Paper:
Sustaining agricultural
productivity by increasing seed replacement rate: Current challenges and the way
forward
Balkrishna Acharya, Banerjee Srimoyee and Arya Vedpriya
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences and
Veterinary Medicine;
Vol. 12(1); 23-33;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/1201ijasvm023033; (2024)
Abstract
India is an agriculture-based Nation with a majority of the workforce involved in
it. Agriculture in India contributes about 19% to the gross value added to the Indian
economy. Seeds are considered to be the heart of agriculture and play about 15-20%
role in determining productivity. In order to sustain productivity to feed the growing
population, the use of certified seeds determined by the seed replacement rate can
give good yields in the current scenario of climate change. The current constraints
affecting the seed replacement rate and strategies that may be implemented for tackling
them, have been discussed.
In the Indian context, an integrated solution through digital intervention is of
utmost importance and a platform as such has been proposed. Improved agricultural
extension, reachability, inclusive policies and a competitive seed market are the
key highlights of such a platform. A balanced and coordinated approach between private
and public sectors is key to improving seed replacement rates and sustaining productivity
to feed the huge Indian population.
