Question: On 2nd June 2021 which ministry has launched Seed Minikit Programme to provide high-yielding varieties seeds of oilseeds and pulses to farmers?
a) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare
b) Ministry of Commerce
c) Ministry of Science and Technology
d) None of the above
Ans: a
Context
- On 2nd June 2021 Union Agriculture Minster Sh. Narendra Singh Tomar launched Seed Minikit Programme.
Facts
- The programme is launched to provide high yielding variety of seeds of oilseed and pulses to farmers to increase the production of oilseeds and pulses in the country.
- Seed Minikit Programme is considered as a major tool for introducing new varieties of seeds in the farmers fields and is instrumental for increasing the seed replacement rate.
- The mini kits are being provided by the Central Agencies National Seeds Corporation (NCS), NAFED and Gujarat State Seeds Corporation.
- Government of India through the National Food Security Mission is funding the mission.
- The distribution of seeds will continue till 15th June 2021 so that the seeds reach the farmers before the Kharif sowing commences.
Pulses and oilseed production in India
- Central government in collaboration with states has been implementing various activities to enhance production and productivity of pulses and oilseeds under the National Food Security Mission.
- Oilseeds production has increased from 27.51 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 36.57 million tonnes in 2020-21 (3rd advance estimates), while pulses production has increased from 17.15 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 25.56 million tonnes in 2020-21 ( 3rd advance estimates).
- Government has formulated strategies to increase production through area expansion, productivity through HYVs, MSP support and procurement.
By kameshwar shukla
Reference: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1723864