Recently, the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, inaugurated National Seeds Corporation’s state-of-the-art seed processing plant at Pusa Complex, New Delhi.

About National Seeds Corporation       
The National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSC) is a crucial organization in the agricultural sector of India.
Here is a breakdown of its structure, mandate, and functions:
1. Overview and Status

• Establishment: Founded in March 1963 by the Government of India.
• Status: It is a Schedule 'B' – Mini Ratna Category-I Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU).
• Ownership & Ministry: Fully owned by the Government of India and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

2. Primary Mandate
The NSC's primary objective is to develop the seed industry in India and ensure the timely availability of high-quality, certified seeds of improved crop varieties to farmers across the country. It was instrumental in promoting the use of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds during and after the Green Revolution.

3. Key Functions and Roles
The corporation is involved in the entire seed supply chain:

• Seed Production: It undertakes the production of Foundation and Certified seeds of nearly 600 varieties of 60 crops (including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, etc.) through its own farms and a network of registered seed growers.
• Quality Assurance: It maintains a strict quality control system, ensuring that all seeds meet the prescribed standards for purity, germination, and health.
• Processing and Storage: It manages the processing, cleaning, drying, and scientific storage of seeds, often operating large seed processing plants.
• Distribution and Marketing: It maintains an extensive distribution network across India, using regional and area offices, dealers, cooperatives, and now also online platforms (like the ONDC).
• Government Scheme Implementation: NSC plays a key role in implementing various central government agricultural schemes, such as the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
• Technical Support and Training: It provides technical support and consultancy services to other seed-producing agencies, including State Seed Corporations and farmers, on various aspects of seed technology and management.

In essence, NSC's role is not just commercial, but is integral to food security and the overall self-reliance of the Indian agricultural system.

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