What happened: BBSSL set up as an apex cooperative seed agency
The Ministry of Cooperation established Bhartiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002 to function as an apex organization for quality seeds. BBSSL is assigned end-to-end responsibilities covering production, procurement, processing, branding, labelling, packaging, storage, marketing, distribution, and strategic research and development of quality seeds.
The government statement, delivered in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, describes BBSSL as a structure meant to support a farmer-centric seed system through a cooperative-led approach. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah stated these points.
BBSSL’s reported market rollout and production scale
BBSSL reported introduction of seeds under the “Bharat Beej” brand for distribution. The government statement reports the following market and production indicators:
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