Question

National seed corporation was established in ________________

• A. 1966
• B. 1992
• C. 1982
• D. 1963

Hint:

Remember the seed sector timeline in India: 1963 (NSC established) \(\rightarrow\) 1966 (Seed Act passed) \(\rightarrow\) 1968 (Seed Rules formulated) \(\rightarrow\) 1969 (State Farms Corporation of India established).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The development of a robust seed industry is essential for agricultural growth and food security.
To produce and distribute high-quality certified seeds, the Government of India established specialized public sector undertakings in the 1960s.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The National Seeds Corporation (NSC) is a Schedule-B, Mini-Ratna Category-I public sector undertaking.
It was established in March 1963 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The primary objectives of the NSC include:
- Producing foundation and certified seeds for a wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops.
- Establishing seed processing plants and quality control laboratories across the country.
- Maintaining buffer stocks of seeds to meet requirements during natural calamities or emergencies.
- Assisting state governments and seed agencies in developing seed production infrastructure.
Other years listed represent different agricultural milestones:
- 1966: The year the Seed Act was passed in India.
- 1982: The year Nabard (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) was established.
- 1992: The year the Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC) was created.
Therefore, the National Seeds Corporation was established in 1963.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The National Seed Corporation was established in the year 1963.