Seed stocks sufficient for Kharif, but timely delivery to farmers remains key: FSII

New Delhi: India has adequate seed stocks to meet the demand for the ongoing kharif sowing season, but ensuring timely delivery to farmers, particularly in regions witnessing delayed monsoon, will be crucial for maintaining crop acreage, the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) has said. According to the industry body, certified seed availability for the current kharif season stands at 192.43 lakh quintals, comfortably exceeding the estimated national requirement of around 173 lakh quintals. The surplus is expected to provide a buffer in case farmers need to undertake re-sowing due to erratic rainfall. FSII said seed companies have built comfortable inventories following a healthy production season and have maintained an additional 20-30% buffer stock for major kharif crops. These reserves are intended to meet any sudden increase in demand arising from delayed monsoon or adverse weather conditions. FSII Chairman Ajai Rana said seed availability is not expected to be a concern this season. Instead, the industry's immediate priority is strengthening last-mile distribution so that quality seeds reach farmers within the narrow sowing window, especially in rain-fed areas where monsoon progress has been uneven. The industry estimates that nearly 75% of farmers have already purchased seeds for the ongoing kharif...