Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Dialogue on “Future of Pulses and Legumes Seed Systems in India”
India is one of the largest producers and consumers of pulses and legumes globally, playing a critical role in ensuring food security and nutrition for the population. However, the seed systems for these vital crops remain underdeveloped and fragmented. The public sector has historically driven seed distribution and subsidy programs, aiming to provide farmers with access to improved seed varieties. Despite these efforts, the current seed systems for pulses and legumes lack a robust commercial value chain, primarily due to limited participation from the private sector. The existing public sector seed distribution programs find it challenging to meet the diverse needs of farmers, particularly in terms of access to newly released varieties. Many farmers, especially those in remote areas, struggle to obtain high-quality seeds on a regular basis. The lack of commercial viability in the pulses and legume seed market has discouraged private-sector investment. Existing policies may not adequately address the complexities of seed systems for pulses and legumes, leading to a disconnect between demand and supply of seeds.
Rationale for the Policy Dialogue
Given the ambitious goal of the Indian government to reduce imports of pulses and legumes through diversification, it is imperative to address the systemic challenges within the seed systems. A policy dialogue that brings together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, policymakers, storage companies, and seed systems specialists is essential to unravel the complexities of the current situation.
In this context, ICRISAT, in collaboration with CRISP, is organizing a Policy Dialogue on " Future of Pulses and Legumes Seed Systems in India " at its headquarters in Hyderabad on November 8, 2024 with the aim to:
Facilitate discussions to identify gaps in the current seed systems, including barriers to private sector participation and farmer access to improved varieties.
Highlight innovative approaches and successful models from other regions or sectors that could be adapted to the Indian context to enhance seed systems for pulses and legumes.
Foster collaboration among stakeholders to develop a roadmap that addresses the challenges identified, focusing on creating a more inclusive and responsive seed system.
Generate actionable recommendations for policymakers that can lead to the transformation of seed systems, ensuring that farmers have consistent access to improved and resilient seed varieties.
Ensure that the proposed solutions contribute to the sustainability of pulse and legume production, enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change.
The proposed policy dialogue on seed systems of pulses and legumes in India represents a critical opportunity to address the systemic challenges that have hindered the development of a robust seed sector. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the dialogue aims to create a shared vision for transforming seed systems, ultimately contributing to the government’s goal of reducing imports and enhancing food security.