Seed production and processing technologies | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Seed

• A seed is any plant part used for crop propagation, such as true seeds, seedlings, cuttings, rhizomes, grafts, roots, etc.
• From a botanical perspective, a seed is a matured integumented megasporangium or a mature ovule containing an embryonic plant along with a food reserve, all enclosed by a protective coat.
• Seed can be described as a mature integumented megasporangium, or mature ovule, consisting of an embryonic plant along with a food reserve, surrounded by a protective coat. The ovary of the carpel contains these ovules, which are also referred to as megasporangia.
• A seed is a ripened ovule or a fertilized matured ovule containing an embryo that has developed following fertilization.
• A seed is the dry dispersal unit that results from the fertilization of an ovule.
• Any part or organ of a plant that can regenerate into a new plant can be considered a seed.
• A seed serves as a propagule responsible for preserving the inherent genetic qualities of a variety or hybrid.
• It consists of an embryo, a living organism embedded in supportive and food storage tissues, and protected by a coat.
• Seed can be referred to as any propagative material.
• It is a miniature plant in its early stage of development.
• A seed is essentially a dormant plant.
• It is the generative part of a plant that has the potential to develop into a new plant.

As per Seed Act (1966) seed includes:

• Seeds of food crops, which encompass edible oil seeds and the seeds of fruits and vegetables.
• Cotton seeds.
• Seeds used for cattle fodder.
• Jute seeds.
• Seedlings, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, roots, cuttings, all types of grafts, and other vegetative propagated materials suitable for food crops or cattle fodder.

Importance of Seed in Crop Production

Seeds are a fundamental and essential element for increasing crop yields per unit of land. The significance of seeds in crop production has been recognized by humans since ancient times, as evidenced in Vedic literature, such as the Yajurveda, which includes the desire for viable seeds, abundant rains, and ripe grains.

The history of agricultural progress throughout the ages is closely tied to the development of new crops and varieties of seeds. This progress has accelerated significantly in the last three decades. The success of the Green Revolution can be attributed to the production of high-quality seeds that are not only pure but also possess other important qualities, including high yield potential, strong vitality, physical purity, and overall health. Consequently, the Green Revolution can be accurately described as a revolution in seed quality. Only seeds of guaranteed quality can be expected to respond positively to fertilizers and other inputs as anticipated; otherwise, what was once a seed of hope may lead to disappointment.

Among the various inputs used by farmers, seeds are the most cost-effective. They are a fundamental input and represent only a small portion of the overall cultivation expenses. High-quality seeds also enhance the efficiency of crop production factors.

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Difference between Seed and Grain

The difference between seed and grain is given as below:

Definition of Seed technology

Cowan (1973): Defined as “That discipline of study having to do with seed production, maintenance, quantity and preservation

Feistritzer (1975): Defined seed technology as the method through which the genetic and physical characteristic of seeds could be improved. It involves such activities as variety development, evaluation and release seed production, seed processing, seed storage, seed testing, seed certification, seed quality control, seed marketing etc.

Nature

It is a multidisciplinary science encompassing a range of disciplines such as:

• The creation of enhanced seed varieties.
• Assessment and examination.
• Introduction or approval for use.
• Growing and cultivation.
• Handling and preparation.
• Preservation and conservation.
• Examination and analysis.
• Certification and the control of quality.
• Conservation and safekeeping.
• Sales and distribution.
• The study of seed diseases.
• The study of insects related to seeds.
• The exploration of seed functions.
• The investigation of seed environments.

Scope

• India, being a vast nation with diverse soils and various agro-climatic regions, enjoys the advantage of being able to cultivate crops year-round. While most seed crops are typically grown during the Kharif season, the quality of seeds produced in the Rabi season, especially for vegetable crops, tends to be superior. Indian farmers have the flexibility to employ multiple cropping systems, allowing them to cultivate a variety of crops, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and fiber crops, across all three seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and summer.
• Recognizing the progress in agriculture, the Indian government acknowledged the need to establish Seed Technology departments in Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutes across the country. This initiative was taken following the recommendations and advice provided by the National Commission on Agriculture.
  The primary objectives of introducing the Seed Technology departments were as follows:
  • To offer courses in seed technology to educate individuals in this field.
  • To conduct research in areas related to seed production, processing, and testing.
  • To enhance research in seed technology.
  • To provide training to individuals engaged in seed production, processing, testing, and related activities.

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Role of Seed Technology

According to Feistritzer's observations in 1975, improved seeds serve several crucial roles:

• As a Catalyst for New Technologies: The introduction of high-quality seeds of new varieties, when combined with other inputs, has significantly increased crop yields. For instance, in the United States and Central Europe, cereals saw yield increases of up to 112%, while potato yields improved by 24%, and sugar beet yields by 142%. In India, the cultivation of high-yielding varieties has played a pivotal role in increasing food production from 52 million tons in 1947 to nearly 200 million tons in 2000-2001.
• As a Fundamental Tool for Ensuring Food Security: The successful implementation of high-yield variety programs in India has led to a remarkable increase in food production. Consequently, the need for food imports from other countries has significantly decreased, even in the face of rapid population growth.
• As the Primary Means to Enhance Crop Yields in Less Favorable Regions: The provision of high-quality seeds of improved varieties suitable for challenging production areas is crucial. Seed technology can swiftly contribute to increasing crop yields in these regions.

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Goals of Seed Technology

The primary role of seed technology is to enhance agricultural production by facilitating the widespread availability of high-quality seeds of high-yielding varieties.

• Accelerated Propagation: Boosting agricultural production by swiftly disseminating newly developed (released) varieties created by plant breeders.
• Punctual Supply: Ensuring that improved seeds of new varieties are readily accessible in a timely manner, allowing farmers to plan their planting schedules without disruptions. This enables them to use quality seeds for planting purposes.
• Guaranteed Seed Quality: It is crucial to ensure that the quality of seeds is of a high standard to realize the expected benefits from the use of improved varieties.
• Affordable Pricing: The cost of high-quality seeds should be reasonable and affordable for the average farmer.