Problems to the seed sectors and it’s solutions in the present scenario of COVID-19

Introduction

A seed is a fertilized matured ovule covered with a seed coat and is a part of propagating material. The seed is vital for crop production and it is a better way to increase productivity.

The seed industry is truly globalized: a seed may cross several oceans, borders, countries, being produced, processed, packaged before reaching the field of a farmer. High-quality seeds are the major inputs that drive improvements in agricultural productivity which alone contributes a 15-20% increase in output levels. The production and marketing of seed are done by around 20 private seed companies which contribute around 27% of the country’s seed production. Global health issue covid-19 has the potential to seriously affect the production certification, distribution, and cost of seeds which play a pivotal role in agricultural sectors. A seed is a key component to support our food system ensuring food security and nutrition of the people worldwide.

Why is covid-19 being a hurdle in the seed sector?

Before covid-19 hit the world, the problems encountered in the seed sectors were lack of promotion and advertising campaigns, lack of research, and varieties development. Amongst this pandemic, several restrictions on the movement of seed from country to country and within a place to place to ensure less spread of the virus have put forth a situation of the downfall of economy and conditions of food insecurity. Most particularly developing countries like ours have been especially hit hard by the economic downturn as we are mostly reliant on agriculture as a main source of economy. We were privileged with good quality seeds whenever and wherever required but this situation of the pandemic has created a shortage of seeds because the seeds produced in the farmer’s field are not getting proper access to transport and dissemination, if any, they are being blocked and kept for inspection which is only causing further delay.

The price of transportation has hiked after the pandemic struck, so the cost of transportation is added to the seed’s price making the seeds more expensive to purchase and not everyone can afford it. So, this is also an obstacle in the seed access. The governments of different countries are at least trying to keep open trading due to which food grains and seeds can be exchanged, but in developing countries like ours, high-quality seeds of preferred varieties are least produced and mostly imported, any blockade in imports can adversely affect the production trend of crops as we are compelled to use of local seeds without any authentic knowledge on seed quality. Several community seed banks are running out of stocks. In this terrifying situation where social distancing is a must, people are gathering without taking necessary health precautions to ask for seeds due to which the seed providers hesitate to keep the seed banks open which is hampering seed availability. The cost of flights is really expensive which is why shipping cost added, the price of seeds become expensive.

 Following solutions can be put into action in the present scenario of COVID-19 pandemic:

To overcome any problem, a proper plan and its implementation are very crucial. Some solutions that can trigger the well being of seed sectors can be investments for research over plant breeding, seed production sectors, seed trade, government efforts towards providing enough subsidies, recruiting trained manpower. The national-level program should be conducted in the seed sectors by the informal system. Encouraging farmers by providing them knowledge about the quality of seeds so that they can distinguish between good and bad ones. Encouraging international trade and collaborate with international companies. Breeders should be encouraged and provided with appropriate infrastructures and laboratories to produce quality seeds. Storing facilities should be made available. Access to safe and sanitized healthy seed stocks in agriculture. Encouraging poly houses and off-season farming.

Conclusion:

Uncertain times like these have caused many problems but also taught us many lessons, made us realize how important farmers are, and food is the basic requirement for our well being which encouraged everyone to grow their food during this pandemic. However we faced several problems, especially the economically challenged one is the availability of seeds, such problems can be eradicated through the proper implementation of the above-mentioned strategies which may arise in seed sectors.