Indian regulatory system of spices varietal testing, release and notification: Issues and strategies

Abstract

In India, new improved varieties of spices are developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research and AICRPS (All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Spices) involving State Agricultural Universities. Identification of superior genotypes by Plant Breeder can benefit the public only if it is offered for commercial multiplication. It is therefore, necessary to maintain a system where quantities of promising genotype are made available for commercial production. This process is referred to as release of the varieties. The purpose of release system is to introduce newly evolved varieties to the public for general cultivation in the regions in which it is suitable. Quality planting material of released varieties is a key component among all inputs for sustainable spices production. It is estimated that quality of seed/planting material accounts for 20-25% of productivity. The quality planting material should be made available to the farmers in time and in sufficient quantity at reasonable prices. The public sector research and development institutions involved in varietal development and seed multiplication in spices needs to be strengthened so as to provide good quality seeds to the farmers at reasonable cost. Seed laws are to be channelized to ensure supply of quality planting materials. The collaboration of both public and private sector may obviously help in quality planting material production in India. An improved understanding of farmers’ motivations to use (or not use) quality planting material from formal sector sources is one step towards better designed interventions for the improvement of spices crops and seed systems