National Seed Association of India (NSAI) Chairman Uday Singh declined to be dragged into the controversy over BT Brinjal, the commercial introduction of which was facing severe opposition from more than nine states, including Karnataka.

Replying to a question at a press conference convened to announce first-ever Indian Seed Congress to be held in the city on February 12 and 13, he said ‘The Association’s aim was to protect the interests of the farmers, but at the same time it is not averse to scientific developments.’ When persisted for an definite answer by the Association, Mr Singh said there was shortage of seeds in the country and it was estimated that the country may face foodgrains shortage of 14 million tons by 2017 to feed an estimated population of 1.3 billion by 2017. We believe in the law of land.’ He said India was growing at 12 per cent but agriculture growth had become stagnant at two per cent for the last six years. There was a need to give a boost to food production.

About spurious seeds, which often led farmers to commit suicide, Mr Singh said the rate of spurious seeds has come down with more number of seed production companies coming into existence.

At present there are 300 companies involved in seed production in the country.

UNI