Rice Seeds Availability in India and BangladeshFarmers� Perspective

Suresh P Singh*Nitesh Kumar**

IntroductionSeed is one of the most important inputs forsustainable crop production. Quality of seeds isintrinsically linked to crop yield and production,implying better the quality of seeds, better the yield.This is true for all crops, including rice, and for allregions, including SouthAsia, particularly Bangladeshand India.

Both Bangladesh and India over the last two decadeshave realised significant improvement in availabilityand accessibility of quality rice seeds, particularly highyielding varieties (HYVs). This translated intoincreased rice production in the two countries. Whilerice production in Bangladesh increased from about 18million tonnes in 1990-91 to nearly 35 million tonnesin 2011-12; production in India increased from 74million tonnes in 1990-91 to 105 million tonnes fromto 2013-14.

No. 4/2014

* Policy Analyst, CUTS International (sps@cuts.org)** Research Assistant, CUTS International (nk@cuts.org)

The situation with regard to local production of riceseeds has also improved, though not at the requiredpace. Seed replacement rate (SRR) in both thecountries (in the range of 40-50 per cent) continues tobe low, and farmers� saved rice seeds remain a majorsource of availability. Besides, there are several issuesand challenges faced by farmers in accessing goodquality seeds.

This Briefing Paper seeks to present the perspectivesof farmers with regard to availability and accessibilityof rice seeds in the two countries. Its findings andrecommendations are primarily drawn from the report�Rice Seeds:AStudy ofAvailability andAccessibility inBangladesh and India�.1 The Paper briefly outlines themethodology and perspective of farmers in four Indianstates (Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal) ispresented. It presents perspectives of Bangladeshifarmers and delineates issues influencing informaltrade in HYV rice seeds between India and Bangladeshand associated factors.

Farmers are most important stakeholders in rice seeds supply chain. It is, therefore, of criticalimportance that their views and perspectives with regard to availability and accessibility is properlyunderstood by other stakeholders, including government officials, seed producers and dealers. ThisBriefing Paper presents the perspective of farmers and their preferences in Bangladesh and Indiawith regard to availability and accessibility of rice seeds.

The paper reveals that lack of availability of good quality rice seeds at the local level isinducing farmers to opt for seeds informally traded between Bangladesh and India. What is more,farmers in India find some of the Bangladeshi variety seeds more suitable and adaptable to localconditions. This also holds true for farmers in Bangladesh. It recommend measures to formalise riceseeds trade and knowledge sharing between two countries.

�I am selling Swarna variety for last 10 years, and I have never received any complaintsrelating to yield or seed quality. Farmers are highly satisfied with the yield and adaptability of

Swarna in local conditions�.A seed dealer in Benapole, Bangladesh

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BiharBihar has a regime of subsidised seeds � theGovernment of Bihar provide subsidy on HYV riceseeds to farmers. This, however, has not translatedinto much gain for farmers. Farmers in Bihar use amix up of HYV, hybrid and traditional varieties.Amajority of them are using farmers� saved seeds,which include both improved and traditional varieties.On an average about one-third of farmers purchasesHYVs of rice seeds every year. Interactions withfarmers reveal that over the last few years, use ofhybrid seeds has picked up. This is primarily becauseof higher expected yields.

Lack of awareness with regard to adaptability ofimproved variety of seeds is a common issueobserved in all areas where FGDs were conducted.Farmers usually accept seeds as available in themarket. Further, instances of adulteration of certifiedseed is also observed.

It is observed that Bihar is not self-sufficient inproduction of HYV seeds in line with changingdemand. West Bengal and to some extent Maharashtraare major sources of seeds for the select districts(Katihar, Kishanganj and Purnea). Seeds are mainlybrought through private seed companies and dealers.This is mainly because all three districts are adjacentmarkets and low price of seeds is brought from WestBengal. Flow and use of both notified and non-notifiedvarieties are reported.

JharkhandDemand and preference of variety seeds vary amongfarmers across the state. A distinct pattern is observedin adiwasi community in comparison to non-adiwasicommunities. The level of awareness on suitable andadaptable HYV variety seeds in Adiwasis community isvery low and farmers mostly use desi (traditional)varieties of rice seeds. Rice seed replacement rate isalso very low in this community. This is despite thefact that farmers of this community purchase seeds ofother crops from the market. This is in sharp contrastto some other areas (non-adiwasis), where awarenesson variety rice seeds is quite impressive.

Distance and low purchasing power are otherimportant factors that determine access to qualityseeds. It is observed that the farmers at manylocations need to travel a long distance (12km) for thepurchase improved quality variety seeds. Farmersoften exchange traditional varieties within thecommunity.

MethodologyThe Paper relies on the data and inputs from researchteams� interactions with stakeholders under theproject,2 primarily farmers, seed producers andtraders, research institutions, government officials,non-government and community-based organisations.While farmers� perception on availability andaccessibility to HYV seed is secured through farmersfocussed group discussions (FGDs), views of otherstakeholders were gathered through direct interactionand interviews.

Altogether, 15 farmers� FGDs were organised (threein each select state in eastern India and three inBangladesh). FGDs inWest Bengal and Bangladeshwere mainly confined to border areas, where therewere indications of informal trade (see Box 1).

Besides, several interviews and interactions with otherstakeholders were also organised. In addition, inputswere also gathered through several workshops andmedia interactions � at state and national levels �organised under the project.

Farmers� Perspective on Rice Seeds�AvailabilityIn India, rice seed varieties used by farmers varyfrom one state to another and even in the same statefrom one area to another. Findings and observationsfrom the FGDs conducted with farmers in severalplaces in the four states � Bihar, Jharkhand, Odishaand West Bengal � clearly demonstrate and reinforcesthis argument. The demand of rice seeds varietiesused by farmers depends on the level of their income,irrigation facility and also the availability of varieties inlocal market. State-wise variations in demand for riceseeds is delineated below.

Box 1: Areas covered under the project

State/country Areasselected

Bangladesh Jessore, Dinajpur, Nawabganj

Bihar Bhojpur, Kishanganj, Purnea

Jharkhand Ranchi, Gumla, West Singhbhoom

Odisha Bhadrak, Puri, Dhenkanal

West Bengal Dakshin Dinajpur, Burdmaan,CoochBehar

Source: Rice Seeds: A Study of Availability andAccessibility in Bangladesh and India

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Farmers in the state purchase HYV rice seeds fromLAMPS (LargeArea Multi-purpose Society) a semigovernment registered marketing agency. The existingsystem is found to be deficient in many respects. Itwas reported by farmers that when they purchaseseeds, LAMPS do not provide them any receipt. Thisis a common practice being followed by all the fourLAMPS in the covered block. In such cases, farmersfind it difficult to lodge complaint when they find thequality of seeds not so good. Further, many timesfarmers fail to procure required variety and quantity ofseeds as dealers do not inform them about arrival ofseeds. In such a scenario, farmers are forced to usesaved seeds or exchanged seeds.

Naveen, a subsidised variety in Odisha, is a majorvariety used by a large number of farmers in the state.This seed is informally brought into Jharkhand fromOdisha and is black marketed. This arises because ofrestrictions on the state seed growers to procureBreeder/Foundation seed from outside the state.

OdishaTwo major bottlenecks in seed production in the statearise from the fact that seed certification agencies areunderstaffed and have inadequate seed certificationinfrastructure. In many areas awareness about varietyrice seeds is found to be quite low. This is especiallytrue in coastal areas � small and marginal farmers,constituting about 82 per cent of all farmers, are notusing modern varieties. Many small and marginalfarmers have not replaced Swarna variety for about 15years. Farmers� saved seeds appear to be the mostimportant source of HYV rice seeds at 57 per cent;the government provides 31 per cent; 12 per centcomes from other sources.

In Odisha, rice seed farming is very common amongthe farming community. This is mainly because ofhigh profitability associated with rice seed farming. Itis indicated that farmers have adequate knowledge andhave undergone training on rice seed faming. Some ofthe rice seeds growers indicate that they are engagedin rice seed farming for long period and some of themgrow rice seed in both season, i.e. Kharif and Rabi.Swarna is one of the most important rice seedsvarieties grown by the most of the seeds growers.

All the seed growers in the village are the registeredseed growers with Odisha State Seeds Corporation(OSSC). After harvest the produce is taken to theprocessing unit of OSSC which is about 20 km fromsome villages. However, distance varies from villageto village. Transport cost is borne by the farmersthemselves. The initial payment for seed is made

within a month which is roughly 60 per cent of thetotal price of seeds procured by the OSSC. Rest isgiven within a period of 6-8 months. However, majorproblem with OSSC is ceiling for procuring rice seedwhich was roughly 60-70 per cent of the threshingfloor certificate. This result in good quality rice seed,which should have been sold as seed, is consumed bythe farmers or sold in the market as grain.

West BengalIn West Bengal, it is noted by farmers that some of thevery important seeds have completely gone out ofproduction and use. These include Jaya, Vijaya andRatna. Current varieties of seeds available in themarket do not give good yields. Farmers have badexperience of Swarna variety of rice seeds becausemany of low yields. This might be because of non-suitability of Swarna varieties to soil inWest Bengal forparticular types of land.

Farmers� buy Swarna at about Rs 40 per kg.Sometimes farmers purchase seeds at three time�shigher price. Many of the farmers pointed out that noreceipt on purchase of seeds is given by the sellers andfarmers are often misguided. Sometimes even badquality seeds are sold at the rate of Rs 45 per kg. Thisresults in low germination.

Farmers usually use a mixture of own/exchangedseeds and purchased HYV seeds. Greater emphasis isplaced on certified seeds, then on own and exchangedseeds. Most of the farmers are unaware of seedpurification procedures. Farmers are aware that HYVseeds can be used for three seasons.

Farmers distinctly identified the difference betweentastes of rice from available HYV rice seed varietiesand claimed that the taste of new varieties is not asgood as the old ones. Many farmers opine that there isa significant gap between the knowledge required andknowledge available to farmers about cultivation of rice� what variety to use on what type of soil, how topurify seeds, etc. Farmers also suggested that thegovernment should take immediate steps in bridgingthe gap.

Many farmers claimed that now farms are notproducing adequate and good quality seeds, seeds areoften in short supply. In addition, many times seeds arenot available at the right time. Many farmers opinedthat HYV rice seeds are being smuggled fromBangladesh to India. It was also claimed that some ofthe Bangladesh varieties have been brought into Indiaby people who migrated to India from Bangladesh.

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Farmer�s Perspective on Rice SeedsAvailability in BangladeshSituation is Bangladesh is not much different.Production and marketing of high yielding varieties ofrice seeds is mostly controlled by governmentagencies. Interactions with farmers revealed that manytimes farmers find it difficult to access desired varietyat right time and affordable prices.

Farmers� saved and informal seeds (varieties andtraditional) constitute and meet nearly 40 per cent ofthe total demand for rice seeds in the country. Thissource is the most important for farmers followed bynotified variety seeds. Farmers usually prefer not tobuy seed from any source and use own farm-keptseed. This is on the grounds that buying seed fromexternal sources poses uncertainty regardingavailability and price. Farmers argued that it ispreferable to use own preserved seed, albeit loweryield, than facing uncertainty.

It seems, lack of trust in major local varieties iscompelling farmers to opt for traditional and also

informally traded seeds. Adaptability of variety seedsof Indian origin is also an important influencer.

InformalTrade between India andBangladeshWhen farmers find it difficult to access good qualityrice seeds at the right time and affordable prices, theytend to explore other possibility. Inadequate rice seedproduction and inefficient marketing and distribution inBangladesh and India are inducing farmers to useseeds brought in through informal routes. Evidencessuggest that there is informal rice seeds tradeoccurring at the border points between India andBangladesh. The main points of such trade are districtcentres of Jiban Nagar, Jessore district, Benapole,Kushtia, Pragpur, Khulna, Darshana, Rajshahi,Godagiri, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Burimari, Nawabgunj,Sonamasji, and also some other points. Traders in agroup of 3-10 informal on an average participate insuch trade. Evidences also suggest that the itemsgenerally traded by these illicit networks range fromrice seed to rice, pulses.3, 4

Table 1: Rice Seeds Varieties Informally Accessed by Farmers in Bangladesh and India

1. Informal rice seedstrade varieties

2. Certified Seeds ofIndianHYV

3. Germinationproblemof IndianHYV

4. Production perbigha

5. InformalTradefrequency

6. Trend of Hybridrice production

7. Last five yearsproduction ofIndianHYV

8. Functionality ofquarantine office

9. Seeds generation

Jessore

Swarna (lalswarna, guti,Minikit (Zira Minikit)

Certified seed of 30kgbag are available

Germination problemsis not found

20/22mounds

Frequent informal tradeacross borders

Hybrid is exhibitingdecreasing trend

Swarna, minikit

Quarantine office isfully functional

Farmers are concernedabout the seedsgeneration

Dinajpur

Swarna, Swampa, Parija,Mamun

Certified seeds areunavailable but farmersproduce locally

Germination problem forIndian HYV is lower thanthat of Local HYV

18/20mounds

Occasionally trade betweenborders and farmersproduce locally after takingfrom Indian neighbor

Uses of hybrid seeds isfalling

Swarna,Swampa

Quarantine office is fullyfunctional

Farmers are not concernedabout seeds generation

Chapai Nawabganj

Swarna (Guti and Sada),Parija, Somsor

Certified seeds aren�tavailable but farmersproduce locally

Parija variety hasgermination problem

18/20maunds

Informal trade is notregularly occurring

Uses of hybrid seeds isfalling

Swarna, Parija

Not Visited

Generation relatedinformation of seed isnot available in case offarmers preserved seed

Source: Rice Seeds: A Study of Availability and Accessibility in Bangladesh and India

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Farmers on both sides of the border have developed apreference for HYV seed from across the border.Intrinsic adaptability of rice seed in local conditionsseems to be the reason. Interactions with farmers andother stakeholders reveal that many varieties producedin India and Bangladesh, as indicated earlier, arepopular in both the countries. Some of these includeBR-11, BRRI Dhan-28 and BRRI Dhan-29(Bangladeshi varieties in India); and Swarna (includingGuti and Sada), Parijat, Somsor, Swampa, Mamun(Indian varieties in Bangladesh).

It seems stakeholders, including government officials,on both sides of the border are aware of this.Interactions also brought about and identified mostinformally traded rice seed varieties. A list of somespecific varieties traded informally and adapted byfarmers is presented in the table (Table 1).

The magnitude of the informal use of rice seedvarieties can be understood from the fact that inChapai Nawabganj district of Bangladesh out of48,000 hectare land, Swarna is cultivated in 33,000hectare land in Aman Season. Seeds are made availablethrough both informal trade and exchange betweenfarmers. Farmers meet most of their seed demandfrom their preserved seed. Miniket and Swarna seedsare coming informally in Bangladesh at Benapole areaof Jessore district in 30 kg package. These arecertified seeds from Indian authority, which is sold inthe informal market at Tk. 60 per kg.

Indian varieties are dominant in the region. Aftergetting expected amount of production, they preserveit for their next cultivation time. In the Jessore borderarea, it is found that foundation seeds and certifiedseeds bags of rice are smuggled from India and usedfor cultivation. Farmers informed the study team that

they little faith in the publicly supplied seeds asadulterations are common phenomena.

Similarly, many Bangladeshi varieties are quite popular,as indicated in Table 1. Interactions with seed dealersin West Dinajpur district of West Bengal revealed thatabout 20 per cent of the total seeds sold is Bangladeshvariety (BR11). In one particular district of WestBengal, it is noted that a single producer produce about250-300 metric tonnes BB11 (originally BR11) andsupplies these to other eastern and north-easternstates. Such varieties are performing quite well in localconditions of eastern region of India.

Conclusion and Policy RecommendationGoing by the developments and experiences offarmers both in India and Bangladesh it is clear thatHYV rice seeds distribution and marketing in the twocountries suffer from inadequacy in production andinefficient distribution. Farmers� experiences relatingto availability and accessibility and also informalmovement of HYV rice seeds reveals that seedsproduced in India are adaptable in Bangladeshiconditions and vice versa. Thousands of farmers havebenefitted from this. It is also evident that a majorfactor influencing informal trade between the twocountries is lack of any official initiative.

Realising that improved rice seeds is a critical input forsustainable rice production, and thus food security,both countries need to improve and bring in greaterefficiency in production and distribution of HYV riceseeds. Further, it also calls for initiatives towardsformalisation of its trade. Formalisation of trade hasthe potential to help farmers increase their rice yieldand production which lead to increased production ofrice and reduction in food insecurity. This, however,calls for strong political commitment.

Endnotes1 The report is produced under the project �Addressing Barriers to Rice Seeds Trade between India and Bangladesh� supported byBill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This project covers a period of 21 month (January 2014 to September 2014) and isimplemented in India (Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha andWest Bengal) and Bangladesh. Details about the project can be accessed athttp://www.cuts-citee.org/RISTE/

2 Ibid3 Chakraborty, Mohor, Indo-Bangladesh Informal Trade Nexus: India�s Security Predicament,Asia Pacific Journal of Social Sciences,Vol. I (1), Jan-Jun 2009

4 Pohit, Sanjib and Taneja, Nisha, India�s Informal Trade with Bangladesh:AQualitativeAssessment, Blackwell Publishing 2003

© CUTS International 2014. This Briefing Paper is produced by CUTS to inform, educate and provoke debate on issues of trade anddevelopment. Readers are encouraged to quote or reproduce material from this paper for their own use, but as the copyright holder, CUTSrequests due acknowledgement and a copy of the publication.

This Briefing Paper has been researched and written for CUTS Centre for International Trade, Economics & Environment, D-217, BhaskarMarg, Bani Park, Jaipur 302 016, India, Ph: 91.141.228 2821, Fx: 91.141.228 2485, E-mail: citee@cuts.org, Web Site: www.cuts-international.org, www.cuts-citee.org.

This Briefing Paper has been prepared by CUTS Centre for International Trade, Economics & Environment (CUTS CITEE) under the projectentitled, �Addressing Barriers to Rice Seeds Trade Between India and Bangladesh� with support from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.