NSC was established in 1963 to undertake production of foundation and certified seeds. At present, it is undertaking production of certified seeds of nearly 600 varieties of 60 crops through its registered seed growers. There are about 8000 registered seed growers all over the country who are undertaking the seed production programmes in different agro-climatic conditions. The turnover of the Corp
oration for the F.Y. 2014-15 was ` 890.03 crores. There are 10 Regional Offices, 5 Farms and 73 Area Offices/Sub-Units of the Corporation spread all over the country. In the seed production, emphasis is given for production of oil seeds, pulses and hybrids including vegetables. NSC has established strict Quality Control procedure to ensure supply of quality seed to farmers. NSC has established 5 Quality Control Laboratories, one each at New Delhi, Secunderabad, Bhopal, Kolkata and Pune to undertake seed testing to check the quality of seeds. Besides, production and distribution of quality seeds, NSC is also involved in the production of Tissue Culture Plants like Banana. It also undertakes supply of seedlings/saplings of fruits crops through procurement from the MOU Partners. Seed marketing is carried out through three channels namely sale through dealers/distributors, Govt. There are about 2500 dealers of the Corporation who account for more than 69% of the sale turn over. With the launching of the National Seed Project (NSP) in 1974, NSC was assigned the lead role to develop the seed industry in the country on sound lines. NSC has also contributed in the establishment of various State Seed Corporation under the NSP during seventies. National Seeds Corporation plays a key role in the implementation of various schemes of the Govt. of India like integrated scheme for “Oil seeds, Pulses, Oil and Palm & Maize” (ISOPOM), “National Food Security Mission (NFSM)” and “National Horticulture Mission” (NHM). It also provides technical support to the seed producing agencies including State Seed Corporations by imparting training of personnel engaged in the production of seeds in that organization. NSC is the nodal agency for the implementation of the Central Sector Scheme to create infrastructure facilities for establishment of processing plants and storage godowns in different states in the private sectors. NSC also involves in exports of seeds across the world especially in SAARC and African countries. The SAARC seed bank maintained by the Corporation with the grant in aid of the Govt. of India holds larger qty. of seeds of different crops/varieties that are meant to meet the demand that arises during natural calamities like flood, drought etc. NSC also takes care to meet the demand for quality seed of the farmers in the interior parts of the country like North Eastern States & other hilly regions.
