Certified organic seed is not always available in the local market. The PGS-India Standards allow a way around this, but only under clear conditions. This episode sets out the rule, how seed problems are graded, and what a Regional Council should check.
The short version
- Organic seed first; untreated conventional seed only when organic seed is not available.
- The group establishes non-availability and approves the untreated seed before use.
- Chemically treated seed is a major non-compliance.
- GMO seed is never allowed, whatever the shortage.
What the Standards Say About Seed
Seed must be certified organic; untreated conventional seed is allowed only when the group has established that organic seed is not available.
Under the PGS-India Standards, all seeds and planting material shall be certified organic. Where certified organic seed is not available, and the Local Group itself has to establish that non-availability, chemically untreated conventional seed and planting material may be used.
One limit has no exception. Genetically modified seed, planting material, transgenic plants and microorganisms, and their products, are prohibited, directly or indirectly. No shortage of organic seed permits them.
How Seed Problems Are Graded
The peer appraisal worksheet grades treated or unclear seed as a major non-compliance, and untreated seed used without group approval as minor.
| Situation found at appraisal | Grade |
|---|---|
| Non-organic seed with chemical treatment | Major non-compliance |
| Purchased seed, unclear whether it was treated | Major non-compliance |
| Purchased untreated seed, not approved by the group | Minor non-compliance; follow the norms in future |
| GMO seed or planting material | Major non-compliance |
These grades come from the non-compliance list in the guidelines' peer appraisal worksheet (Format-9).
What the Regional Council Checks
Check that the group recorded non-availability, approved the untreated seed, and can show where the seed came from.
- A record that certified organic seed was not available, and where the group looked for it.
- The group's approval of the untreated seed, before sowing.
- A purchase bill or source note showing the variety, and that the seed was untreated.
- A peer appraisal grade that matches what the records show.
The guidelines put the non-availability check on the Local Group itself. The RC's job is to see that the group did it and recorded it.
Illustrative workload. At about five minutes per farmer to check seed records, a group of 20 takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, and 500 farmers take about 42 hours each sowing season.
Helping Groups Get It Right
Ask groups to record seed decisions at sowing time, not at appraisal time.
- List seed needs early.At the pre-sowing meeting, list each member's crops and seed needs.
- Look for organic seed first.Note which suppliers were asked and what they said.
- Approve untreated seed at a meeting.Record the approval in the minutes before anyone sows.
- Keep the bills.One folder per season, per farmer.
Check yourself
Tap an answer to see whether you are right, and why.
A farmer used untreated purchased seed without the group's approval. How is it graded?
- Major non-compliance
- Minor non-compliance
- Not a problem
It is minor; the farmer should follow the norms in future.
No organic seed is available, but a GM variety is. Can the farmer use it?
- Yes, with RC approval
- No, GMOs are prohibited in all cases
- Yes, for one season
No shortage of organic seed permits GMO seed.
Remember these things
- Certified organic seed first.
- Untreated seed only with recorded non-availability and group approval.
- Treated or unclear seed is a major non-compliance.
- GMO seed is never allowed.
Seed records made at sowing time save a difficult review at appraisal. KrushiFlow validates these fields and submits farmer records to the portal in bulk.