New Delhi
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) on Monday has introduced 170 new seed categories to facilitate easier access to quality agricultural and horticultural seeds for farmers. This initiative aims to streamline the procurement process ahead of the upcoming cropping season.
These new categories feature nearly 8,000 seed varieties available for purchase by Central and State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and other governing bodies for distribution across the country. Developed in consultation with stakeholders, including state seed corporations and research institutions, the categories are designed to comply with existing government regulations, thereby simplifying the procurement process for various authorities.
The rollout is part of GeM’s strategy to enhance category-based procurement, focusing on improving efficiency, reducing tendering time, and promoting transparency in government procurement. Roli Khare, Deputy CEO of GeM, encouraged sellers to utilize these categories to participate in government tenders and urged seed corporations and state bodies to leverage this framework for cost-effective procurement of quality seeds.
This announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s release of 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified crop varieties in August, aimed at increasing crop production and enhancing farmers’ incomes. These varieties cover a range of 61 crops, including cereals, pulses, and horticultural crops, with an emphasis on sustainable farming practices and addressing malnutrition through government programs.
