In a written reply in Lok Sabha, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that a total of 11,713 cooperatives have become members of Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti (BBSSL) so far, out of which 268 cooperatives are from Bihar.
“So far as Valmiki Nagar is concerned, 05 cooperatives of West Champaran District have become members of BBSSL. Further, to start its operations in Bihar, BBSSL has posted an officer in Bihar for sales & marketing activities”, he added.
Shah further added, “The cooperatives of all levels from primary to apex can become members of BBSSL. BBSSL will perform its activities through a network of its member cooperatives”, he informed.
The Ministry of Cooperation has set up Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. The BBSSL is promoted by IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NCDC.
The initial paid up capital of BBSSL is Rs 250 Cr with a contribution of Rs 50 Cr each by the five promoters and authorized share capital is Rs 500 Cr.
The BBSSL will undertake production, procurement & distribution of quality seeds under a single brand through a network of cooperatives to improve crop yield and develop a system for preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds, he added.