As many as 3,418 cooperative societies in Bihar have been enrolled as members of Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL), benefiting thousands of farmers through seed distribution and production activities, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
Replying to a question, Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that although BBSSL has not yet established a formal branch office in Bihar, it is actively carrying out its operations in the State through cooperative societies.
He said that during the current financial year, quality and affordable seeds were supplied to 19,956 farmers in Bihar through the cooperative network.
The minister further informed that 279 farmers covering 2,663 hectares have been engaged in seed production activities under BBSSL during the Rabi 2025–26 season. The seeds produced by these farmers are procured by BBSSL at remunerative prices, with procurement undertaken at Minimum Support Price (MSP) plus 10% bonus or at the prevailing rate of the State Seed Corporation, whichever is higher.
The initiative aims to strengthen the cooperative-led seed ecosystem while enhancing farmers’ income through assured procurement and better seed availability, Shah said.
