The Rs 47.6 crore scheme, to begin from ensuing rabi season (summer), envisages setting up 15 storage facilities in major agro-climatic zones of the country, agriculture commissioner CR Hazra told PTI.

``The scheme on seed bank has already been formed and financial provision for its implementation would be soon cleared by the expenditure finance committee (EFC),'' he said.

EFC, the decision making body of the agriculture ministry on financial matters, will take up the matter in its next meeting tentatively scheduled for 14th of this month.

Under the seed bank concept, the ministry plans to construct 15 new storage facilities at an estimated cost of Rs 10.5 crore to keep seven to eight per cent of annual certified seeds production in the country, Hazrasaid.

The proposed seed bank will intervene at the time of shortage of quality seeds arising out of calamities such as floods, drought and pest attacks.

State Farms Corporation of India (SFCI) and National Seeds Corporation (NSC) would be nodal agencies to implement the 100 per cent centre assisted programme, he said.

Under the scheme, Rs 31 crore would be spent on maintenance and collection of certified seeds alone, the agriculture commissioner said.

Another Rs five crore is proposed to be earmarked for providing facilities such as seed quality control equipment, data bank and other related infrastructure.

Hazra said creation of the seed bank was conceived as part of a national contingency plan to minimise adverse impact of fluctuations in monsoon and other parameters on the agriculture production pattern.

``This (creation of seed bank) will assure farmers quality seeds even at times when normal supply line dries up,'' he said.

Hazra said the seed availability during the kharif season was quitecomfortable and the agriculture ministry was prepared to meet any shortage through the state seeds corporations

The government has targeted to distribute 109 lakh quintals of quality seeds during the Ninth Plan period and made special financial assistance to NSC, state seed certification agencies and state seeds corporations.

The government is estimated to have distributed 83 lakh quintals of certified seeds during 1998-99 as against 75.60 lakh quintals disbursed the previous year.

Indian seeds programme largely adheres to the limited generation system for seed multiplication. The system recognises three generations, namely breeder, foundation and certified seeds.