asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is in a position to state the quantity of mangel, turnip and kale seed available for the forthcoming sowing season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Seeds.
As supplies of root seeds are still being imported, it is not possible to state the total quantity of such seeds that will be available for the coming season. In spite of all the efforts made to obtain supplies, it is probable that the quantity procurable will be less than in previous seasons. With economy in use and particularly with lighter seeding, it is hoped, however, that the available supplies will be reasonably adequate.
If there is the danger of a scarcity, I think the Minister should take this opportunity of recommending farmers to grow other crops which will give a heavy yield, such as potatoes. A statement appeared in the newspapers to the effect that the Minister's Department was of opinion that mangels could be sown at the rate of £5 an acre. I think it would be impossible to do that. If there is the danger of a scarcity of mangel and turnip seed, then farmers should be recommended to grow other crops.
Surely the Minister is aware that no stocks of seed have come to the country this year from the original sources of supply, and that we have to depend on the United States for any mangel seed that we may get. Are farmers expected to sow a strain that they do not know anything about? They do not know whether it will grow or not in this country. I would not like to say anything that would embarrass the Minister, but really the position is serious for the country. The sooner we know the truth the better.
The Deputy has asked no relevant supplementary question. Question No. 27—Deputy Hughes.
Excuse me, Sir, I have asked a question.
Deputy Hughes —Question No. 27.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the likely shortage of small seeds for future use, he will take immediate steps to prepare a plan so as to ensure the production of these seeds by selected growers in areas suited to the production of the specific crop and in addition provide the necessary technical information requisite for such specialised work.
I understand that root and vegetable seeds can be grown in all districts throughout the country and that seedsmen are making arrangements for the production of seeds for sowing in 1942. I think, however, that in order to provide against a shortage individual farmers should be encouraged to provide their own requirements, particularly of turnip, mangel and cabbage seeds. A special leaflet dealing with the production of root and vegetable seeds has, accordingly, been prepared and copies are now being distributed by my Department. A copy will be sent to any individual farmer making application for this leaflet, and the county agricultural and horticultural instructors will give any further assistance required.
What will that do for us this year when we will have no seed?
It will do nothing for us this year.
What is the use in asking the instructors under the county committees of agriculture to give instruction on a subject that they know nothing about?
Would the Minister be prepared to bring up the instructors and give them a special course on the production of those seeds, because at present, I think, they know nothing about it. They have never been taught it.
Is it contemplated that we will have demonstration plots of seed growing operations as soon as the instructors have got the necessary special instruction?
Would the Minister consider the proposal embodied in my question, namely, that he should select certain individuals in certain areas to produce seed for the coming year in the same way that the Sugar Beet Company select beet growers to grow beet seed.
As far as we could do it, a number of the seedsmen in the country have been encouraged to do that. They are doing a certain amount. It is possible, however, that they will not produce enough for some of the principal crops such as mangels, turnips and cabbages. That is why we are advising farmers to produce their own seed. If any Deputy takes the trouble to read the leaflet that has been issued, I think he will come to the conclusion that it is quite a simple matter to produce seed, and that farmers will not even require help from the county instructors. Deputies will also, I think, come to the conclusion that the instructors will be able to do this without any further training.