Seed Village Programme

The Seed Village Programme (SVP) is an important agricultural development initiative launched by the Government of India to enhance the availability and quality of seeds at the farmer level. The programme aims to produce and distribute quality seeds of high-yielding and improved crop varieties within villages to ensure timely and affordable access to certified seeds for the farming community. By decentralising seed production and promoting local participation, the Seed Village Programme plays a pivotal role in improving agricultural productivity and ensuring seed self-sufficiency in rural areas.

Background and Concept

The Seed Village concept was introduced to address the challenges of seed scarcity, poor seed replacement rates, and dependence on external seed supply systems. Traditionally, farmers saved seeds from their own harvests for subsequent planting seasons, often leading to genetic deterioration, reduced yields, and poor resistance to pests and diseases.
To overcome these limitations, the Seed Village Programme was initiated during the Tenth Five Year Plan, and later expanded under the National Seed Mission and the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). It was conceptualised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
The fundamental idea behind the programme is that a cluster of farmers within a village produce seeds of improved varieties, ensuring quality assurance through training, technical guidance, and monitoring. The produced seeds are then shared or sold within the same or neighbouring villages, thereby creating a self-reliant seed system.

Objectives of the Programme

The main objectives of the Seed Village Programme are to:

• Enhance seed replacement rate (SRR) by promoting the use of certified and improved seeds.
• Ensure availability of quality seeds of desired crops at the farmer’s doorstep.
• Encourage community-based seed production to reduce dependence on external seed agencies.
• Strengthen the local seed supply chain through training, infrastructure, and technical support.
• Promote participatory seed production by involving farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), and cooperative societies.
• Maintain genetic purity and varietal identity of seeds at the grassroots level.

Structure and Implementation

The Seed Village Programme is implemented through state agriculture departments, seed corporations, and agricultural universities, with funding and technical assistance from the central government.
Key features of implementation include:

• Selection of Villages: Villages with suitable agro-climatic conditions, irrigation facilities, and community participation potential are selected for seed production.
• Identification of Lead Farmers: Progressive farmers with technical knowledge and good agricultural practices are chosen as seed growers.
• Crop and Variety Selection: Crops in high demand (such as paddy, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables) and regionally suited varieties are selected for multiplication.
• Training and Capacity Building: Farmers receive training on seed production techniques, isolation distances, pest management, and post-harvest handling.
• Provision of Foundation or Breeder Seeds: High-quality foundation seeds are supplied to seed growers for multiplication.
• Seed Certification and Quality Control: Produced seeds are tested and certified by State Seed Certification Agencies to ensure genetic and physical purity.
• Seed Storage and Distribution: Farmers are supported with seed processing, packaging, and storage facilities, ensuring availability for the next planting season.

Funding Pattern

The programme operates under a centrally sponsored scheme with cost-sharing between the central and state governments. Assistance is provided for:

• Seed production inputs, such as breeder seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides.
• Training programmes for farmers and extension workers.
• Infrastructure development, including seed storage godowns and processing units.
• Seed treatment and certification expenses.

Financial assistance varies by crop type, area, and scale of operation, with specific allocations for small and marginal farmers to ensure inclusivity.

Major Components of the Programme

1. Seed Production: Encourages farmers to produce seeds of improved varieties locally under scientific supervision. This helps ensure the availability of quality seeds within short distances and promotes local self-reliance.
2. Seed Processing and Storage: Establishment of seed processing units, threshing floors, and storage facilities in villages to maintain seed viability and reduce post-harvest losses.
3. Seed Treatment and Health: Training farmers in seed treatment using fungicides, insecticides, and bio-agents to control seed-borne diseases and enhance germination rates.
4. Seed Quality Assurance: Regular inspections and testing by seed certification agencies to maintain purity and uniformity. Farmers are educated about maintaining isolation distances, rouging, and proper harvesting methods.
5. Farmer Training and Awareness: Workshops and demonstrations are conducted to educate farmers about improved seed production, seed replacement rates, and government policies related to seed distribution.

Role of Institutions

Several agencies play a vital role in the successful execution of the Seed Village Programme:

• State Seed Corporations (SSCs) and National Seeds Corporation (NSC): Supply breeder seeds and provide technical assistance.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Agricultural Universities: Offer training and scientific guidance.
• State Departments of Agriculture: Implement field-level activities and monitor progress.
• Seed Certification Agencies: Ensure quality control and certification.

Benefits of the Programme

The Seed Village Programme provides multiple advantages to farmers and the broader agricultural economy:

• Improved Seed Quality: Ensures genetic purity and high germination percentage.
• Timely Availability: Reduces delays and dependence on distant seed suppliers.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Locally produced seeds are cheaper and more accessible.
• Increased Productivity: Use of high-yielding varieties enhances crop output.
• Employment Generation: Provides income opportunities through seed production, processing, and marketing.
• Community Empowerment: Strengthens collective participation and cooperation among farmers.

Impact on Seed Replacement Rate and Agricultural Growth

One of the key outcomes of the programme has been the improvement in India’s Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) — the proportion of crop area sown with certified or quality seeds instead of farm-saved seeds. For several crops like rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds, SRR has increased significantly due to the success of seed villages.
This has directly contributed to:

• Enhanced agricultural productivity.
• Wider adoption of new varieties suited to local conditions.
• Greater seed security and resilience among smallholder farmers.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its achievements, the Seed Village Programme faces several challenges:

• Inadequate infrastructure for seed processing and storage in remote areas.
• Limited access to breeder seeds, especially for newly released varieties.
• Uneven adoption across regions and crops.
• Need for continuous training and technical supervision.
• Financial constraints for small and marginal farmers.

Efforts are being made to overcome these issues through integrated approaches combining public-private partnerships and community-based seed systems.

Recent Developments and Reforms

Recent policy measures under the National Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (NMSP) and the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) have strengthened the Seed Village concept. Initiatives include:

• Digital monitoring of seed production and distribution through online databases.
• Promotion of hybrid seeds and climate-resilient varieties.
• Integration with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) for collective marketing.
• Introduction of seed hubs for pulses and oilseeds to ensure year-round supply.

Significance in Indian Agriculture

The Seed Village Programme has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s seed development policy, bridging the gap between research institutions and farmers. By fostering decentralised and participatory seed systems, it contributes to:

• Sustainable agricultural development.
• Enhanced food security.
• Economic empowerment of rural communities.