In a significant agricultural breakthrough, Punjab has successfully conducted its first-ever trial for producing maize hybrid seeds directly within a farmer's field. This pioneering initiative, led by the ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR) in Ludhiana, promises to revolutionize the local agricultural economy by cutting down seed costs and enhancing farmers' profits.
Breaking the Southern Dependency
The landmark trial was executed during the late Kharif season, with sowing in August, on the farm of Sharanveer Singh in Gajiana village, Moga district. The hybrid variety used, DMRH 1308, demonstrated excellent adaptability to Punjab's conditions. This success is crucial because, at present, nearly 100% of the maize hybrid seed used in Punjab is sourced from southern India, primarily from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
This long-distance procurement makes seeds expensive, costing farmers between Rs 800 to Rs 1000 per kilogram during peak season. The transportation from the south to northern states like Punjab significantly inflates both the seed price and the overall cost of cultivation. The institute's trial proves that this dependency can be broken, enabling high-quality seed production right in the heart of Punjab's farmlands.
Doubling Returns and Slashing Costs
The economic implications of local seed production are substantial for the farming community. Officials highlighted that compared to standard commercial maize cultivation, seed production can nearly double a farmer's returns, offering an income of Rs 2.5 to 3 lakh per hectare. Furthermore, seeds harvested during the late Kharif season can be directly used for the subsequent spring maize crop, eliminating significant storage expenses.
This initiative is set to create a virtuous cycle: reducing seed costs, lowering the overall cost of cultivation, enhancing crop productivity, and ultimately increasing the net income of farmers. It marks a decisive step towards self-reliance in maize hybrid seed production for Punjab and neighboring states.
Official Endorsement and Future Plans
The trial site recently received a visit from a high-level team from ICAR-IIMR, including Director Dr. H.S. Jat, Senior Maize Breeder Dr. Bhupender Kumar, and Research Fellow Anisha. They reviewed the harvest and expressed satisfaction with the encouraging results, which validate the technical feasibility of the project.
Building on this success, the institute plans to extend the trial to the spring season as well. Moreover, ICAR-IIMR and its partners are conducting similar experiments across other states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. This nationwide effort aims to diversify seed production bases beyond peninsular India, creating a more resilient and geographically balanced supply chain for quality maize seeds.
This successful trial in Punjab is more than just an agricultural experiment; it is a blueprint for empowering local farmers, reducing logistical burdens, and fostering agricultural sustainability in northern India.
