ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR), Ludhiana, has successfully undertaken a first-time maize hybrid seed production trial in a farmer’s field in Punjab. The trial was conducted during the late Kharif season (August sowing) in the field of Sharanveer Singh of Gajiana village in Moga district, using the hybrid DMRH 1308.
The successful performance of seed production under Punjab conditions has demonstrated that hybrid maize seed can be produced locally even during the late Kharif season. The trial will also be extended to the spring season. Seed harvested during late Kharif can be directly used for spring maize cultivation without incurring significant storage costs.
Such initiatives are expected to reduce seed costs, lower the overall cost of cultivation, enhance productivity, and increase farmers’ income. Compared to commercial maize cultivation, seed production can offer nearly double returns, ranging from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per hectare.
At present, nearly 100% of the maize hybrid seed used in Punjab, costing Rs 800–1,000 per kg during the peak season, is produced in southern India, mainly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Transporting seed to northern states significantly adds to both seed and cultivation costs.
The site was visited on Wednesday by the Director of ICAR-IIMR, H.S. Jat, along with senior maize breeder Bhupender Kumar and research fellow Anisha, who reviewed the harvest and appreciated the encouraging results.
This initiative marks an important step towards self-reliance in maize hybrid seed production in Punjab and offers significant economic benefits to farmers in the region. It is also expected to help meet the quality seed demand of Punjab and neighbouring states.
ICAR-IIMR, along with its partners, is conducting similar experiments in other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam, to diversify maize hybrid seed production beyond peninsular India.