First-Time Maize Hybrid Seed Production in Punjab Farmers’ Field Shows Promising Results

ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR), Ludhiana, has successfully undertaken 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 Village Gajiana, District Moga, 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 late Kharif. The trial will also be extended during spring season as well. Seed harvested during late Kharif can be directly used for spring maize cultivation without significant storage costs.

Such initiatives will reduce seed costs, lower the cost of cultivation,enhance productivity and farmers’ income. Compared to commercial maize cultivation, seed production can provide nearly double returns of Rs 2.5 to rupees three lakh per hectare.

At present, nearly 100% of maize hybrid seed used in Punjab costing Rs 800-1000 per kg during peak season is produced in southern India, mainly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and transported to northern states, increasing seed and cultivation costs.

The  site was visited on Wednesday by the Director, ICAR-IIMR, Dr. H.S. Jat, Senior Maize Breeder Dr. 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, offering significant economic benefits to farmers in the region and will enable to meet the quality seed demand of Punjab and neighbouring states.

ICAR-IIMR with their partners is also conducting such type of experiments in other states as well like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and  Assam to diversify the seed production beyond peninsular India.