“Uttar Pradesh’s free high-yield seed distribution scheme empowers farmers with quality seeds, enhancing crop yields and sustainability. Targeting key crops like paddy and pulses, the program aims to bolster food security and farmer incomes amid climate challenges.”
Uttar Pradesh Rolls Out Free High-Yield Seeds to Empower Farmers
In a significant push to enhance agricultural productivity, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched an ambitious free high-yield seed distribution program targeting farmers across the state. Initiated in 2025, the scheme focuses on providing certified, high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds for crops such as paddy, pulses, and vegetables, aiming to improve crop output, ensure food security, and boost farmer incomes in one of India’s largest agrarian states.
The program, spearheaded by the state’s Department of Agriculture, aligns with the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET). It prioritizes crops critical to Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural economy, including rice, wheat, and sugarcane. In the 2025-26 Kharif season, the state distributed subsidized seeds like Jaya, Jyoti, and Karjat paddy varieties to farmers at a 50% subsidy, alongside rain-resistant vegetable seeds such as ladyfinger and cluster beans. Over 10 lakh farmers have benefited so far, with the government aiming to cover 15 lakh by the end of the fiscal year.
High-yield seeds, known for their disease resistance and ability to thrive in diverse climatic conditions, are a cornerstone of this initiative. For instance, the PR 126 rice variety, developed by Punjab Agricultural University, has gained traction in water-scarce regions of Uttar Pradesh due to its 25% lower water consumption and early maturation. Such varieties are critical in a state where erratic monsoons and climate change pose challenges to traditional farming.
The state’s robust infrastructure, including 22 State Seed Certification Agencies and 101 Seed Testing Laboratories, ensures the quality of distributed seeds. These agencies rigorously test seeds for germination rates, purity, and disease resistance, addressing past concerns about substandard seeds. The program also leverages digital tools, with Google’s ongoing development of a digital agri-stack to map farm boundaries and optimize subsidy distribution, further streamlining access to these seeds.
Uttar Pradesh, a key player in India’s seed industry, contributes significantly to national seed production, with a market size reaching USD 7.8 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% by 2033. The state’s focus on hybrid and genetically modified seeds, supported by companies like Advanta Seeds and Mahyco, enhances its capacity to meet rising demand. In July 2025, Advanta Seeds secured Plant Variety Protection for its hybrid okra variety, Raadhika, underscoring the state’s role in agricultural innovation.
However, challenges persist. Experts note that India’s pulse production targets for 2024-25, set at 29.9 million tonnes, may be missed due to inadequate rainfall and competition for arable land. Uttar Pradesh’s program counters this by promoting pulse cultivation through subsidized seeds and offering subsidized tractor rentals to reduce farming costs. Additionally, the state is encouraging jackfruit and mango cultivation with high-yield Kerala varieties to diversify income sources.
Farmers like Ramesh Kumar, a smallholder from Gorakhpur, have reported a 20% increase in paddy yields using the distributed seeds. “These seeds need less water and give better results. The subsidy makes it affordable,” he said. The government’s push for sustainable practices, including reduced chemical use and soil conservation, complements the scheme, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and the environment.
The initiative also addresses concerns about seed diversity. Critics argue that hybrid seeds, while high-yielding, may erode traditional varieties. To mitigate this, the state is promoting open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) alongside hybrids, balancing productivity with biodiversity. The program’s success hinges on continued investment in research, farmer education, and robust distribution networks to ensure seeds reach remote areas.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports, government announcements, and agricultural data from sources like the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, ICAR, and industry analyses. Information is accurate as of September 2025. Always verify with official sources before making farming decisions.