Assessment of the seed hub project for quality seed production and farmer participation in the Hamirpur district of the Bundelkhand region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53550/jfl.v39i1.2496Keywords:
Hamirpur, Participatory seed production, Pulses, Seed hub, Quality seedAbstract
The introduction of high-yielding pulse varieties is vital for sustainable production in rainfed regions. To strengthen seed quality and availability, the Pulse Seed Hub Program was launched at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in 2016–17 with farmer participation through buyback agreements. Between 2017–18 and 2021–22, KVK produced 2,239.01 quintals of quality seed, covering 2,759.7 hectares and benefiting 2,866 farmers. Fieldpea dominated production (1,346.73 q), with IPFD 12‑2 emerging as the most preferred variety due to superior yield and market demand, while chickpea (JG‑14, RVG 202, JG‑36) and lentil (IPL‑316) were widely adopted for their adaptability and disease resistance. Demonstrations confirmed superiority over farmers’ older varieties, with mean yield gains of 22.8% in chickpea, 27.8% in fieldpea, and 24.3% in lentil. The program generated a gross income of ` 1.63 crores, with a net profit of ` 62.31 lakhs reinvested in seed facilities. Farmers received 20% higher procurement prices than support rates, adding ` 19.84 lakhs in extra remuneration and enabling entrepreneurial diversification. Beyond economic benefits, the initiative created employment for rural youth, women, and farm workers. Overall, the Seed Hub Program enhanced varietal replacement, improved farmer livelihoods, and demonstrated a replicable model for strengthening pulse production in rainfed agro‑ecosystems.
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