The “Seed Exchange Programme” aims to improve the productivity of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe small and marginal farmers by providing improved seeds of high-yielding foodgrain crops. It is implemented by the Directorate of Agriculture through local administrative bodies.

Benefits

• Provision of improved seeds of high-yielding varieties.
• 75% subsidy on the actual price of seed.
• Maximum subsidy limit: ₹1,500/-.
• Certified seed provided up to a maximum area of one hectare.

Conditions

• Seeds must be improved varieties suitable for the area.
• If farmer provides seed of a different crop for exchange, it must be worth 25% of the actual price of the certified seed requested.
• Seed contributions from farmers are sold via auction at local Agricultural Produce Market Committees.
• Repeat beneficiaries cannot receive the same crop/variety as previous years.

Eligibility

• Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe category.
• Small or marginal farmer.
• Must exchange existing crop/seed for improved seeds.

Application Process (Offline)

1. Target Allotment: Director of Agriculture sets targets for districts.
2. Preliminary Selection: Rural Agriculture Extension Officer selects 1.5 times the target beneficiaries.
3. Approval: List is approved by the Janpad Panchayat’s Agriculture Standing Committee.
4. Procurement: Seed demand is sent to the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer for coordination with supply agencies.
5. Distribution: Seeds provided through Co-operative Societies or Govt. Farms.
6. Financial Settlement: Farmer contributions are deposited in the Treasury; supply agencies are paid from scheme budget.

Application Deadlines

• Kharif: Selection by May 25; Provision by June 15.
• Rabi/Summer: Selection by Aug 31; Provision by Oct 10.

Documents Required

• Caste Certificate
• Proof of Land Holding Size
• Information on crop/seed offered for exchange