Seed Village Programme (Beej Gram Yojana)
This profile has been independently compiled from official gazette notifications and verified web domains. Source Authority Link: seednet.gov.in Authority: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare • State/Region: Central Scheme (All India) • Last Audited: 08 Sep 2026
Quick AI Summary
Central government scheme facilitating local production of certified seeds by farmer groups to ensure timely availability of quality seeds at village level.
Detailed Summary
Objective
The Seed Village Programme (Beej Gram Yojana) is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to upgrade the quality of farmer-saved seeds. It aims to organize seed production in compact areas (villages) to replace local varieties with high-yielding certified varieties and achieve self-sufficiency at the village level.
Implementation Framework
The programme operates through the formation of farmer groups in identified villages. Foundation or certified seeds of notified varieties are supplied to these groups at subsidized rates for multiplication. The produced seed is processed, treated, and stored locally for use by the participating farmers and neighbouring villages in the subsequent season.
Key Components
- Seed Distribution: Supply of foundation/certified seeds for cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and fodder crops at 50% cost subsidy.
- Capacity Building: Three-day training programmes on seed production technology, processing, storage, and certification standards.
- Infrastructure Support: Provision of seed storage bins (20 qtl and 10 qtl capacity) and seed treating drums to farmer groups.
- Quality Assurance: Field inspections and seed testing to ensure compliance with Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (IMSCS).
Key Benefits & Financial Assistance
| Comparison Criteria | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Key Benefits |
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Eligibility Criteria Profile
| Comparison Criteria | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age Limit | 18 Years or above |
| Occupation Status | Farmer |
| Domicile State | All India (Central Scheme) |
Application Process Guide
- Formation of a Farmer Interest Group (FIG) of 50-150 farmers in the target village and election of a Group Leader.
- Submission of a consolidated application in the prescribed format to the Block Agricultural Officer (BAO) or Assistant Director of Agriculture (ADA) through the Group Leader.
- Verification of land records, farmer eligibility, and group cohesion by the Block/Block Technical Team.
- Forwarding of approved proposals to the District Level Executive Committee (DLEC) / District Seed Committee for final selection of villages.
- Execution of MoU between the selected group and the District Agriculture Officer / Seed Corporation.
- Distribution of foundation seeds, storage bins, and treating drums; commencement of training and sowing as per crop calendar.
Common FAQs regarding this Yojana
A farmer can avail subsidized foundation/certified seed for a maximum area of one acre (0.4 hectares) per season under the Seed Village Programme.
No, the scheme is implemented strictly through a group approach. Individual farmers cannot apply directly; they must be part of a registered Farmer Interest Group (FIG) of 50-150 farmers in a selected village.
The respective State Seed Certification Agency (SSCA) is responsible for field inspection, sampling, and certification of seeds produced under the programme as per Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (IMSCS).
The scheme provides seed storage bins (metal bins of 20 qtl and 10 qtl capacity) and treating drums free of cost to the group. It does not provide financial assistance for the construction of permanent seed godowns or buildings.
The produced seed is processed, treated, and stored in the provided bins. It is primarily utilized by the member farmers for their own use in the next season, with surplus distributed to neighbouring farmers in the village/block at a price fixed by the group, ensuring local availability.
The programme covers notified varieties/hybrids of cereals (wheat, paddy, maize, etc.), pulses (gram, lentil, arhar, etc.), oilseeds (mustard, groundnut, soybean, etc.), and fodder crops as per the State's Seed Rolling Plan and agro-climatic suitability.