Annapurna Scheme: Seed Exchange Programme in Darbhanga
AS-SEP
Department of Agriculture, Government of Madhya Pradesh
Guidance for businesses in Darbhanga
The scheme aims to increase agricultural productivity and production for SC/ST farmers who cannot afford improved seeds. It provides high-yielding improved seed varieties, up to one hectare, in exchange for existing crop or seed, backed by a 75% subsidy with a maximum limit of ₹1,500/-.
At a glance
- Scheme Name
- Annapurna Scheme: Seed Exchange Programme
- Target Audience
- SC/ST small and marginal farmers
- Subsidy
- 75% on the actual seed price
- Subsidy Cap
- ₹1,500
- Coverage
- Up to one hectare
- Seed
- Certified, high-yielding varieties
Benefits
Provision of improved seeds of high-yielding varieties of foodgrain crops.
75% subsidy on the actual price of the seed provided in exchange (maximum subsidy limit ₹1,500/-).
Seeds of suitable varieties for the land and area are provided in equal quantity compared to the seed provided by the farmer.
The provision is limited to a maximum area of one hectare, and certified seed will be provided.
Conditions: If certified seed is scarce, true form seed may be distributed only with the permission of the Director of Agriculture. If a farmer provides seed of a different crop for exchange, the seed given must be worth 25% of the actual price of the certified seed of the requested crop. The seed received from the beneficiary must be sold through auction (Ghosh Vikray) at the local APMC; cash received (the farmer's share or auction proceeds) must be deposited into the Government Treasury by challan (Head 0401 Agriculture Work, Other Deposit - 800). If a farmer previously received seed, the subsequent provision must not be for the same crop or variety supplied in prior years.
Eligibility
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe category.
- The applicant must be a small or marginal farmer.
- The applicant must be unable to afford the purchase of improved varieties of high-yielding foodgrain crops.
- Post-Selection Condition: The farmer must exchange their existing crop or seed for the improved seeds.
Documents required
- Caste Certificate.
- Proof Regarding the Size of Land Holding.
- Information Pertaining To The Crop Or Seed Being Offered By The Farmer For Exchange.
How to apply
The Director of Agriculture determines district-wise physical targets (based on the SC/ST small/marginal farmer population, past progress, and district demand), which the Sub-Director divides development-block-wise with Agriculture Standing Committee approval. The Rural Agriculture Extension Officer selects 1.5 times the required beneficiaries and prepares a primary list, approved by the Janpad Panchayat's Agriculture Standing Committee (priority to names listed first; remaining on a waiting list valid until the current crop season). Seed demand is generated, procured, and distributed to beneficiaries through Service Co-operative Societies/Development Blocks/Government Agricultural Farms. The farmer's exchanged seed is collected and auctioned, bills are settled with the supply agency, and the farmer's contribution is deposited into the Government Treasury. Deadlines: Kharif — beneficiary selection by May 25, seed to farmers by June 15; Rabi/Summer — selection by August 31, seed to farmers by October 10.
About the scheme
The Annapurna Scheme: Seed Exchange Programme increases agricultural productivity for SC/ST small and marginal farmers who cannot afford improved seeds. It provides high-yielding improved (certified) seed varieties — up to one hectare — in exchange for the farmer's existing crop or seed, with a 75% subsidy capped at ₹1,500.
Why it matters
- Better Seeds:
- High-yielding certified seed for poor farmers.
- 75% Subsidy:
- Capped at ₹1,500 on the seed price.
- Seed Exchange:
- Improved seed in exchange for existing crop/seed.
- Higher Productivity:
- Boosts yields for SC/ST farmers.
Focus areas
- Improved Seeds:
- Certified high-yielding foodgrain varieties.
- Seed Exchange:
- Existing crop/seed exchanged for improved seed.
- SC/ST Farmers:
- Support for those who cannot afford seeds.
Is this scheme right for you?
The Annapurna Seed Exchange Programme helps SC/ST small and marginal farmers access high-yielding certified seed they otherwise couldn't afford — through a 75% subsidised exchange. If you are an eligible SC/ST farmer, this scheme can boost your crop productivity.
Frequently asked questions
What are the specific socioeconomic and landholding categories that must be met by applicants wishing to participate in this particular assistance program?
The applicant must be categorized as a small or marginal farmer. Additionally, the applicant must belong to either the Scheduled Caste or the Scheduled Tribe category.
If I am a former beneficiary, am I permitted to receive improved seeds again, and if so, are there any restrictions on the crop or variety?
Yes, but if an old farmer is provided seed again, it must be for a different crop or variety than those previously supplied in prior years.
Is there a strict maximum limit imposed on the amount of improved seed that can be provided to a single beneficiary farmer, based on land measurement?
Yes, the provision of improved seeds is strictly limited to the requirement necessary for a maximum area of 1 hectare.
What is the maximum financial amount or ceiling placed on the subsidy component provided to the selected beneficiaries for the cost of the exchange seed?
The subsidy provided is limited to a maximum amount of ₹1,500/-.
What specific quality standard or certification level must the high-yielding variety seed supplied to the eligible farmers generally adhere to?
Certified seed will be provided. If certified seed is scarce, the Director of Agriculture may permit the distribution of true form seed for specific crops.
If I offer seed of a crop different from the high-yielding seed I wish to receive, how is the required value of my provided seed calculated?
The seed provided by the farmer must be equivalent to 25% of the actual price of the requested certified seed of the crop they wish to receive.
What unique action must a farmer perform concerning their existing harvest or crops in order to successfully receive the improved seeds provided by the program?
Applicants must provide their existing crop or seed to be exchanged for the improved, high-yielding variety seeds offered under the scheme.
During the official approval process by the Janpad Panchayat's Agriculture Standing Committee, how is priority assigned among the selected applicants?
Names that are listed first in the approved primary list of farmers prepared by the Rural Agriculture Extension Officer will be given priority.
For how long will the prepared waiting list of farmers, whose names were not prioritized in the final selection, remain valid or active?
The waiting list is considered final and remains valid only until the current crop season concludes.
What exact percentage of the actual price of the improved seed being provided in exchange will be covered by the subsidy available under the guidelines?
Applicants are eligible for a 75% subsidy on the actual price of the seed provided in exchange by the distribution organization.
When exchanging my existing crop or seed, will the improved seeds I receive in return be provided based on mass or volume equivalence?
The improved seeds of suitable varieties will be provided in a quantity equal to the quantity of the seed provided by the farmer for exchange.
Is there a prerequisite concerning my existing financial capacity to purchase high-yielding varieties of foodgrain crops before applying for this benefit?
Yes, the applicant must be a farmer who is currently unable to afford the purchase of improved varieties of high-yielding foodgrain crops.
When selecting the type of improved seed to provide, what key characteristic or factor is given the primary consideration by the implementing authorities?
Priority is given to improved varieties of foodgrain crops that are suitable for or prevalent in the specific geographical area of the farmer.
How many potential farmers, relative to the actual established district target, does the Rural Agriculture Extension Officer typically select initially?
The Rural Agriculture Extension Officer selects 1.5 times the number of required beneficiaries compared to the established physical target.
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