India
July 30, 2026
The states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana in South Asia serve as major hubs, supplying most (~85%) of the maize hybrid seed not only to other maize-growing states in India but also to neighboring countries in South and Southeast Asia. Of course, the movement of hybrid seed from these hubs to distant places has been a major concern for ensuring the availability of quality seed on time and at a reasonable price for smallholder maize farmers in different states of India. The CIMMYT Asia Maize Program, in partnership with Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture & Technology (ANDUAT), Ayodhya, and a local SME seed company, M/S Farmero Producer Company, Barabanki, took the initiative to explore hybrid maize production in the two maize-growing districts, Baharacih and Barabanki, in Eastern Uttar Pradesh (U.P.). The initiative was executed under a project funded by the U.P. Council of Agricultural Research UPCAR). The initiative is the first of its kind in this region, which has demonstrated the immense potential of local maize hybrid seed production. What began as an ambitious effort to introduce hybrid seed production among farmers with almost no prior experience has culminated in a remarkable success story. In their very first attempt, participating farmers successfully produced high-quality maize hybrid seed with excellent seed set, impressive yields, and strong genetic purity, proving that with the right technical support and determination, farmers can successfully venture into specialized seed production.
Identifying an Opportunity
Eastern Uttar Pradesh is one of the traditional maize-growing regions, yet farmers often depend on hybrid seed supplied from distant production hubs. Recognizing the need to strengthen local seed systems, CIMMYT initiated a program to build farmers’ capacity for hybrid seed production. The objective was clear: empower farmers to become producers of quality seed while creating additional income opportunities and improving local seed availability. Before the execution of the activities, a careful suitability analysis was conducted with respect to weather conditions, soil type, cropping system, etc. In this traditional maize-growing area, farmers grow maize year-round across all three seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Spring. In addition to analyzing all key requirements for maize hybrid seed production, a safe planting window, i.e., mid-January to June, was identified, during which the seed production field can achieve perfect temporal isolation during the flowering period, as it falls between the Rabi and Spring maize seasons.
Selected farmers received intensive training on the scientific principles and practical aspects of hybrid seed production. Topics included field layout, planting methods, crop management practices, isolation requirements, staggered sowing to ensure perfect synchronization of flowering, detasseling, roughing, and quality assurance measures. In addition to the initial training, farmers received technical backstopping and instant support as needed through the cropping season.
From Training to Execution
For many participating farmers, hybrid seed production was unfamiliar territory. Unlike grain production, hybrid seed production requires careful management and strict adherence to technical protocols. Despite the challenges, farmers enthusiastically adopted the recommendations provided by CIMMYT scientists and field staff.
Regular field visits, on-site demonstrations, and continuous monitoring ensured that every critical operation was carried out at the right time. Particular emphasis was placed on achieving synchronization between male and female parental lines—a key determinant of successful hybrid seed production. Farmers diligently implemented recommended agronomic practices, maintained field purity, and performed timely detasseling and rouging to ensure high-quality hybrid seed production.
Excellent Results in the First Attempt
As the crop progressed, confidence grew among both farmers and technical teams. Healthy plant stands, synchronized flowering, and excellent pollination resulted in well-filled cobs and uniform seed development across production plots. At harvest, the results exceeded expectations. The seed production fields exhibited excellent seed set and cob filling, high levels of field uniformity, strong genetic purity through effective crop management, satisfactory seed yields with commercial potential, and quality standards suitable for further seed multiplication and distribution. The success was particularly noteworthy because it was achieved in the very first season of hybrid seed production by participating farmers.
Beyond agronomic success, the initiative generated significant economic value, as successful hybrid seed production offers premium returns compared to conventional maize grain cultivation. A buy-back arrangement with M/S Farmero Producer Company Farmers was made at the outset, and the company met its commitment by lifting all the hybrid seed produced by farmers, which was highly motivating to the innovating seed farmers. Farmers gained confidence that producing quality hybrid seed not only opened new income streams but also more than doubled their return on investment compared to normal maize cultivation for grain. In addition, the availability of locally produced, high-quality hybrid maize seed reduces dependence on costly external seed sources.
“Initially, we were hesitant because hybrid seed production seemed complicated. However, the guidance from CIMMYT experts helped us understand each step. Seeing such good results in our first attempt gives us confidence to continue and expand this activity in the coming years,” said Shri Ziaul Haq, one of the participating farmers from the village Bhatpurawa, Baharaich district. The success has transformed perceptions among neighboring farmers, many of whom are now eager to participate in future seed production programs.
Strengthening Local Seed Systems
The initiative has implications far beyond individual farm profitability. Locally produced quality hybrid seed can help improve seed accessibility, reduce supply bottlenecks, and support wider adoption of improved maize hybrids in the region. By building local capacity for seed production, CIMMYT is contributing to a more resilient and sustainable hybrid seed ecosystem, one that can support increased maize productivity and improve livelihoods across Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The outstanding results achieved in the first season have established a strong foundation for scaling hybrid seed production in the region. The experience demonstrates that farmer-centered capacity building, combined with scientific guidance and continuous technical support, can quickly translate into tangible success. As demand for quality maize hybrid seed continues to grow, this success stands as a compelling example of how innovation, partnership, and farmer commitment can create meaningful change.
“Highly impressive! This initiative is a true intervention of new technologies that has huge potential to transform farm productivity and income of the farming community in Uttar Pradesh”, said Dr. Sanjay Singh, Director General, UPCAR, during his visit to the seed production site in Baharaich district.
Next Step
The first-ever maize hybrid seed production initiative supported by CIMMYT in Eastern Uttar Pradesh has been a resounding success. Farmers who ventured into hybrid seed production for the first time delivered impressive results, validating the effectiveness of CIMMYT’s approach to strengthening local seed systems and enhancing farmer livelihoods. This achievement is more than successful maize hybrid seed production; it is a testament to the power of knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. With confidence high and interest growing, the initiative is paving the way for a vibrant, farmer-led maize seed production sector in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
With the first season proving that the selected area of Eastern U.P. is favorable for commercially viable maize hybrid seed production, local farmers can successfully produce high-quality hybrid seed. CIMMYT’s next mission is clear: shift from pilot success to sustainable scaling and transform isolated successes into a vibrant regional seed production hub that benefits thousands of maize-growing households across Uttar Pradesh.
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