To increase agricultural productivity and improve crop yields, the government is placing special emphasis on the quality of seeds used by farmers.
High-quality seeds are considered one of the most important inputs for better crop production. To support farmers in achieving higher yields and improving their income, several schemes are being implemented to provide certified and improved seeds.
As part of this effort, the Rajasthan government has announced plans to distribute free and subsidized maize and bajra (pearl millet) seeds to farmers.
The initiative aims to promote maize and millet cultivation and help farmers access better seed varieties that can significantly boost crop output.
Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena shared these details in the state assembly, explaining that farmers in maize-growing regions will receive hybrid maize seed mini-kits free of cost.
These mini-kits are intended to help farmers adopt improved seed varieties and achieve better productivity in their fields
Free Maize Seed Mini-Kits Distributed in 2025–26
During the 2025–26 agricultural year, the state government distributed a large number of maize seed mini-kits across several districts.
According to the agriculture minister, farmers from tribal districts such as Dungarpur, Udaipur, Banswara, Salumber, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Pali, Sirohi, and Baran received a significant number of seed kits.
Distribution Details
- Tribal farmers received: 8,26,219 maize seed mini-kits
- Non-tribal farmers in the same districts received: 2,26,643 mini-kits
This means a total of 10,52,862 maize seed mini-kits were distributed free of cost in tribal regions.
Additionally, farmers in districts such as Ajmer, Beawar, Bundi, Bhilwara, and Jhalawar also benefited from the scheme, receiving 96,882 maize seed mini-kits at no cost.
The primary goal of the government is to encourage farmers to adopt certified hybrid seeds, which can significantly improve crop productivity and increase farmers’ income.
8.5 Lakh Farmers to Benefit in 2026–27
The government plans to expand this initiative in the 2026–27 agricultural season. Under the upcoming program, around 8.5 lakh farmers in tribal and Sahariya-dominated regions will receive free hybrid maize seed mini-kits.
The districts included in this program are:
- Dungarpur
- Udaipur
- Banswara
- Salumber
- Chittorgarh
- Rajsamand
- Pratapgarh
- Pali
- Sirohi
- Baran
The state government has allocated approximately ₹85 crore for implementing this scheme.
Officials believe that the use of high-quality hybrid maize seeds can significantly increase crop productivity, which will ultimately help improve the overall income of farmers.
Seeds to Be Distributed Under National Food Security Mission
Apart from state initiatives, the government will also distribute seeds under the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFNM) run by the central government.
For the 2026–27 season, selected districts such as Baran, Jhalawar, Banswara, Dungarpur, Salumber, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, and Rajsamand will be included in the program.
Under this mission:
- 500 quintals of certified maize seeds will be distributed at subsidized rates.
- Demonstration programs will be conducted on around 4,500 hectares of farmland.
These demonstration programs will help farmers learn improved cultivation techniques. Farmers participating in these demonstrations will also receive free seeds to support the trials.
The Rajasthan government has already prepared a detailed action plan and submitted it to the central government for approval.
Free Bajra Seeds Also Planned for Farmers
Along with maize, the state government is also focusing on increasing bajra (pearl millet) production, which is an important crop in many parts of Rajasthan.
During 2025–26, a total of 7,99,900 bajra seed mini-kits were distributed to farmers across 28 bajra-producing districts in the state.
For the 2026–27 season, the government plans to further expand this initiative under the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission.
Bajra Seed Support Plan
- 12,000 quintals of certified bajra seeds will be distributed at subsidized rates.
- Demonstration programs will be conducted across 24,000 hectares of farmland.
- Farmers participating in these programs will receive free seed kits.
These measures aim to improve millet production, soil health, and farmer incomes, while also supporting national goals related to food security and nutrition.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan government’s initiative to distribute free maize and bajra seeds is an important step toward improving agricultural productivity and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.
By providing certified hybrid seeds, subsidies, and demonstration programs, the government hopes to encourage farmers to adopt better farming practices and modern seed varieties.
With 8.5 lakh farmers expected to benefit in the upcoming season, the scheme has the potential to significantly increase crop yields and farmer incomes.
If implemented effectively, these programs could contribute to both regional agricultural growth and national food security.
FAQs
Who will receive free maize seeds under this scheme?
Farmers in selected districts of Rajasthan, especially tribal and Sahariya regions, will receive free hybrid maize seed mini-kits.
How many farmers will benefit from the 2026–27 program?
The government plans to provide free maize seed mini-kits to around 8.5 lakh farmers in the upcoming agricultural season.
Will farmers also receive bajra seeds under this program?
Yes, the government will distribute certified bajra seeds at subsidized rates and free mini-kits through various agricultural schemes.