What is a seed village programme and how can my village join it?

A seed village programme is a government scheme where a group of farmers in a village are trained and given foundation or certified seed to produce good quality seed locally, mainly for their own use and to share with nearby farmers. The aim is to improve the seed replacement rate and reduce dependence on costly outside seed. Typically the agriculture department or KVK selects a village, supplies a starting class of seed (often on subsidy), trains farmers in proper seed production, roguing (removing off-type plants), harvesting, drying, treatment and storage, and may help with seed storage bins. To join, your village usually forms a group and applies through the block agriculture office or the local KVK, which then includes it when the scheme is running. Because selection, the seed supplied and the support vary by state and year, confirm whether the programme is active and how to apply with your block agriculture officer or KVK.