Agriculture dept launches hybrid seeds to boost home vegetable production

Palakkad: The Agriculture Department has launched an initiative to promote production of vegetables at home by distributing high-yielding hybrid vegetable seed kits. The goal is to involve more families in growing their own vegetables.

As part of this initiative, one lakh seed kits will be prepared and distributed in collaboration with both governmental and private agricultural farms. Each kit will include High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of seeds to ensure maximum productivity.

The production cost of each seed kit is Rs 100. The initiative is part of the National Nutrition Mission, and Rs 1 crore has been allocated for the preparation of these kits

The kits will include hybrid seeds of okra, brinjal, beans, tomato, bird eye chilli, cauliflower, cabbage, bitter gourd, cucumber, pumpkin, radish, and more. These hybrids are known for their superior yield.

The hybrid seeds are developed using the technology from Kerala Agricultural University, Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR), and Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR). The initiative also receive technical assistance from the National Seed Corporation (NSC) and Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council (VFPCK).

These seed kits will be distributed free of charge to vegetable growers through 1,076 Krishi Bhavans in the state. Small and marginal vegetable farmers, as well as those who regularly grow crops in home gardens and on terraces, will be provided with these seed kits.

For optimal results, hybrid seeds should be planted in well-drained soil with good sunlight and drip irrigation, using controlled amounts of water and fertiliser. With proper care, these seeds can yield four times more produce than ordinary seeds and have better immunity. Agriculture Department officials will provide the necessary technical support to farmers to ensure successful cultivation.