Patna: In a major initiative to strengthen seed production and improve farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs, the Bihar Cooperation Department has launched a pilot project for paddy seed production through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) during the Kharif season 2026-27.
The project aims to ensure the availability of certified, high-quality paddy seeds at affordable prices while expanding the role of cooperative institutions in agricultural development.
PACS to Play Key Role in Paddy Seed Production
Under the pilot initiative, PACS will actively participate in paddy seed production instead of being limited to paddy procurement activities.
The scheme is designed to:
- Increase the availability of certified quality paddy seeds
- Reduce farmers’ input costs
- Improve crop productivity and yields
- Strengthen cooperative participation in agriculture
Only PACS that have obtained membership of the National Cooperative Seed Committee (BBSSL) will be included in the programme.
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Pilot Project to Begin in Six Bihar Districts
The paddy seed production programme will initially be implemented in six districts of Bihar:
- Rohtas
- Kaimur
- Aurangabad
- Gaya
- Bhojpur
- Siwan
The selected districts will serve as pilot locations before the project is potentially expanded to other parts of the state.
Bihar State Seed Corporation and BASOCA to Support Implementation
The seed production process will be carried out with technical support from:
- Bihar State Seed Corporation (BRBN)
- Bihar State Seed Organic Certification Agency
BASOCA has already provided lists of registered farmers to the concerned districts. Based on these lists, seed production activities will be undertaken through PACS in selected blocks.
Cooperative Minister Ramkripal Yadav Highlights Benefits for Farmers
Ramkripal Yadav said the initiative marks an important step toward giving a new direction to Bihar’s agricultural sector through cooperative institutions.
According to the minister:
- PACS are being transformed into centers of farmer empowerment
- Farmers will get access to certified and quality seeds locally
- Reduced transportation and procurement costs will lower cultivation expenses
- Better-quality seeds will help increase agricultural productivity
He emphasized that the government is working to make cooperative institutions more effective contributors to rural economic development.
District Officials Directed to Ensure Timely Execution
The Cooperation Department has instructed District Cooperative Officers to coordinate closely with:
- District Agriculture Officers
- Indian Seed Cooperative Committee representatives
- Concerned PACS
Officials have been asked to ensure implementation of the project according to the prescribed timeline and operational plan.
Potential Statewide Expansion After Successful Pilot
The Bihar government believes the initiative will significantly strengthen the role of cooperative institutions in seed production.
If the pilot project delivers positive results, the scheme may be expanded to additional districts across Bihar, helping more farmers gain access to high-quality paddy seeds produced at the local level.
Strengthening Bihar’s Agricultural Ecosystem Through Cooperatives
The PACS-led paddy seed production project represents a significant effort to integrate cooperative institutions into the agricultural value chain. By combining local participation with technical support from state agencies, the initiative is expected to improve seed quality, boost farm productivity, and contribute to sustainable agricultural growth in Bihar.
