Salem maize farmers report poor yields from subsidised seeds

Maize farmers in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu have raised concerns regarding the low yields produced by the Advanta 762 seed variety, which is distributed under a state government subsidy scheme. Farmers in areas such as Attur, Pethanaickenpalayam, and Vazhapadi report that the variety is unsuitable for the local soil and climate.

V. S. Govindaraj, President of the Salem District Farmers’ Welfare Association, stated that last season's subsidised seeds yielded only about 15 bags of maize per acre, significantly lower than the 40 bags achieved with higher-performing varieties. This drop in productivity has made it difficult for many cultivators to recover their initial farming costs.

While the state has sanctioned 58 tonnes of subsidised seeds for the current season, many farmers are reportedly reluctant to purchase the Advanta 762 variety again. Agriculture officials have defended the seed, noting it was approved by the Union government for cultivation in five states and is distributed via the National Seeds Corporation.