Seed is a basic input in agriculture. Use of quality seeds alone can enhance the crop productivity by 15-25%. One of the main reasons for low productivity in the Bihar State is very low seed replacement rate (SRR). The reason behind this is poor investment capacity and unavailability of reliable quality seeds in the local markets. In past few years this problem has drawn attention of planners and Govt. of Bihar has also been making untiring efforts to provide quality seeds at reasonable costs. To join hands with the state Government Rajendra Agricultural University has launched Farmers Participatory Seed Production Programme (FPSPP) to cater the need of quality seeds for farming community and make the state self-sufficient in production of quality seeds.

• This programme is being implemented under the supervision of 17 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). The University is producing breeder seeds and foundation    seeds at its farms while selected farmers under the supervision of scientists of KVKs are producing certified/ labelled seeds at their farms.
• The interested farmers found suitable for the programme are registered in the KVK of their district with a nominal payment of registration fee (Rs. 500).    Foundation seed is provided by the University on reasonable prices. The seed crop is registered to the Bihar State Seed Certification Agency, Mithapur, Patna    by the farmers on the recommendation of KVK.
• The seed crop is monitored by the constituted team of the university in order to maintain the quality and reliability of seed.
• The seed produced by the farmers, after meeting the field requirement of seed crop is purchased by the concerned KVK at the rate as fixed by the University.   The farmers also have option to market their seed at their own after processing, testing, treatment and bagging by University under its logo at the nominal   payment of processing and royalty charges.
Main objectives of FPSPP
 To organise the farmers for production of high quality seeds in their field and impart training in seed production.
 Spread of HYV through seed production in farmers field under the direct supervision of scientists.
 Providing storage, processing, testing, treatment and bagging facility and brand name at reasonable prices.
    Wheat Seed Production in Participatory Mode at farmer’s field.
 Promoting the young farmer entrepreneurs through seed production as well as its marketing.
 Enhancing SRR vis-a-vis total crop production by making available quality seeds of HYV in throughout the state at right time and reasonable prices.
    Impact of the programme
 The farmers are becoming self sufficient in seeds of major crops.
 Helping in increasing the seed replacement rate which is one of the major objective of Govt. of India under National Seed Programme for sustainability.
 Helping in decreasing the unemployment pressure as unemployed rural youths are getting opportunity to work.
 Socio-economic status of the farmers improving due to generation of additional income through seed production as against grain production.
 The additional income earned through seed production helping the farmers to start other enterprises like bee keeping, vermicomposting and dairy farming     and opening avenues for further development of farming community.
Target set by Rajendra Agricultural University for production of paddy seed through FPSPP for Kharif-2010.