AS-SEP

The scheme aims to increase agricultural productivity and production for SC/ST farmers who cannot afford improved seeds. It provides high-yielding improved seed varieties, up to one hectare, in exchange for existing crop or seed, backed by a 75% subsidy with a maximum limit of ₹1,500/-.

The “Annapurna Scheme” was launched by the Department of Farmers Welfare and Agricultural Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh. The “Seed Exchange Programme” component of the scheme aims to improve the economic status of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe small and marginal farmers by providing them with economic assistance to access improved seeds of high-yielding foodgrain crops, thereby increasing productivity and production. The scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Agriculture through the District Panchayats, Sub-Directorate of Agriculture, and the Senior Agriculture Development Officer. The applications for this scheme are accepted by the Rural Agriculture Extension Officer based on targets set according to the population of the target groups and the district's demand.

• The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe category.
• The applicant must be a small or marginal farmer.
• The applicant must be unable to afford the purchase of improved varieties of high-yielding foodgrain crops.

Post-Selection Conditions

• The farmer must exchange their existing crop or seed for the improved seeds.

• Provision of improved seeds of high-yielding varieties of foodgrain crops.
• 75% subsidy on the actual price of the seed provided in exchange.
• The maximum limit of the subsidy is ₹1,500/-.
• Seeds of suitable varieties for the land and area will be provided in equal quantity compared to the seed provided by the farmer.
• The provision is limited to a maximum area of one hectare.
• Certified seed will be provided.

##### Conditions

• _The seeds supplied must be of the improved variety, prioritizing those that are suitable for or prevalent in the area._
• _If certified seed is scarce, or depending on the specific crop condition, true form seed may be distributed only with the permission of the Director of Agriculture._
• _If the farmer provides seed of a different crop for exchange, the seed given by the farmer must be worth 25% of the actual price of the certified seed of the requested crop._
• _The improved seed provided to the farmer will not exceed the requirement for one hectare._
• _The seed received from the beneficiary farmer must be sold through auction (Ghosh Vikray) at the local Agricultural Produce Market Committee by a designated committee._
• _Cash received as the farmer's share or resulting from the auction of the grain provided by the farmer must be deposited into the Government Treasury by challan under Head 0401 Agriculture Work, Other Deposit - 800 Other Deposit._
• _If a farmer who previously received seed is given seed again, it must not be for the same crop or variety provided in prior years._

• The applicant will not be supplied improved seed exceeding the requirement for one hectare.
• If the farmer is an existing beneficiary, the subsequent provision of seed must be for a different crop or variety than those previously supplied.