Farmers from Thoothukudi district have urged the government to sell better quality hybrid seeds at subsidised rates to help them achieve higher yields during the upcoming rabi season.The district has around 1.50 lakh hectares of rainfed agricultural lands, where farmers usually cultivate maize, chillies, coriander, black gram and other pulses during the rabi season. Sowing generally begins in the fourth week of September, depending on the onset of the northeast monsoon.Although the government supplies subsidised seeds through agricultural extension centres, many farmers continue to purchase seeds from private companies, citing concerns over the quality of government supplied seeds and their delayed availability.A.Varadharajan, president of Karisal Bhoomi Framers Association said that the maize cultivation requires about 8 kg of seeds, which is two bags, per acre “The government sells maize seeds at a cost of around ₹1,000 per bag. However, the same quantity costs nearly ₹1,850 kg in private shops. Despite the higher price, many farmers prefer private shops’ seeds because of their superior quality and better yield,” he added.Mr. Varadharajan further alleged that maize seeds purchased from agricultural extension centres produce an average yield of around 10 quintals per acre, whereas seeds from private dealers can yield up to 25 quintals per acre under similar conditions.He further explained that farmers cultivating shallots, chillies and coriander also face similar issues and urged the government to supply high-quality hybrid seeds through agricultural extension centres.Meanwhile farmers have also called for timely distribution of subsidised seeds. They pointed out that in recent years, seeds often reached extension centres only after the sowing season had begun, making them of little use. They urged the government to ensure that quality hybrid seeds are made available well before the commencement of the rabi season. Published - July 25, 2026 08:06 pm IST