Breaking Barriers in Maize Seed Production: The Success Story of DMRH 1308, DMRH 1301 and LQMH 1 Hybrids

Hybrid technology has significantly contributed to increasing maize production and productivity in the country. Seed is the basic and key input that determines the farm productivity of any cultivar. However, the private sector contributes significantly to the maize seed supply, but the public sector develops hybrids that contribute to regulating seed prices and quality. For Kharif 2025, the DAC Govt. of India, demand for public-bred maize hybrid breeder seeds reached its highest level ever (126 q). The DMRH 1301 (medium duration) and DMRH 1308 (medium duration), released in 2017, and LQMH 1 (short duration) in 2020 through the central varietal release committee from ICAR-IIMR, created a significant impact in terms of acreage. So far a total of 24 different private seed companies have taken up these hybrids by signing 36 MoUs with the institute. In the last four years, DMRH 1308 has consistently topped DAC maize breeder seed demand, with its share ranging from 20.1 to 34.9%. Based solely on DAC breeder seeds supplied till 2024, DMRH 1308 is estimated to cover around 11.57 lakh hectares, DMRH 1301, 4.10 lakh and LQMH 1, 0.70 lakh hectares of land since their release. In farmers’ fields, these hybrids yield 6.0 to 10.5 t/ha of grain. Higher female productivity (2.0–3.5 t/ha), longer pollen availability (7–9 days), broader adaptability, tolerance to major diseases and insect pests, and input responsiveness are the main characteristics of these hybrid parental lines, which contribute towards the successful commercial seed production. The majority of hybrid maize seeds are produced in peninsular India, resulting in higher seed costs. It is therefore necessary to establish alternative farmer-led seed production hubs. Our study documented the success story of farmer-led seed production in three different states, especially in new sites in West Bengal. This model can be replicated to popularize other public-bred hybrids.