What is the Difference Between HYV Seeds and Traditional Seeds

The main difference between HYV seeds and traditional seeds is that HYV seeds produce higher crop yield per area whereas traditional seeds are normal quality seeds with regular crop yield. Furthermore, HYV seeds produce high-quality crops while traditional seeds produce a comparatively low-quality crop. Besides, HYV seeds show a high reliance on irrigation and fertilizers, early maturation, and resistance to many diseases in contrast to traditional seeds. 

In brief, HYV (High Yielding Variety) seeds and traditional seeds are two types of seeds used in agriculture. Both types of seeds have advantages in different criteria. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What are HYV Seeds
     – Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What are Traditional Seeds
     – Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between HYV Seeds and Traditional Seeds
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between HYV Seeds and Traditional Seeds
     – Comparison of Key Differences  

Key Terms 

Environmental Tolerance, Fertilizers, HYV Seeds, Quality, Traditional Seeds, Yield

What are HYV Seeds 

HYV (High Yielding Variety) seeds are one of the various components of modern farm technology while the other components include fertilizers, irrigation, pesticides, and agricultural machinery. HYV seeds were introduced in 1966 as a landmark in the history of Indian agriculture as well as a part of the green revolution. They constitute the core of modern farm technology, essentially due to increased productivity. However, other components of modern farm technology may also play a role in getting the best out of the improved seeds. 

Figure 1: Wheat

HYV seeds are only developed for food crops such as wheat, paddy, maize, jawar, bajra, etc. Furthermore, the first-ever evolved HYV seeds are wheat. Generally, 90% of the total cropped areas of wheat use HYV seeds while 70% of paddy use HYV seeds in India. However, non-food crops do not derive this advantage. Moreover, the main characteristic traits held by HYV seeds contrary to traditional seeds include:  

• Higher crop  yield per  area (hectare)  
• Dwarfness
• Improved  response to fertilizers  
• High  reliance on irrigation and  fertilizers – see intensive  farming  
• Early  maturation  
• Resistive  to many diseases  
• Higher  quality and quantity of crops 

What are Traditional Seeds 

Traditional seeds are the indigenous seeds that grow naturally in a particular area. They are more economical in comparison to improved seeds. Typically, traditional seeds require a less reliable source of water, which in turn reduces the cost of irrigation. They also require less amount of fertilizers and pesticides, reducing the cost and pollution. Therefore, traditional seeds are a better choice for poor farmers who are unable to buy HYV seeds.

Figure 2: Non-Food Crop – Hemp

However, their yield does not show considerable improvements as done by HYV seeds. Crops with traditional seeds take time to mature. In addition, they show less tolerance to environmental conditions such as heavy rain and heavy winds. Their disease resistance may also be low. Most non-food crops are still grown from traditional seeds. 

Similarities Between HYV Seeds and Traditional Seeds  

• HYV seeds and traditional seeds are two common types of seeds used in agriculture.  
• They produce crops with variable quality in variable amounts.  
• In addition, they show variable environmental tolerance. 

Difference Between HYV Seeds and Traditional Seeds 

Definition 

HYV (high yielding variety) seeds refer to the seeds developed by scientists to improve food supplies and reduce famine in developing countries while traditional seeds refer to the indigenous seeds that are produced, growing or living naturally in a particular country or climate.  

Type of Agriculture

HYV seeds mainly produce food crops while traditional seeds mainly produce non-food crops.

Crop Quality 

Moreover, HYV seeds produce high-quality crops in higher quantities while the quality and the quantity of the crop produced by the traditional seeds are comparatively low. 

Dwarfness 

HYV seeds show dwarfness while traditional seeds do not show dwarfness. 

Reliance on Irrigation and Fertilizers 

In addition, HYV seeds show a high reliance on irrigation and fertilizers while traditional seeds show less reliance on irrigation and fertilizers. 

Response to Fertilizers 

HYV seeds show improved response to fertilizers while traditional seeds show comparatively a low response to fertilizers. 

Early Maturation 

While HYV seeds show early maturation, traditional seeds show late maturation. 

Disease Resistance 

HYV seeds show a higher resistance to diseases while traditional seeds show comparatively low resistance to seeds. 

Pesticides and Insecticides 

Furthermore, HYV seeds require a higher amount of pesticides and insecticides while traditional seeds require a lower amount of pesticides and insecticides.  

Environmental Tolerance 

While HYV seeds can withstand heavy rain and heavy wind, traditional seeds find it difficult to withstand unfavorable environmental conditions. 

Effect on the Fertility of the Soil 

HYV seeds damage the fertility of the soil while traditional seeds do not damage the fertility of the soil. 

Cost 

Moreover, HYV seeds are expensive while traditional seeds are less expensive. 

Examples 

Some HYV seeds include wheat, corn, soybean, rice, potato, and cotton while some examples of traditional seeds include the seeds of non-food crops such as hemp and caster. 

Conclusion 

HYV seeds are the improved type of seeds for the production of crops with higher yields and high quality in a shorter period of time. In addition, these seeds are dependent on irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. However, they damage the fertility of the soil. In contrast, traditional seeds are the natural seeds with low yield and quality of crops. They mature later and require less irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. However, their resistance to diseases is low. Hence, the main difference between HYV seeds and traditional seeds is their yield, requirements, and effects on the environment. 

References:

1. Singh, Hemant. “High-Yielding Variety Seeds: Definition, Advantages and Role in Green Revolution of India.” Jagranjosh.com, 26 May 2016, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “wheat-grain-crops-bread-harvest-1530321” By Pavlofox (Pixabay License) via Pixabay
2. “hemp-cannabis-sativa-nature-crop-4354392” By NickyPe (Pixabay License) via Pixabay