This article presents the findings of a study that introduces community-based seed production of new open-pollenated maize varieties that are suited to the local environment, as well as the sociological conditions and farmer's preferences, in East Nusa Tenggara. It aims to accelerate distribution of these high quality seeds in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices in order to increase maize productivity for farmers. Experiments were conducted over a two year period in one village in Kupang district, recording grain yield, return:cost ratio, income generation, rate of distribution, and farmer's responses to the new varieties. Results show that the new variety of seed introduced by community-based seed production was well adopted by local farmers and sold at acceptable prices. Seed growers received a benefit of Rp 10,476,000ha-1 at a return:cost ratio of 2:9. The authors conclude that community-based seed production is suitable for extension to other villages where farmers have difficulty accessing high-yield seed varieties that are suited to both their agroclimatic zone and personal preferences.