Why do you think the great northern railroad company gave free seeds to settlers, who were willing to settle near the railroad tracks?

Giving free seeds to settlers who were willing to settle near the railroad stations, was one of the many incentives given by the Great Northern Railroad Company and the State. This is to attract influx of immigrants, who contributed in a way  to the success of the railway business.  Another incentive was to sell land at attractive prices, through small cash payments and long term credit.