formal seed systems

This study applied a means-end chain analysis to understand farmers’ perceptions of formal and informal sources of banana planting material. Farmers associated formal sources mainly with improved cultivars, tissue culture plantlets and low levels of diversity. Informal seed sources were mostly associated with traditional cultivars, suckers and high levels of diversity. »

This paper states that quality seed is one of the first and foremost prerequisites for a healthy and vigorous crop and considered as an important factor for increasing crop yield. However, in Bangladesh resource-poor farmers have limited access to quality seeds. Without proper policy implementation for quality seed supply, it is very difficult to achieve food security and the sustainable development goals. »

This article states that good quality seed is almost universally considered a requirement for high productivity in all potato production systems. Potato seed sector development is thus a major concern of governments, researchers, development agencies, and civil society organizations. »

This case study looks at the potential value of horticulture for farmers in Tanzania, and the contribution of the seed sector to the growing Tanzanian horticulture sector. Small farmers could all use commercial open pollinated varieties (OPV) and adopt low-cost production technologies. A profitable, responsible sector meeting the national needs is possible and reliable seed companies are critical to the vitality of the sector. »

This publication of the Access to Seeds Index 2019 presents an overall ranking of 13 leading global seed companies. The results show that the global seed industry is adapting their seeds to combat the impact of climate change. However, a lack of access to quality seeds in many emerging economies persists, as global companies reach just 10% of the world’s smallholder farmers. »

This report evaluated seed-producing cooperatives across Western and Central Africa to explore whether farmer-led cooperatives can play a role delivering new varieties of seeds into the hands of farmers. Seed-producing cooperatives are increasingly being formally recognized as producers of certified seed.  »