Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems for African Crops
Seed Systems Research
Abstracts from the Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems
Conference
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Developing
the smallholder seed market in Uganda: The Harvest Farm Seed Company
experience J.A.. Okot Seeds
are the single essential input of all plant-based agricultural systems,
since they determine the upper limit on yield potential and therefore
the productivity of other inputs. In addition, high quality seed of
improved varieties frequently makes a substantial contribution to
agricultural productivity and sustainability since seed is frequently
the only input that small holder farmers can afford. Developing a
sustainable seed supply system that provides access to improved quality
seed to all farmer categories remains a major challenge for the Ugandan
seed industry. The 3
million smallholder farmers constitute ¾ of the total, contributing to
most of Uganda’s agricultural output. This underscores the importance
of access to high quality seed by small holder farmers if Uganda is to
achieve its plan to eradicate poverty through modernizing agricultural
production. Moreover, Ugandan farmers have demonstrated that they are
prepared to adopt new agricultural technologies, provided it is
economically viable and risk-acceptable.
The question arises as to which entries make up the seed supply
chain in Uganda and who is there in the supply chain to disseminate seed
to the smallholder farmer category?
Both the public and private seed sectors have an important role
to play in developing the small holder seed market in Uganda. The two
sectors should complement each other in developing an efficient seed
supply chain, allowing farmers access to high quality and adapted seed
and thus contribute to sustainable agriculture. However, to achieve
sustainable development from agriculture, the entire seed chain, from
research, seed generation, and seed dissemination must be linked with
market demand for the farm output. Uganda remains a promising production
centre strategically located in the heart of East and Central Africa. |
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