Final version of Tropical Legumes II Project Report for Phase 1 - icrisat
Final version of Tropical Legumes II Project Report for Phase 1 - icrisat
Final version of Tropical Legumes II Project Report for Phase 1 - icrisat
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>Project</strong> sites<br />
Tamil Nadu<br />
The present seed replacement rate in the state is around 3.0%. Local traders are the major suppliers <strong>of</strong> the<br />
seed. Hence, the genetic purity and minimum germination standards are not assured. The cost <strong>of</strong> seed is<br />
usually high due to transportation charges. Furthermore, the supply <strong>of</strong> seed is restricted to old varieties. In<br />
a few districts, farmers save their own seed, but this practice is not common in coastal districts due to high<br />
rainfall and high relative humidity, leading to quick loss <strong>of</strong> seed viability, besides lack <strong>of</strong> proper storage<br />
facilities and financial reason. Participation <strong>of</strong> private seed companies is practically absent. In Tamil Nadu,<br />
the state agricultural university produces the Nucleus and Breeder Seed <strong>of</strong> groundnut, while Department<br />
<strong>of</strong> Agriculture <strong>of</strong> the state government produces the Foundation and Certified Seed.<br />
Strategies to improve the quality seed supply in time:<br />
1. Improve the <strong>for</strong>mal seed systems through a vibrant public sector organization/agency: There is a<br />
great opportunity to establish a dedicated autonomous state seed corporation in Tamil Nadu or<br />
<strong>for</strong>ming an independent seed producing agency as a wing <strong>of</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture; and<br />
2. Promote in<strong>for</strong>mal seed sector to meet the huge demand <strong>of</strong> the quality seed <strong>of</strong> groundnut.<br />
Karnataka<br />
The seed replacement ratio in the state during 2007-08 was 9.5 % with a huge gap between demand<br />
and supply, which is <strong>of</strong>ten met by supply <strong>of</strong> non-descript seed by traders as TMV 2. Although the<br />
seed replacement is slightly better than the situation in the country, TMV 2, an obsolete variety, is still<br />
distributed through seed chain due to non-availability <strong>of</strong> seed <strong>of</strong> new improved varieties in the seed<br />
chain. The Nucleus and Breeder Seed is produced by state agricultural universities, while Certified and<br />
Truthfully Labeled Seed is produced and distributed to farmers by state seed corporations, farmers’<br />
societies and agricultural universities. The role <strong>of</strong> private sector is negligible. Although some farmers<br />
save their own seed, the seed demand is largely met by supply <strong>of</strong> seed by traders which, in general, is<br />
non-descript.<br />
Strategies to improve the quality seed supply in time:<br />
1. Promote in<strong>for</strong>mal seed sector to meet the seed demand and replace obsolete varieties; and<br />
2. Link <strong>for</strong>mal and in<strong>for</strong>mal seed sectors <strong>for</strong> quality seed supply.<br />
The approach<br />
The TL <strong>II</strong> project <strong>for</strong> groundnut is implemented in two states in India - Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.The<br />
major activities under this project include increased production <strong>of</strong> Breeder and Foundation Seed to<br />
enhance the availability <strong>of</strong> quality seed <strong>of</strong> improved varieties in the seed chain, promote alternative<br />
seed systems to meet the seed demand, enhanced seed delivery and local seed production and storage<br />
capabilities and capacity building. Significant achievements have been made in all the areas.<br />
<strong>Project</strong> accomplishments<br />
Infrastructure and equipment<br />
The breeder seed production facilities were strengthened at four NARS research stations, one in Tamil<br />
Nadu and three in Karnataka.<br />
At TNAU, repairs were made to the existing seed storage godown and threshing floors, and fresh plant<br />
threshers and other processing equipment have been purchased.<br />
28<br />
Engaging Smallholder Farmers | <strong>Tropical</strong> <strong>Legumes</strong> <strong>II</strong> <strong>Project</strong>