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
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was facilitated by supply <strong>of</strong> quality seed to farmers; in addition, farmers can <strong>of</strong>fer the seed production<br />
plots to state seed certification agencies and thus produce certified seed which will be lifted by state<br />
seed corporations or state department <strong>of</strong> agriculture <strong>for</strong> seed subsidy program. Alternatively, the farmers<br />
also have the choice <strong>of</strong> not <strong>of</strong>fering the seed production plots <strong>for</strong> certification, thus produce truthfully<br />
labeled seed, which can be directly supplied to nearby farmers or through university. This model in<br />
Karnataka has been very successful.<br />
The basic seed (100 kg each) <strong>of</strong> ICGV 87846 was supplied to ABI, ICRISAT, KVK, Sandhiyur and RRS,<br />
Vridhachalam <strong>for</strong> further multiplication and distribution to farmers. Similarly 100 kg seed <strong>of</strong> ICGV<br />
00351 was also supplied to ABI, ICRISAT during the 2010 rainy season.<br />
Transaction costs in seed marketing<br />
Tamil Nadu<br />
In Nammakal district, groundnut crop is grown in only one season so farmers save their own seed as a<br />
rule; hence the PDKV model to promote improved varieties has been adopted in this district. In Erode<br />
district, traders sell the locally purchased seed and fix the margin at 300-400 INR per 100 kg <strong>of</strong> kernels.<br />
In Thiruvannamalai district, where the seed material is brought from outside, transport charges <strong>of</strong> 700<br />
INR <strong>for</strong> 100 kg <strong>of</strong> pods are added. In addition, commission charges <strong>of</strong> 200 INR as levied <strong>for</strong> 100 kg <strong>of</strong><br />
pods, thus bringing the total to 800 INR as added cost. The cost <strong>of</strong> 100 kg pods ranges from 3500 to<br />
4000 INR in the last three years, thus seed production at villages either through PDKV or seed village<br />
model will save at least 10% <strong>of</strong> seed cost in Tamil Nadu.<br />
Promotion and <strong>for</strong>mal recognition <strong>of</strong> in<strong>for</strong>mal seed sector<br />
A policy document <strong>for</strong> the state <strong>of</strong> Tamil Nadu titled ‘Groundnut cultivation and existing seed systems”<br />
was prepared and made available to the authorities. In this document, emphasis was given to recognize<br />
the in<strong>for</strong>mal seed sector to meet the seed demand <strong>of</strong> this crop in particular.<br />
The semi-<strong>for</strong>mal seed production system has been a successful model in the state <strong>of</strong> Karnataka to<br />
meet the seed demands <strong>of</strong> various crops, including groundnut. The same was given wide recognition<br />
at national seed program (NSP) thus encouraging the other states to follow this model <strong>of</strong> seed system.<br />
Currently many states in the country are implementing this model.<br />
Capacity building<br />
Farmers’ training<br />
A total <strong>of</strong> 4,267 farmers were trained during three years in the two states. In three districts <strong>of</strong> Tamil Nadu,<br />
a total <strong>of</strong> 2,711 farmers (including 998 women) were given training on various aspects <strong>of</strong> seed production,<br />
seed health and seed processing and storage. In Karnataka, a total <strong>of</strong> 1,556 farmers were trained on aspect<br />
<strong>of</strong> seed production and processing in 13 training programs organized over three years. UAS, -Bangalore has<br />
trained 1,356 farmers (including 221 women) while UAS-Raichur trained 200 farmers.<br />
Local seed traders and processors<br />
A total <strong>of</strong> 172 seed traders from both the states were trained in proper seed handling and storage. Seventy<br />
two seed traders in the three project districts <strong>of</strong> Tamil Nadu were trained in six training programs on<br />
aspects <strong>of</strong> seed handling, storage and processing. Ninety five seed traders were trained at a program<br />
organized at Chitradurga district <strong>of</strong> Karnataka.<br />
Progress <strong>of</strong> <strong>Phase</strong> 1<br />
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