Final version of Tropical Legumes II Project Report for Phase 1 - icrisat

Strategies to enhance seed production and delivery schemes
To search for strategies to enhance seed production and delivery schemes, data on costs of seed
production and delivery by all institutions involved in the seed chain were gathered. Basically, two
schemes were pursued: the public seed multiplication and delivery scheme (NARS and traditional
extension services) and CBOs (community-based organizations) including farmers’ associations and
small-scale seed producers.
Results showed that seed production through the public sector institutions is very high. As illustrated
in Figure 4.2, direct Foundation Seed production through NARS in their farms and managed by NARS
personnel is very costly about US$ 3.28 per kg. However, seed production through contract growers
can significantly reduce cost of seed production. Farmers’ associations and small-scale producers can
produce high quality Foundation Seed at lower costs, (US$1.10 per ha).
Figure 4-2: Cost of seed production by different institutions
The major cost items in seed production are manual harvesting, weeding, seed and land preparation. Opportunities for
mechanization should be explored.
Figure 4-3: Average cost per activity performed
Based on the analysis of costs involved in seed production and delivery systems in West Africa, it is clear
that the production of Breeder Seed should remain the responsibility of NARS. However, government
commitment to support NARS in the production of Breeder Seed is essential. Revolving fund schemes
within NARS should be supported by government to ensure sustainability. The production of Basic Seed
through contract farming with small-scale seed producers and/or farmers’ organizations with technical
backstopping from NARS. The production of certified seed should be entirely the responsibility of
Farmers’ organization and small-scale seed producers.
Progress of Phase 1
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