ICRISAT Archival Report 2010

A shift from direct input distribution to market based options will be necessary if commercial market channels
are to be revived in Zimbabwe. Current options for market based input relief include the voucher system
redeemable in retail shops and seed fairs for local seed acquisition. However, in areas where there is inadequate
market infrastructure, direct distribution may need to be maintained, and can be complemented by seed fair
vouchers which require less of fully functional market infrastructure. It is becoming increasingly important to
incorporate markets in relief programs as a strategy to promote functional and sustainable local seed markets.
Partner Institutions:
Protracted Relief Program (PRP) partner NGOs.
Special Project Funding:
The World Bank through GRM International (management team for PRP) funded ZEAIP.
Intermediate output target 2010-Tracking the Diffusion of Improved Varieties in South Asia (TRIVSA)
Achievement of Output Target:
10%
Countries Involved:
India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Haryana)
Objectives/Rationale:
Despite the progress made in the past, poverty is still concentrated in South Asia, which accounts for around 350
million, or one-third, of the world’s poor of about 1.1 billion. Substantial scope exists for a further reduction in
poverty through crop genetic improvements to increase and stabilize the yields of major food crops. Modern
varietal change in itself may not lift large numbers of people out of poverty, but greater dynamism in this area
can go a long way toward moving poor people closer to that threshold. Moreover, modern varietal change can
set the stage for the adoption of improved crop management practices, thereby making it possible for farmers to
reduce the cost of production substantially. The lack of dynamism in varietal change in food-crop production
represents wasted opportunity that is potentially very large, exacting a heavy toll on poor producers and
consumers alike. The aim of this project is to lay the groundnut work for tracking and successes and failures of
crop improvement investments and for understanding the impact of those investments on poverty, nutrition and
food security.
Methodology/Approach:
The project starts with wider understanding of key aspects of the performance of food-crop genetic
improvement in priority commodities (ICRISAT Mandate crops) in India. Initially, the emphasis begins with
documentation of modern varietal database as well as the scientific strength of crop improvement by commodity
programs. Later, it will be followed up with document the perceived adoption of new cultivars of ICRISAT
mandate crops through expert elicitations using Delphi technique. At the second level, a nationally
representative survey will be conducted in any one state of India (where five ICRISAT crops are grown) for
deeper understanding about the adoption and diffusion of new cultivars.
Main findings/Results & Policy Implications:
• The project inception workshop was held in June, 2010 at Kathmandu, Nepal. The project work plans are
finally and submitted to IRRI in November, 2010.
• Design, adoption and standardized of protocols have been finalized for data assembly on varietal release
and strengths of NARS crop improvement programs
• Crop-variety databases on Pearl millet (from AICPMIP) and Sorghum (from DSR) have been collected
• The expert consultations with Pearl millet and sorghum breeder groups are under progress.
Partner Institutions:
IRRI and NARS from India
Special Project Funding:
Tracking the Diffusion of Improved Varieties in South Asia (TRIVSA)
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