| Project Name |
Promotion of Community-based Seed Production System and Scaling Out of Farmers' Preferred Crop Varieties in Eastern and Central Terai of Nepal |
| Funding Agency |
National Agriculture Research and Development Fund (NARDF) |
| Project Location |
Siraha, Saptari, Mahottari and Sarlahi districts |
| Project Period |
September 2008 to August 2010 |
| Target Group |
Community-based seed production groups (500 HHs) |
| Project Partners |
District Farmers' Association Siraha
Mahendra Kalju: The preservation of culture and environment |
| Total Budget (NRs) |
1,998,028.00 |
| Project Objective |
To increase production and productivity of food crops by increasing farmers' access to dry land crop varieties (rice, chickpea and mungbean) that can fit under existing cropping patterns even in low fertility and moisture stress condition. |
| Expected Outputs |
- Technical and entrepreneurship skills of farmers groups enhanced for production and marketing of food crop seeds.
- Farmers access to improved crop varieties increased.
- Scale out lessons, and strengthen linkages among stakeholders associated with seed production, quality control and marketing.
|
| Major Activities |
- Group assessment and market chain analysis
- Facilitation for seed plot establishment, seed inspection, processing and truthful labeling
- Leaders farmers' training on seed technology, seed inspection, PPME, community seed bank concept, seed quality standards and marketing management
- Establish varietal demonstration/ community seed bank through Agricultural Service Centre of DADO
- Organize traveling seminar and interacting meetings between group representatives, agro-vets, seed companies and DADO
- Publicity of improved seeds through local FM radio
|
| Major Achievements |
- Four farmer groups with total of 100 HHs have been involved in community based seed production system.
- 25 members from the above groups received seed production and marketing trainings on cereals and legumes.
- 45 members of 4 CBSPs planted new mungbean varieties Kalyan and Prateeksha in 4 ha land.
- 120 farmers planted improved chickpea variety Avrodhi @ 1 kattha/farmer through DADO networks. The same number of farmers received same quantity of seed of improved mungbean varieties.
|
| Lessons Learnt |
1. Understanding local language is key for the implementation of field activities. |
