| |
SEED SYSTEMS
Diversify is the
Key; Uniformity is the Policy?
Intensive agriculture development aroun d high yielding varieties
fuelled the green revolution. Systems for large-scale multiplication
of HYV seeds, programs of seed replacement, seed villages etc., are
the dominant support systems established for the purpose. Private
companies and corporate firms came into picture with the advent of
hybrid seeds. Unfortunately, the same systems are extended to rainfed
areas and are expected to support agriculture growth.
The requirement of seed systems in rainfed areas are however,
strikingly different. The following factors define the contours of the
seed system requirements:
-
Local availability and access to
diversified seed is the key to resilient farming systems.
-
Diversity in crops/ varieties to adapt
different soils, topography and rainfall pattern (early / late) is a
major requirement in rainfed areas.
-
Seeds for different crops (intercrops,
green manure crops, contingency crops etc.) and different types of
varieties are needed.
-
Seed losses due to fluctuating rainfall
is a common phenomenon, high cost of seeds in such situations impose
higher risks.
-
Timely availability of seeds, easy
access, diversity in seed and redundancy in seed supply are critical
parameters of rainfed seed systems.
-
Genotype – environment interaction is
higher in rainfed areas; more stable varieties are needed that can be
multiplied locally.
-
Many of these seeds may not be viable as
commercial enterprises. Community control/ management over this
complex seed system therefore, is pertinent.
Appropriate community managed seed
systems are at the core of revival of rainfed areas. The present seed
systems built around monocrops / few varieties or hybrids and
gene-cropping(!) would increase cost and risks. A separate vision/
perspective and an overhaul of the existing systems are much needed.
Can there be cluster (of villages) level
seed self sufficiency programs evolved in partnership with the
farmers’ organisations? Infrastructure needs, revolving funds to
maintain seed buffers, support for operational costs in maintaining
seeds etc., can be supported by the government. A new paradigm needs
to emerge!
Click this brochure
|
