Strengthening the farmers' seed system in Nepal

This article features in the 42nd edition of Biotechnology and Development Monitor and is concerned with strengthening the farmers' seed system in Nepal. The large majority of farmers in this predominantly agricultural country are resource poor. Whereas the formal seed system fails to respond to the many requirements vital for Nepalese farmers to succeed, the farmers (or 'informal') seed system, ensures that the selection, production, storage and exchange of seed are integrated within the agronomic and sociocultural practices of farming communities. The author advocates the use of participatory crop improvement (PCI) which is an alternative approach to variety development and dissemination blending indigenous knowledge of crop production with modern varietal innovations. The author suggests that such a system must be enhanced, by identifying constraints and forming a supportive policy environment. Constraints listed are the limited crop varieties available, access to source seed, demand exceeding supply of e.g. modern varieties (mv's) and lack of influence over seed quality control and marketing. The use of PCI approaches in high potential production systems (HPPSs) is advocated. In addition, ways in which the two systems can complement each other are highlighted. Lastly, a case study of PCI in Western Nepal is described.