Client-orientated breeding is quick, cheap and effective. Validated RNRRS Output.
Abstract
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Associated with projects R6636, R7080, R7122, R75565, R7838, R8071, R8099. 'Client-Oriented Breeding' is a pioneering approach that puts the customer—the farmer—first. Farmers set the goals. They say what qualities they want in new varieties. Next, they select those that work best under local conditions from a large batch of possible varieties, and then test them in their fields using their own farming practices. It's a quick, cheap and effective approach. This system helps develop improved varieties very quickly. Farmers in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Ghana already use maize, rice, chickpea and cassava varieties developed this way. So, putting farmers first could have a rapid impact in areas where conventional plant breeding has failed to produce the choice of varieties farmers need.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (18 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
PSP34, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 42.