Farmers want better wheat varieties but lack seed. 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.
Summary for Project titles: R6748: Participatory Crop Improvement in High Potential Production Systems in India and Nepal and R7542: Participatory crop improvement in high potential production systems - piloting sustainable adoption of new technologies.
Demand for seed of improved wheat that farmers have tested themselves and want to grow is strong. In the rice-wheat areas of Gujarat, farmers grew the same five varieties of wheat for many years. So they missed out on the higher yields that new varieties could give them. Farmers involved in testing new varieties want to keep on growing those they really like but can only do so by saving their own seed. Other farmers also want to grow the improved wheat. But because the formal sector doesn't deal with these varieties, there just isn't enough seed. So, the potential for the spread of improved wheat is huge but community groups and NGOs need to help to boost seed production.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact, Annex. Attached PDF (19 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
PSP03, 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 25.