Project
Seed Systems: Improving seed quality for smallholders
Details
Project Code:
Not Available
Start Date:
2011/10/01
End Date:
2014/07/01
CRSP Phase:
Phase 1
Budget:
$1,000,000
Countries:
Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda
Participants
Lead University:
University of California - Davis
Other Partners:
International Development Enterprises (iDE), Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC),Center for Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED) (Nepal); Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University (India); Rhino Research, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) (Thailand); CABI Africa (Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International) (Kenya)
Principal Investigator(s):
Kent Bradford
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Luke Colavito; Jwala Bajracharya; Indra Raj Pandey; Roger Day; Keshavulu Kunusoth; Johan Van Asbrouck; Ganesh Shivakoti
Links
Overview
Building on an Immediate Impact Project, New Technology for Postharvest Drying and Storage of Horticultural Seeds, this project seeks to improve the ability of smallholders to access high-quality seeds of improved varieties of horticultural crops, which is fundamental to increasing productivity and incomes. With collaborating institutions and partners, this project will demonstrate and implement a novel seed drying and storage technology (desiccant drying beads) that can dramatically improve seed quality and longevity for smallholders in tropical climates.
Objectives
Organize international workshops, in collaboration with Horticulture CRSP's Regional Centers of Innovation, to publicize the availability of drying beads, to solicit additional local cooperators and to explore additional applications in germplasm conservation and dried horticultural products; Conduct socio-economic and technical analyses of horticultural seed production, distribution and marketing value chain in focus countries to identify critical points where seed quality is at risk; Provide technology support and on-site advice to assist cooperators in establishing improved seed production, storage and utilization procedures in their own operations or among their stakeholders; Establish sustainable, market-based systems for enabling local adoption of improved seed production, handling, storage and distribution procedures; Build local technical capacity through extension educational programs focusing on producing and maintaining high seed quality; and Enhance economic opportunities for women, who represent the majority of workers engaged in horticultural seed production, preservation and utilization.
Outcomes
Coming soon
