Developing of farmer/community based local seed systems for rice, pulses, oilseeds through farmer collectives

This activity will focus on supporting collectives like women’s and youth groups and farmer producer organizations to become quality seed producers and provide them necessary technical support. This is critical for sustainability in seed access as well as creating avenues for income generation through seed enterprises.

Farmer Field and Business School (FFBS) is an integrated approach to enhance technical and entrepreneurial skills of farmer producer companies (FPCs) with a new business line of seed enterprise. The members are trained in advanced paddy seed production practices along with business orientation and planning skills. With favorable conditions for seed production in the MIP areas, the FFBS approach has been very effective in expanding quality seed production addressing the diverse demand for seed locally with better profit realization from seed sales.

Outcome

• Capacity building and technical support to 306 farmers from 13 FPCs in Odisha on season long training on seed production using Farmers’ Field and Business School approach
• 17 number of capacity building events organised for farmers interested in seed multiplication programme
• 1100 KG of foundation seed were provided to 306 farmers for seed multiplication programme