Reconciling Legumes Seed Supply and Demand: Unsustainable Seed Delivery System that works.

1. Reconciling Legumes Seed Supply and Demand: Unsustainable Seed Delivery System that works. Siambi M, E. Monyo and R. B. Jones

2. Globalization and its consequences • ‘De-commodification’ of commodities • Multiple uses of same crop but with different traits • Producers need to: • Meet Grades and Standards • Track minor product innovations • Keep up with change to remain competitive

3. Seeds and Productivity • Improved varieties increase yield - biotic and abiotic tolerance and response to inputs • Seed production requires systematic and coordinated effort – identifying weaknesses in the chain • Public and Private sector roles must be defined • Quality can only be guaranteed by using improved seed

4. ICRISAT’s Revolving Seed Fund • Farmers interested in seed production apply to ICRISAT • Applicants with satisfactory land are Registered with the Seed Services • Contracts are signed and seed is collected • The crop is monitored by ICRISAT • Inspection and Certification is done by Seed Services Unit.

5. Seed Delivery • Seed processing done by Farmers - delivered to ICRISAT premises at Chitedze. • A sample is drawn for Germination and Purity tests. • Once Certified, payment is made as per agreed price

6. Contributing to productivity in Malawi

7. A New Approach

8. Current Seed Production and Distribution in Malawi Contract Growers (producers) ICRISAT Farmers 6 2 Seed Stock NGOs 4 10 3 7 5 Seed Companies Seed Revolving Fund 11 8 1 Agro-dealers 8 13 9 12 Government of Malawi

9. Proposed route to the market

10. Agro-dealers “common Brand” Seed identification Enhances quick purchase decisions by farmers Well positioned seed brand reassures farmers of expected brand attributes Helps define seed source Customer retention and repeat purchase Legal protection Seed differentiation from competitors Enhances corporate image

11. Challenges to Agro-dealers • Lack substantial financial resources to support production and marketing • Seed business ethics – may put grain in “branded” packets to make greater profits • Quality management – Training needed • Business management – pricing and customer management (among others) • Project supporting with more trainings

12. Putting it all together • Coordinated approach required • Public investments in Crop improvement • Pre-financing of source seed production • Forward contracting • Minimize seed market distortions • Avoid free distribution • Private-sector marketing should be facilitated

13. Capacity Incentives Grades and standards Seeds Market linkages Crop mgmt technologies Profitable market opportunities Supply chain coordination Inputs Financial support Supply Demand Estrada and Siambi, 2004

14. Some Myths • Seed systems for “Orphan crops” MUST always be SUSTAINABLE - UNTRUE • Seed Certification “DENIES” farmers access to improved seed - UNTRUE • We do not know “ENOUGH” about Seed systems in the region - UNTRUE • Seed is the “MOST important” component of the production system – for Food security?? • Legume seed is available WHENEVER you need it – Forward planning is necessary