Major Threats of Seed Production in Nepal
A seed is an embryonic plant enclosed in a protective outer covering. The formation of the seed is part of the process of reproduction in seed plants, the spermatophytes, including the gymnosperm and angiosperm plants. Seed is the major factor that determines the production of quality crops.
The demand for hybrid seeds is increasing in the Nepalese market due to their high production potential. Annually, a large quantity of hybrid seeds is imported to full fill this demand. In order to reduce seed imports, there is a need for the development of suitable hybrid and open-pollinated varieties of different crops according to farmers’ choice. To safeguard the national interest of self-sufficiency, import substitution, and increase exports of good quality of seeds, the Nepal Ministry of Agriculture has come up with many policies, such as the National Seed Vision and Seed Regulation to enhance the dynamism of the Nepalese seed industry. Today every country of the world has been concerning about the production of quality seed because the production of crops to feed the whole population depends upon the seed. If there is quality seed available for farming, the production of crops also increases which results in the increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Access to affordable quality seed is one of the prerequisites to increase agricultural production and improve the livelihoods of Nepali farmers.
However, there are significant challenges to boost Nepal’s seed industry and help sustainably feed a growing population. The Nepal Seed and Fertilizer (NSAF) project, led by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), is supporting the government to enhance national policies and guidelines, and private seed companies to build competitive seed businesses and hybrid seed production. Some of the factors limiting the development of seed systems are the high cost of seed production and processing, the limited reach of mechanization, and the low use of conservation agriculture practices. The demand for hybrid seeds in Nepal is soaring but research in variety development is limited. The production of hybrid seed is becoming popular today.
Constraints and problems of seed production
A. Poor supply of inputs
The supply of inputs during seed production is very important for quality seed production. Timely applications of irrigation, manure and Fertilizers increases the yield of quality seed . The knowledge of application time must be known.
B. Unavailability of quality source seed
The unavailability of quality seed is also a problematic factor responsible for quality seed production. The site specific varieties, hybrid seeds, seeds of minor crops and landraces varieties should be available in time. The domain of every quality seed should be clearly known.
C. Shortage of human resources
Young, energetic and trained seed technician should be encouraged towards agriculture. This practices can help people to get employment opportunities as well as increases the production of quality seeds. The seed technician, lab analyst, seed sampler and seed inspector should be hired.
D. Lack of technology
Modern instrument and equipment for seed sowing, harvesting, threshing and processing should be available. This can help to minimize the time of operation and efficiency of agricultural operations will be increased.
Issues and challenges of seed business
A. Lack of coordination among stakeholders
There is poor coordination among the government organizations ( SQCC, RSTLs, STD, Custom office, plant quarantine office, etc.) and seed entrepreneurs (seed company), seed producers and agro-vets.
B. Lack of clear-cut policy
There is no any clear policy for the seed production processing and marketing. The main problems associated with it are price fixation, import , export, revenue, taxation, subsidy , loan insurance, etc
C. Open boarder with India
There is illegal entry of unregistered seed from India is major challenge seen in seed sector. The open boarder causes entry of seeds of low quality, high price of hybrids, lack of coordination between custom and plant quarantine office, etc.
D. Weak seed database management
There is no any information about new hybrid varieties in Seed Quality Control Centre (SQCC) and Regional Seed Testing Laboratory (RSTL).
E. Weak implementation of seed regulatory mechanism
Although there are several policies mentioned in law, constitution of the nation for the production of quality seeds but there is no any implementation of it. Major concerning people are unaware about it.
In conclusion, the self sufficiency of the nation will only be possible when the production of high quality seeds proceeds. Since, Nepal is an agriculture dependent nation, the problems of production of high quality seeds limits the major part of development. The major concerning government institutions, seed sectors and farmers should coordinate to reduce these threats.
Writer: Bhuwan Tharu (Student, B. Sc. Agriculture 4th Semester, IAAS, Paklihawa Krishi Campus, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi)