Publication Date
1993
Description
A multi-institutional seed supply project was conducted with activities in seed production, purchase and distribution; training and revision; technical assistance; and applied research. Over a 5-year period, 2 regional project nuclei were established and consolidated with minimum equipment and through training. A composite total of 8.5 t of seeds (i.e., all materials) were produced and distributed mainly for on-station and on-farm evaluation of grass-legume associations. The nuclei were sharefarmed with small-farmers and from 24 novices 4 experienced multipliers were identified. A rotating fund was a key financial mechanism. Annual reviews were highly participatory and included reporting, training, analysis and planning. This recurrent exercise developed skills of key participants plus links with relevant actors. The following factors influenced seed supply development: a) negative: national socio-economic environment, decline of public research institutions and limited demand for new materials; b) positive: two complementary and dedicated nuclei, rotating fund, annual review workshop, external funding and external consultant and success of on-farm pasture research.
Citation
Ferguson, J E.; Hidalgo, F; Vela, J; Silva, G; Reyes, C; and Perez, R, "A Seed Supply Project for Tropical Forage Species in the Amazon Region of Peru" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 11.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session47/11
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
A Seed Supply Project for Tropical Forage Species in the Amazon Region of Peru
A multi-institutional seed supply project was conducted with activities in seed production, purchase and distribution; training and revision; technical assistance; and applied research. Over a 5-year period, 2 regional project nuclei were established and consolidated with minimum equipment and through training. A composite total of 8.5 t of seeds (i.e., all materials) were produced and distributed mainly for on-station and on-farm evaluation of grass-legume associations. The nuclei were sharefarmed with small-farmers and from 24 novices 4 experienced multipliers were identified. A rotating fund was a key financial mechanism. Annual reviews were highly participatory and included reporting, training, analysis and planning. This recurrent exercise developed skills of key participants plus links with relevant actors. The following factors influenced seed supply development: a) negative: national socio-economic environment, decline of public research institutions and limited demand for new materials; b) positive: two complementary and dedicated nuclei, rotating fund, annual review workshop, external funding and external consultant and success of on-farm pasture research.
