Delivering Seeds of ‘Orphan’ Crops

Abstract

This paper examines the performance of the Indian seed system with reference to high-volume, low-value seed crops, using case studies of potato and groundnut. For both crops, traditional sources of seed meet more than two-thirds of the total demand and the rest is met by the organized sector, mainly public seed agencies. Most farmers buy fresh seed for reasons of quality, and only 12–15% purchase seed to change varieties. Technological innovations that increase the multiplication rate and improve the quality of seed provide a significant cost advantage in potato, and therefore have attracted the private sector's participation. This trend has been strengthened by the availability of source seed from public plant breeding programmes. However, it is unlikely that self-pollinated crops will attract private investment in plant breeding in the near future. Therefore, the public research system should continue to take responsibility for plant breeding and develop partnerships with the private sector to promote decentralized seed production and distribution. The development of supply chains, especially for premium markets, is another way to attract commercial interest in the seed as well as the product market.