AFGHANISTAN SEED AND CROP IMPROVEMENT SITUATION

XII. STRATEGY AND APPROACHES FOR IMPROVEMENT

This section summarizes the strategies and approaches considered most appropriate, realistic and practical for improving specific aspects of Afghanistan's seed and crop improvement sector.

XII.1. STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING SEED SUPPLY AND USE

XII.1.1. GUIDANCE

External guidance-in the Extension-type approach of helping them do it-will be the most critical and extensive need in rehabilitating Afghanistan's agriculture and making Afghanistan self-sufficient in basic food supply.

Afghanistan has been isolated for so long; its available personnel are no longer well-versed in the most effective modern technologies and procedures; it has not continued it output of well-trained professionals to carry on the essential technical activities; it needs so much in developing long- and short-term systems and infrastructure; its facilities are rundown or damaged as well as being outdated, worn and inefficient.

The situation literally shouts "we need help in selecting the most efficient and effective approaches, in training people to implement them, in equipping and setting them up, and in operating and managing them effectively".

Outside technical, managerial and operational assistance is essential. However, it must be practical, realistic and helpful without being overbearing and academic. The entire situation can be worsened rather than helped, by using technical assistance with the wrong approach and personnel with the wrong attitude.

XII.1.2. BASIC NEEDS

To re-establish an adequate supply and use of improved seed,

Rehabilitate & modernize (A) research/ testing/variety development & maintenance and (B) Extension technology transfer of the MOAL
Train and develop personnel skills and knowledge at all levels-from researchers to extension technology transfer staff to private sector seedsmen to farmer see-users.
Establish the infrastructural base for a formal seed sector, and encourage its development.
Guide and assist the informal sector (farmers and farmer groups who produce and supply seed in their local area) so it supplies good seed of higher-yielding, disease-resistant varieties.Get improved seed of better-adapted varieties to, and within the reach of, all farmers in all villages.

XII.1.3. ICARDA'S CAPABILITIES TO HELP AFGHANISTAN

ICARDA, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, is uniquely qualified and experienced to assist Afghanistan in its agricultural rehabilitation and development. ICARDA staff have been working in and with Afghanistan for a number of years, and Afghanistan is one of ICARDA's primary mandate countries.

The entire resources of ICARDA can be brought to bear on helping Afghanistan agriculture regain and fulfill its essential role in the Afghan economy, and move to an up-to-date status in research, extension to farmers, and production and utilization.

ICARDA's approach in all its seed and variety improvement work has been to train people, prepare materials, and help and guide local people in establishing and operating their own versions of the most modern technology which is useful to the local situation. This is the approach needed in Afghanistan.

XII.1.3.1. Genetic Materials

ICARDA has an extensive germ plasm bank, with accessions from all over the world. These are maintained in specially-conditioned long-term storage, and are available to authorized research agencies throughout the world.

ICARDA has collected native genetic materials in Afghanistan, and maintains these in the ICARDA germ plasm bank. At this time, many of these materials have been assembled and sent to Afghanistan for testing trials.

ICARDA staff are thus quite familiar with the crops, varieties and cropping conditions in Afghanistan, and can help Afghan research programs in all phases of crop and variety development, management and production.

XII.1.3.2. Seed

ICARDA is the only CGIAR (Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) international research center which has a seed unit. This unit provides training in all aspects of seed: production, harvest, conditioning, storage, testing, seed health, marketing, extension promotion and development, enterprise management and operation, industry organization, policy, law, certification, etc. The Seed Unit works with both the formal and informal sectors. It also maintains, produces and provides Breeder and Foundation seed of crops and varieties adapted to the drylands such as Afghanistan.

ICARDA seed staff are experienced in establishing and operating small enterprise and private sector seed programs. ICARDA staff are probably the only international agency staff whose focus is on establishing seed operations for rapid takeover and operation by host-country personnel.

XII.1.3.3. Wheat and Barley Breeding and Variety Development

ICARDA conducts breeding, testing, evaluation and trials on crops and varieties for the drylands, not only at its Aleppo, Syria, headquarters, but also at sites of cooperating country research agencies in most of the dryland areas of the world.

ICARDA has been working with the crop varieties grown in Afghanistan for years. Breeder and Foundation seed of some of these varieties are currently under production at ICARDA, for supply to Afghanistan.

XII.1.3.4. Livestock, Forages and Fodder

ICARDA also has extensive work on livestock, forages, fodder crops and feeds as they involve the drylands.

XII.1.3.5. Soil and Water Conservation

Conservation, development and protective use of soils and water supplies are a critical element in the dryland areas, and ICARDA has an extensive program in this area. ICARDA is extensively equipped to help Afghanistan in its programs to use these natural resources to full advantage while preventing their deterioration.

XII.1.3.6. Pulse Crops

The main pulse crops of Afghanistan are included in ICARDA's research and seed maintenance programs. Some Afghan varieties and genetic materials are included.

ICARDA is well-positioned to help Afghan scientists rapidly develop high-yielding materials for Afghan conditions, and to initiate Breeder and Foundation seed supply.

XII.1.3.7. Training

An extensive training program is carried on in all subject-matter areas, with training courses of one day to several months constantly underway. Individual training is also conducted, with individuals working beside their ICARDA counterparts for varying periods of time, learning by a combination of teaching, study, and work.

ICARDA maintains an extensive library, and has a wide range of its own publications.

ICARDA staff have many years experience working in dryland areas, with small farmers, researchers, and all aspects of agriculture.

XII.1.4. INFRASTRUCTURE

The entire essential infrastructure for improved seed supply and use, either never existed or has been completely disabled.

The following are among the first infrastructural needs which must be urgently addressed in order to improve seed supply and use:

1. National Seed Policy2. National Seed Law with Regulations3. Official Seed Testing Labs4. Seed Certification (later)5. Breeder and Foundation Seed Supply6. Variety Release, Recommendation, and Discontinuance Mechanism7. Seed Health Testing
8. Plant Quarantine9. Incentives for foreign/domestic investment in seed10. Credit11.Training

XII.1.5. POTENTIAL FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION

Afghanistan is unique in many aspects, many of which could be exploited by Afghanistan for its own economic development, and in support of the regional and world economy.

Afghanistan should become intensively involved in regional crop improvement programs, and especially in the programs conducted by ICARDA with focus on the dry lands. This includes seed production and supply, stock (Breeder and Foundation) seed, variety development and breeding, livestock management, forages and fodder and grazing, horticulture, water management, and soil conservation.

It may be useful to hold meetings and establish procedures for seed exchange between Afghanistan and neighboring countries, under special procedures.

Plant Quarantine measures should be developed to protect Afghanistan agriculture, and implemented in close cooperation with other countries of the region.

High-level meetings should be held to develop exchange and cooperation between agricultural universities in other regional countries, and the Afghan university. This would be of special benefit during the early years of rehabilitation.

Afghanistan should develop some local fabrication of small-scale equipment needed by farmers, seed suppliers, etc. However, some specialized equipment is needed only in small quantities, and procurement abroad, especially from other countries in the region, are most efficient. Regional agreements on import of specialized equipment should be developed, including reciprocal exemption from import duties.

Nearby suppliers who have adequate available stocks of spare parts for tractors, vehicles, tools, equipment, etc., are essential. Regional arrangements should be made under which spare parts are allowed to cross borders duty-free.

And, Afghan research, extension, seed, crop, livestock, etc., improvement programs could benefit by collaborating closely with ICARDA programs in the region and internationally.

XII.1.6. SECTORIAL PARTICIPATION

To develop an agriculture which provides the country's needs and creates employment, the role of government and the private sector must be carefully thought-out and implemented from the beginning.

To save time and maximize investment and development, from the onset, the private sector should have the responsibility-and the freedom and governmental support-to implement the market-oriented activities of seed production, distribution, supply and marketing. Because of Afghanistan's unique conditions, this will necessarily involve mostly the informal sector, so it must receive extensive government support in a manner which does not control or interfere with investment and market focus.

Government must provide support in activities such as variety development, credit, training, assistance in obtaining equipment/supplies/etc., and other activities which create an environment favorable for seed production and supply and use by small farmers.

In addition to policies and laws required to create the operating environment and support, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MOAL) should provide extensive technical and operating support. This should include:

MOAL should conduct variety development and testing, and crop production and use research. However, this must not preclude or interfere with development of private-sector breeding programs.
MOAL should have a unit such as "Seed Support and Development Department" to handle Breeder and Foundation seed, to focus crop/variety research and development on farmers' actual needs, and to provide technical support in all seed-related areas.
MOAL and/or its subsidiary organizations and parastatal agencies should not be involved in production and supply of seed for general farmer use.
MOAL should establish a strong agricultural extension program with trained and well-equipped staff who can help private sector seed development, supply and use on an ongoing basis.

XII.1.7. QUALITY CONTROL

To ensure that farmers receive high-quality seed and to protect seed suppliers from unfair competition from low-quality seed, external quality control will be essential. However, Afghanistan has unique needs for external quality control, to fit its specific conditions.

External quality control should be provided as a government- conducted and funded service, because of the local and informal nature of the seed supply system. It should be provided in a manner which helps identify and prevent potential problems, rather than serve as a "policeman". And, it must be located so as to be within easy reach of informal seed producers and seed users. For example, small seed testing laboratories should be located in each "operating" area, so that they can serve local seed producers and users.

These seed labs should provide not only seed testing, but also field production guidance and technical training-combining the role of Extension seed programs, certification, seed testing, etc. The labs should be within an agency which can provide such services and ensure operational continuity.

XII.1.8. APPROACH FOR MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS

XII.1.8.1. Implementation Policy

Development and emergency assistance programs have one goal: to help the recipients. In the interest of benefits to recipients and efficient use of the assistance agency's funds, it is essential to obtain maximum benefits from the money expended.

A philosophy or approach to assistance is essential. It must be noted that in emergency cases, it is not always possible to follow "maximum benefit policies", but emergency assistance should be planned in such a way that it can move in this direction as soon as possible.

Consideration of using a modified version of the World Bank's reconstruction strategy would be beneficial to most development/emergency assistance agencies, including NGO's. A variation strongly suited to seed and agricultural development assistance is as follows.

Maximize assistance to the target recipients: for example, importing seed has a low cost-efficiency in helping the recipients, while producing seed locally maximizes assistance to the desired recipients.
Respond to the real, recipient-identified need: being "demand-driven" ensures that the proper objectives are pursued and that recipients' identified needs are emphasized.
Emphasize equity: treat all recipient groups and areas equally, and ensure that they are actively involved in planning and implementing. This may require a decentralized approach.
Seek quick results: identify the most important needs and immediately initiate those which result in quick recipient gains, so they see benefits as soon as possible and develop trust and enthusiasm of the recipients.
Initial work should be with whatever already exists: take advantage of all existing infrastructures, persons, groups, etc., which have something in place which can help achieve the identified goals. This gains local support for the program, and results in faster benefits.
Wide scope of involvement and effects: ensure operations done so that they satisfy all applicable objectives-economic, humanitarian, reconstruction, state formation, security, etc.
Private sector-oriented: the dominant theme of development/emergency/ reconstruction assistance should be to restart/strengthen private sector growth. This results in a stronger economy and society, and maximizes benefits with minimum investment.
Avoid excessive bureaucracies and centralized control: whether national or expatriate, these result in slowed accomplishment, higher costs, and poorer relations.

XII.1.8.2. LEISA Approach

In view of the current situation in Afghanistan, it appears essential to use the "LEISA" (Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture) approach. This refers to the farmer's situation; not to external assistance.

XII.1.9. MEETING INSTITUTIONAL NEEDS

Afghanistan's needs will require a long time to bring the country back to any measure of self-sustainability with reasonable productivity and a decent standard of living for its rural populations. It may require as long as two decades of development assistance to ensure stable results.

Emergency measures are essential in the short term. However, to ensure food security and enable the Afghan population to move toward self-sustainability, longer-term measures are essential to develop systems, experienced people, resources and infrastructure to ensure their ability to be self-sustaining in seed supply.

It is essential that emergency and short-term measures be carefully planned so that they do not interfere with development in the medium and long-term. For example, it is essential that farmers understand that free seed is an emergency measure to help them; in the long range, seed is an important input for which they must pay.

The ICARDA/FHC should consider (among others) the following in preparing a Work Plan for short-term and long-term work.

XII.1.10. EMERGENCY SEED SUPPLY

The emergency needs for seed is not only to overcome the dire effects of drought and conflict; it should be viewed as a humanitarian effort to help those living in poverty.

For either objective, ":emergency" seed supply is not a short-term activity which can be terminated this year. For example, the FAO seed program must be considered as an emergency supply which has already lasted 12 years.

ICARDA's present emergency seed supply program should continue for 3-5 years, if funding permits. The need will persist for at least that long; returning refugees, farmers unable to find gainful employment off-farm to earn extra money to buy seed, poor farmers unable to buy seed, etc., will continue to be a major need for at least that long. At that time, an assessment of the need should be made and plans drawn up.

XII.1.11. LONG-TERM SEED SUPPLY

Emergency seed supply should be developed, to the extent possible, in a manner which does not hinder the development of a long-term supply. In developing a plan and strategy, this may include:

Avoiding (again, as possible) giving free seed, in order to develop farmer awareness of the value of seed and encourage their willingness to purchase seed later.
Producing seed locally, where possible, and producing it in systems which can lead to more permanent seed supply, as well as training farmers in the value of seed and in seed production.
Developing sources of equipment, chemicals, supplies, etc.
Involving Agricultural Extension and Research.
Developing support infrastructure as much as possible (stock seed production, seed testing, variety testing/recommendation, etc.).

XII.1.12. FOCUS ON AN IMPROVED INFORMAL SEED SECTOR

The most feasible, and most likely to succeed, means of supplying better seed to farmers appears to be through establishing an improved informal seed sector.

A plan/strategy should take this approach in developing seed supply.

A suggested format is to establish "Village Seed Enterprises" in which the village Shurah selects a farmer(s) to produce seed for the village. A competent agency, Agricultural Extension or ICARDA initially, would provide technical guidance, assistance and training in roguing, harvest, etc., and in all matters. This agency would also help obtain and use supplies such as treatment, bags, etc. This is discussed in more detail herein.

XII.1.13. CROP IMPROVEMENT

Crop improvement needs are endless: rehabilitation of old research stations and/or establishment of new ones, re-structuring and renewal of the Ministry of Agriculture, training specialists, providing the required equipment and facilities, establishing operating budgets, etc.

In this area, it is recommended that a special unit and facilities be established in the crop improvement program to maintain and supply Breeder seed and Foundation seed, operated as a separate entity (so as not to consume the researchers' time and efforts), but under the direct technical (not operational) supervision of breeders responsible for maintained varieties.

There needs to be a widespread variety performance testing program, variety release and recommendation mechanism, Breeder seed maintenance, etc., are needed as ongoing long-term activities.

A germ plasm bank and collection of genetic resources should also be established.

XII.1.14. SEED INFRASTRUCTURE ESTABLISHMENT

A special effort should be made, and initiated as quickly as possible so as to avoid potential conflicts with unguided/unassisted efforts which go in different directions, to design and establish an effective seed infrastructure. ICARDA should take the lead in this, and initiate discussions with Ministry officials in this direction.

This should include a National Seed Policy, National Seed Law and Regulations, National Seed Testing Network, National Seed Health Laboratory (and included Plant Quarantine program), National Seed Certification Program, National Variety Release/ Recommendation/Discontinuance Program, National Agricultural Statistics Program, National Variety Trial System, National Extension On-Farm Variety Trials and Demonstration Program, etc. Agricultural Extension is so important that it is discussed separately below; it must be closely involved in seed and crop improvement.

XII.1.15. SEED CONDITIONING AND TREATING

Seed conditioning and treating has always been under-developed and with limited service to the Afghan farmers. Detailed plans and budgets should be developed to (1) establish new processing facilities, preferably stationary plants, to serve the seed supply programs established by ICARDA; (2) provide "custom" seed processing for growers who want to produce and sell seed for their own account but cannot afford the facilities; (3) small or even hand-powered cleaners/treaters for use in Village Seed Enterprises (whose development is strongly recommended); and (4) domestic fabrication of some basic, low-cost, low-capacity seed cleaners for village use.

Training, development of operating guidelines and manuals, etc., should be included in this and in all future activities.

XII.1.16. SEED PRODUCTION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

The seed program should not stop, as the FAO emergency seed supply system did, at establishing and expatriate-management of a few facilities. A program should be established which can give a larger percentage of farmers (especially small farmers) more benefits from improved seed and varieties.

In this direction, it is strongly recommended that ICARDA establish a study committee to examine and fine-tune the "Village Seed Enterprise" system proposed herein in the section entitled "Meeting Afghanistan's Unique Needs".

Of special consideration should be the need to develop complete record system and management guidelines to assist in the development of self-sustaining rural small enterprises which organize and conduct seed supply and otherwise serve farmers and rural populations.

XII.1.17. EXTENSION EDUCATIONAL PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

Effective, comprehensive and extensive in-depth Extension involvement in seed production, handling, distribution and promotion is essential. This not only helps get seed to farmers; it also helps Extension achieve its objectives of improving rural conditions.

Any plans should include strong Extension involvement and support.

Afghanaid (AAD), as reported by Prof. Dr. Abdul Qahar Samin, has amply proven that Extension methodology of trials, observation plots, and package distribution under farmer conditions can show improved technologies to farmers in a manner which they can understand and will accept, adopt and use.

XII.1.18. TRAINING

An extensive ongoing training program is essential, to (1) retrain and upgrade existing professionals; (2) train staff in new developments, facilities and procedures; and (3) train new persons as required to replace lost personnel and develop new personnel to fit expanded needs.

Training abroad (long-, medium- and short-term) must be involved, and in-Afghanistan training must be developed. A study should be made of the need, type and potential for developing a training facility within Afghanistan. And, this cannot be just a small seed processing plant which is called a :Seed Training Center"; it must be a real training facility, preferably connected to/associated with an agricultural university if such comes back into operation in Afghanistan.

XII.1.19. ASSISTANCE AGENCY COOPERATION

At the local level, cooperation between Afghan-national personnel of different agencies has appeared to be outstanding. However, at the expatriate level, cooperation and support by FAO personnel has generally appeared to be negative.

This must be considered in planning and developing a strategy to help Afghanistan.

In all visits, it appeared that there is good cooperation with the participating NGO's. As reported elsewhere, ACBAR is serving as a coordinating body for NGO's (reportedly, some 400) working in Afghanistan. However, some reported that not all NGO's are members of ACBAR, and do not necessarily follow their guidelines.

XII.1.20. OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT

With stability, economic and security conditions as they are likely to be for some time, there is little or no opportunity for the "classical" private sector investment in large or small enterprises in seed production/supply.

When these conditions do exist, Afghanistan has ideal conditions (dry climate, irrigation, small fields, low-cost labor, isolation) for producing high-value labor-intensive seed of vegetables and flowers for export. This would have to be done by attracting multinational companies seeking to multiply seed of their special varieties and hybrids, to organize production and marketing.

Local farmer purchasing power, low volume of seed requirements of low-profit-margin seed such as wheat, difficulties in transport, lack of market-oriented farming, lack of credit, etc., make the outlook for private sector supply of crop seed quite unlikely to attract private investment.

XII.1.21. GUIDANCE, SUPPORT AND ADVICE

The most likely-to-be-successful seed supply situation is the "Village Seed Enterprise" (VSE) in which each (or a few working together) village sets up a program of good seed supply for the entire village, working under the close guidance of a competent agency, which would most commonly be Agricultural Extension. In the absence of intensive and effective Extension, this should be a strong special organization focused on advising, supporting and guiding "Village Seed Enterprises".

This type of rural development leadership appears to be a critical need, and any developmental strategy should include this as a strong element-either in Extension or by establishing a special support agency.

XII.1.22. BREEDER AND FOUNDATION SEED

There should be an organized program to maintain, multiply and supply basic or stock seed for seed multiplication programs.

ICARDA has the expertise to establish and maintain such programs, and should maintain its own supply, and provide for others.

This would require having farm lands (with irrigation) available, as well as specialized staff and facilities for cleaning, treating and storing the seed. A policy on varieties to be maintained must be established, along with an organized system of placing orders/establishing requirements at least 1-2 years in advance.

If it is deemed feasible, ICARDA could work with the appropriate Department of the Ministry of Agriculture in this.

XII.1.23. COOPERATION WITH THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK

The work of ICARDA and all other development assistance agencies should be aimed at developing systems to meet current needs, but at the same time aimed at ultimately turning over the programs and operations to a local agency. Breeder and Foundation seed maintenance would most likely be with a crop research agency in the Ministry of Agriculture, and promotion/support of seed production by farmers would be with the Agriculture Extension.

ICARDA staff, notably Dr. Wassimi, should decide what is most appropriate and make contacts and arrangements in this direction, as deemed most appropriate.

However, it should be kept in mind that for a considerable number of years, these programs must be operated by an externally-supported agency such as ICARDA.