rather than only in the testing of technologies
CASE 10: Farmer-based Seed Production of Barley in Hassakeh Governorate, Syria
Introduction:
Barley is the second most important cereal crop in Syria with an annual average area of 1.6 million ha and grain production of 1.1 million tonnes. It is predominantly grown in less favorable environments where rainfall is variable and low (200-300 mm); and both the grain and straw is used as feed for livestock. The Barley Improvement Program at ICARDA, through participatory plant breeding, has identified several high yielding and farmer-preferred barley varieties adapted to marginal environments. However, the General Organization for Seed Multiplication (GOSM), was not able to produce seed of these varieties to make them available to farmers in less marginal areas due to several constraints. The Barley Group, in cooperation with the Seed Unit of ICARDA and NARS of Syria (GOSM, Agricultural Development and Agricultural Extension of the MAAR), is exploring alternative ways to ensure the production and marketing of barley seed of these improved varieties by establishing Farmer-based Seed Enterprises with the participation of small-scale resource poor farmers.
Objectives:
The objective of the program is to develop, test and demonstrate a pilot model for organizing farmer-managed seed supply, which provides high-quality seed and develops skills that lead to a sustainable and profitable Farmer-based Seed enterprise (FBSE). The purpose of these farmer-led seed production and marketing is to:
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Multiply seed of locally tested varieties selected
based on farmers' preferences
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Link seed demand with seed production at the local
level
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Reduce transport, marketing and distribution costs and lower seed price |
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Adopt appropriate seed quality standards relevant to small farmers |
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Develop low cost cleaning/treatment equipment to improve seed quality at farm level |
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Ensure technology transfer and improved quality of on-farm saved seed |
Establishment of Enterprises:
A group of small-scale resource poor farmers will be identified and encouraged to establish a seed enterprise to produce and market barley seed within the community and beyond. For successful operation of FBSE, farmers will depend on the availability and access to:
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Seeds of improved barley varieties
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Agricultural inputs (fertilizers, etc.)
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Equipment for seed cleaning and treatment |
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Promotion and marketing of seeds |
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Proper training in technical, financial and management |
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Credit facilities for purchase of seeds, inputs and equipment |
Access to Credit Facilities:
Small farmers neither have assets nor working capital to initiate seed production and marketing enterprises without initial support. Therefore, the provision of credit facilities is a prerequisite for farmers to establish a sustainable seed production and marketing operation in the long-term, particularly for fixed assets such as the seed cleaning and treatment facilities.
Farmers will be trained in technical, financial, and management aspects of small enterprises. The agricultural development and extension staff of MAAR will also be trained to provide supervision in seed production and assist in seed demand assessment and marketing. The Barley Group and Seed Unit of ICARDA will be responsible for planning, coordination and technical support.
