www.issduganda.org Integrated Seed Sector Development Uganda Programme ISSD Uganda Background The formal seed sector in Uganda mainly consists of seed companies with interest in seed of high profit mar- gins with higher multiplication ratios such as hybrids and open pollinated crops like maize, sunflower and sor- ghum. The sector provides about 15% of seed needs for the country, with the rest coming from the informal sec- tor. Self-pollinated crops, which are the major food crops for the country, are given low priority in seed com- panies’ investments. It is the informal seed sector that provides seeds for many of these crops. ISSD Uganda looks at the opportunity of bridging the gaps between these two sector, by engaging farmers in seed entrepreneurship through the Local Seed Business (LSB) model. When farmers are supported through ISSD interventions and they become technically equipped, strategically linked, professionally organized and market oriented, they can sustainably provide quality seed to smallholders farmers at affordable prices. The LSB can therefore, engage in multiplication of self- pollinated crops such as simsim, groundnut, beans, rice etc., on condition that research provides early genera- tion materials (basic or foundation seed), which is the starting point for quality seed production. If linkages with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the LSBs exist, LSBs can produce quality seed and market it after inspection and quality assurance proce- dures have been done. Local Seed Business A Local seed business is a group of smallholder farmers that are able to produce and market quality seed of farmer-and market–preferred va- rieties, and are able to sustain the business through re-investing capital and efforts in the business. To be sustainable, an LSB needs to be commercially oriented and able to make the in- vestment. Supporting a vibrant, pluralistic and market oriented seed sector Promoting Local Seed Businesses Email: [email protected]
ISSD Uganda looks at the opportunity of bridging the gaps between these two sector, by engaging farmers in seed entrepreneurship through the Local Seed Business (LSB) model. When farmers are supported through ISSD interventions and they become technically equipped, strategically linked, professionally organized and market oriented, they can sustainably provide quality seed to smallholders farmers at affordable prices.
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www.issduganda.org
I n t e g r a t e d S e e d S e c t o r D e v e l o p m e n t U g a n d a P r o g r a m m e
Vision of ISSD Uganda
Through a vibrant and pluralistic
seed sector, ensure that quality
seed of superior varieties are
available and affordable to a
larger number of farmers,
thereby contributing to agricul-
ture for food security and eco-
nomic development in Uganda.
ISSD Uganda
Background
The formal seed sector in Uganda mainly consists of
seed companies with interest in seed of high profit mar-
gins with higher multiplication ratios such as hybrids and
open pollinated crops like maize, sunflower and sor-
ghum. The sector provides about 15% of seed needs for
the country, with the rest coming from the informal sec-
tor. Self-pollinated crops, which are the major food
crops for the country, are given low priority in seed com-
panies’ investments. It is the informal seed sector that
provides seeds for many of these crops.
ISSD Uganda looks at the opportunity of bridging the
gaps between these two sector, by engaging farmers in
seed entrepreneurship through the Local Seed Business
(LSB) model. When farmers are supported through ISSD
interventions and they become technically equipped,
strategically linked, professionally organized and market
oriented, they can sustainably provide quality seed to
smallholders farmers at affordable prices.
The LSB can therefore, engage in multiplication of self-
pollinated crops such as simsim, groundnut, beans, rice
etc., on condition that research provides early genera-
tion materials (basic or foundation seed), which is the
starting point for quality seed production.
If linkages with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal
Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the LSBs
exist, LSBs can produce quality seed and market
it after inspection and quality assurance proce-
dures have been done.
Local Seed Business
A Local seed business is a group of smallholder
farmers that are able to produce and market
quality seed of farmer-and market–preferred va-
rieties, and are able to sustain the business
through re-investing capital and efforts in the
business. To be sustainable, an LSB needs to be
commercially oriented and able to make the in-
vestment.
Supporting a vibrant, pluralistic and market oriented seed sector