Seeds of Choice : Making the most of new varieties for small farmers

Providing an in depth analysis of the regulatory frameworks that cover varietal testing, release and dissemination, this text analyzes the varietal testing system used by the All India Co-ordinated Crop Improvement Projects.

The study reveals that reforms are needed, if a greater choice of varieties is to be provided to meet the diverse needs of farmers in widely differing agro-ecological situations.

The evidence presented shows that approaches to increase the involvement of farmers in crop improvement are the most promising reform to the system.

The challenge is to incorporate farmer participation as an integral part of the varietal testing system.

This volume is addressed to those concerned with crop improvement such as plant breeders and agricultrual extensionists, agricultural development workers, including researchers, pollicymakers, donors, voluntary agencies and commercial seed producers.