Developing economically viable models of foundation seed production for vital food security in Mali

The benefits of sowing quality seed is tremendous. Low seeding rates help farmers save time, money and labor. Fast uniform emergence, more vigorous seedlings, high uniformity in the field, high return per unit area, high quality of the harvest, and high market value are valuable to smallholder farmers. In spite of this, the Malian seed industry still fails to supply farmers, certified seed in sufficient quantities, mainly due to insufficient quantity of foundation seed. Therefore, one way to ensure the availability of quality seed in sufficient quantity is to avail on a regular basis, stocks of foundation seed of suitable varieties in adequate quantities. In this project we will test three models of foundation seed production for efficacy, effectiveness, sustainability, profitability and seed quality. The project will be participatory to facilitate uptake and guarantee development of Mali’s seed industry and sustainably increase crop production and productivity.