Reconciling Legumes Seed Supply and Demand: Unsustainable Seed Delivery System that works. Siambi M, E. Monyo and R. B. Jones

Globalization and its consequences ‘De-commodification’ of commodities –Multiple uses of same crop but with different traits Producers need to: –Meet Grades and Standards –Track minor product innovations –Keep up with change to remain competitive

Seeds and Productivity Improved varieties increase yield - biotic and abiotic tolerance and response to inputs Seed production requires systematic and coordinated effort – identifying weaknesses in the chain Public and Private sector roles must be defined Quality can only be guaranteed by using improved seed

ICRISAT’s Revolving Seed Fund Farmers interested in seed production apply to ICRISAT Applicants with satisfactory land are Registered with the Seed Services Contracts are signed and seed is collected The crop is monitored by ICRISAT Inspection and Certification is done by Seed Services Unit.

Seed Delivery Seed processing done by Farmers - delivered to ICRISAT premises at Chitedze. A sample is drawn for Germination and Purity tests. Once Certified, payment is made as per agreed price

Contributing to productivity in Malawi 2009 Seed`sales Subsidy MarketOther Markets Pigeon peas (Kgs) 15,020 10,706 Groundnuts (Kgs) 370,587 67,457 Total volume sold (Kgs) 385,607 78,163

A New Approach

Current Seed Production and Distribution in Malawi ICRISAT Seed Stock Seed Revolving Fund Seed Companies NGOs Agro-dealers Farmers Government of Malawi Contract Growers (producers)

Proposed route to the market ICRISAT (supported by the revolving fund) Produces foundation seed through contract growers; Sales to certified seed producing & marketing organizations. Certified seed producing & marketing organizations NASFAM Agro-dealers ASSMAG Other entrepreneurs and farmer groups (Note: possibility to form an association or co-operative of certified legume seed producers who can pack their seed under MASA brand and sell to retail outlets) Certified seed retail outlets NGOs Commercial grain producers Retail multiples e.g. Peoples; Peacock; Agri-inputs sales outlets e.g. Kulima gold; AISAM; Agro- dealers

Agro-dealers “common Brand” Seed identification Enhances quick purchase decisions by farmers Well positioned seed brand reassures farmers of expected brand attributes Helps define seed source Customer retention and repeat purchase Legal protection Seed differentiation from competitors Enhances corporate image

Challenges to Agro-dealers Lack substantial financial resources to support production and marketing Seed business ethics – may put grain in “branded” packets to make greater profits Quality management – Training needed Business management – pricing and customer management (among others)  Project supporting with more trainings

Putting it all together Coordinated approach required –Public investments in Crop improvement –Pre-financing of source seed production Forward contracting –Minimize seed market distortions Avoid free distribution Private-sector marketing should be facilitated

CapacityIncentives Supply Demand Seeds Crop mgmt technologies Inputs Financial support Market linkages Grades and standards Supply chain coordination Profitable market opportunities Estrada and Siambi, 2004

Some Myths Seed systems for “Orphan crops” MUST always be SUSTAINABLE - UNTRUE Seed Certification “DENIES” farmers access to improved seed - UNTRUE We do not know “ENOUGH” about Seed systems in the region - UNTRUE Seed is the “MOST important” component of the production system – for Food security?? Legume seed is available WHENEVER you need it – Forward planning is necessary