Introduction of new seed varieties through demonstration plots with seed dealers

Type: Approaches

Creation: 2013-09-06 00:00   Updated: 2017-08-02 15:03

Compilers: shane stevenson

Reviewers: David Streiff

Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
  • Country: Azerbaijan
  • Region/ State/ Province: Upper Karabach
  • Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Tarta / Barda / Agdam
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Approach

Short description of the Approach

To facilitate information on new seed varieties.

Detailed description of the Approach

Aims / objectives: To build trust between the seed dealers and the farmers.
To introduce new seed varieties to rural farmers that are appropriate to the growing conditions of the region. These varieties have added benefits like taste, quality, disease resistance and longer storage capacity over local traditional varieties.

Methods: The programme uses a facilitation approach to bring stakeholders together and explain the mutual benefits of working together to improve the vegetable seed value chain in the region.

Stages of implementation: 1. Discuss with the seed dealers the idea of marketing their new imported seed varieties in the community using demonstration plots.
2. Help the seed dealer to identify capable and willing community based farmers to cultivate the demonstration plots.
3. Help facilitate the contractual arrangement between the stakeholders, in this case the seed dealer provides free seed and agricultural inputs, whilst the farmer cultivates the crop with advice from the seed dealer.
4. Just before the harvest an Open Field Day is held by the farmer and seed dealer for local rural farmers to visit the site and ask questions about the crop.

Role of stakeholders: Programme Staff: To facilitate the process and linkages between stakeholders.
Seed Dealers: to provide seed, inputs and information to the land user on cultivation methods.
Farmer: To cultivate the crop to the best of their ability and provide information to local farmers.

Other important information: In this context the seed dealer also is key player in the vegetable seed value chain for providing agricultural extension services to rural farmer, however, there are issues of trust between farmers and seed dealers due to the lack of control of quality of imported seed (90% of market), lack of information in the local language, and sold after the expired date.

Photos of the Approach

Image Open Field day where local farmers come and inspect the demonstration plot and talk to the farmer and the seed dealer.
Open Field day where local farmers come and inspect the demonstration plot and talk to the farmer and the seed dealer.
  • 📍 Sahlabad, Tartar, Upper Karabach
  • 🗓 2013-06-08
  • 📷 S. Stevenson (Oxfam, Azerbaijan)
Image 0.1ha Onion demonstration plot with a sign giving the details of the variety, seed dealer, and farmer.
0.1ha Onion demonstration plot with a sign giving the details of the variety, seed dealer, and farmer.
  • 📍 Sahlabad, Tartar, , Upper Karabach
  • 🗓 2013-06-08
  • 📷 S. Stevenson (Oxfam Azerbaijan)