Nepal : Farmers want locally produced hybrid maize seeds
Farmers in Nepal have raised concerns over the unavailability of domestically produced hybrid maize seeds, relying instead on imported varieties. During a training program by the National Maize Research Program, experts emphasized the need for local seed production to enhance resilience and commercialization. Farmers were trained to produce hybrid seeds, aiming to promote self-sufficiency.
Farmers have complained that they were deprived of domestically produced hybrid seeds of maize.
The farmers shared this problem during the concluding session of a residential training on production of hybrid seeds and farming technology. The training was organized by the National Maize Research Program, Chitwan.
Khageshwori Budha Nepali attending the training from Dailekh district expressed worry over availability of imported seeds while lack of the locally produced seeds in market.
Locally produced maize seeds are better and resilient, but it is difficult to find in the market, she added. With the knowledge gained from this training, we would encourage the farmers to produce and utilize the domestic seeds of maize, she added.
Similarly, Kusmakhar Kafle from Nawalparasi said it is essential to stress organic production of maize and other cereals by making the farmers commercial. Once the nationally produced seeds are ensured smooth marketing, it would be both productive and climate resilient. “Nepali seeds must be made sufficiently available,” he added.
Coordination Director at Nepal Agriculture Research Council, Bhanubhakta Pokharel, said production of hybrid seeds is essential within Nepal. Further publicity on it is equally important, he said, adding that this initiative could be forwarded with cooperation between the farmers’ groups and local levels.
“Production of Nepali hybrid seeds requires adequate knowledge, which not only aims at boosting production but also utilizing land and making farming commercial,” he observed.
A total of 20 farmers from various districts attended the training where they were taught on producing hybrid maize seeds within the country.
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Source : The Annapurna Express
