An Assessment of Seed Sources for Cultivation of Field and Vegetable Crops in Balochistan, Pakistan
An Assessment of Seed Sources for Cultivation of Field and Vegetable Crops in Balochistan, Pakistan
Shahinshah Khan1*, Aijaz Ali Khooharo1, Zaheeruddin Mirani1 and Velo Suthar2
ABSTRACT
To investigate the sources of seed and vegetable crops, this study was carried out during 2017-18 in Balochistan province by interviewing 360 farmers selected from six districts of Balochistan applying multistage cluster sampling approach. Survey data further revealed that 34% farmers produced their own seed. Regarding source of seed, dealers (96.8%) and neighboring (88.8%) farmers were observed to be the major sources of basic seed for multiplication. However, 36.8% of the farmers reported that seed companies are their exclusive source of basic seed. Only 14% of the farmers reported that seed was purchased from public sector. Major seed sources of five crops namely wheat, cotton, rice, onion and tomato were recorded. Survey findings further revealed that informal sector (own, neighbor, and landlord) was common source of seed for wheat (62.3%) and onion growers (64.2%). On the Other hand, formal sources (seed companies and dealers) were common source of seed for cotton (97.7%); rice (92.2%); and tomato (100%) growers. Very negligible contribution of public sector was observed for the supply of quality seed to the farmers. Moreover, majority of the farmers believed that seed of the above-mentioned crops was available with difference sources, however, affordability and quality were the major concerns. Small segment of the farmers were satisfied with quality of seed and the same were recorded as 43.9% wheat, 30% cotton, 56.1% rice, 22.8% onion, and 21.7% tomato growers. Based upon research findings, recommendations were developed for public and private sector for quality supply of seed to the farmers of Balochistan.
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September 2021
Vol. 37, Iss. 3, Pages 714-1097
