Seed is the basic and vital input in agriculture and timely availability of quality seed of appropriate variety/hybrid in adequate quantity decides the strength and health of any agriculture driven economy. The availability of quality seed is not a one time affair in it self. Even after considerable efforts by public/private sector, availability of quality seed in appropriate form continues to be a problem forcing the farmer to resort to farm saved seed. Andhra Pradesh is emerging as “seed capital of India”. The seed replacement rate of A.P. is about 20-25%, while the national average is 8-10%. Due to congenial climatic conditions 40% of the seed required for the country is being produced in A.P. and supplied to other States. The major seed production of about 90-100% in crops like Sorghum, fodder Sorghum, Sunflower, Hybrid rice, Maize, Cotton etc. is taken up in A.P. in certain districts, the availability of quality seed is a serious constraint. Quality seed appropriate to different agro-climatic conditions and in sufficient quantity at affordable prices are required to raise productivity levels. The field gaps between the districts between the states and between India and rest of the world are very wide. One of the major reason for low yields is disappointing low rate of seed replacement. A major effort will be required to enhance the SRR of various crops. This would require major increase in the production of quality seed in various crops.

Despite an institution framework for seed production both in public/private sector availability of quality seed continues to be a problem for the farmers. As a result they prefer to rely on farm saved seed. It is a well known fact, SRR has a strong correlation with the productivity and production of crop varieties.

Keeping in view the the above constraints, the NGO organization SUVIDHA proposed to initiate seed production program to make it relevant to the needs of farming community of A.P. with the sole motive to work for no profit.

SUVIDHA will also go for Certification of registered non-notified varieties (popular Varieties of Public/private sector) for the Certification by following the National Seed Certification standards to supply for districts adopted by providing third party guarantee.

SUVIDHA will also stress for participatory seed production i.e. farmers will be involved in the production of quality seed. The main objective is “Seed Village concept” to involve farmers in seed production and thereby make quality seed available at reasonable prices. SUVIDHA will earnestly strive for:

  1. Exclusive extension strategies will be developed to popularize farmers participatory seed production, backed up by technology assessment and refinement mode of approach.
  2. Provide certified seed to the farmers, all the crops. We believe that the seed produced under constant monitoring and stringent control measures will produce the anticipated results and safe guard the farm incomes. We provide a third party assurance for quality.
  3. Ensure welfare of the agricultural and rural communities in multi-dimensional and holistic approach.
  4. Make the agriculture sustainable and viable. We endeavor to bring the technological developments within the reach of the farmer.
  5. Bring in awareness to the policy makers of the problems the Indian agriculture is facing in its unique way.
  6. Conduct seminars, meetings, training programs, make educational videos/firms and may run a community Radio for the dissemination of useful information and knowledge for the benefit of the farming communities we are working with.
  7. Conduct training programs to farmers on various seed production techniques and post-harvest technologies to produce, process and stock good quality seed.
  8. Work for the protection of the environment, promotion of organic agriculture, preservation of genetic diversity, healthy and ecologically sensitive practices and use of bio-fuels.
 
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Overall Objective
The overall objective of the SUVIDHA is to promote the welfare of the agricultural and rural communities in the country, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, through adoption of a multi-dimensional and holistic approach to agriculture and rural development, making agriculture sustainable and viable.