Agriterra and ENZA Zaden continue collaboration on strengthening Nepal seed sector
04-09-2018In the Makwanpur district in Nepal cooperatives are shaping their future. Because of a successful pilot, Enza Zaden and Agriterra extend their cooperation and support farmer organisations in seed production and commercialisation. The agreement was signed in August.
Cees van Rij (Agriterra) and Joep van Balen (Enza Zaden) signing the agreement
Positive results
The first agreement dates from 2016. Enza provided technical assistance to members of DACU Makawanpur in improving seed production, both in terms of quality as well as quantity, good breeding and selection. The first goal was to improve the local varieties of hot peppers in Bajrabarahi, broad leaf mustard in Namtar and beans in Cogane. The Enkhuizen based seed company visited Nepal during crucial moments in the breeding cycle. The first two years of technical assistance have proven to be ‘fruitful’: all three cooperatives that participated in the pilot have improved their varieties.
Yields of the crops are higher, the fruits are more uniform in size and also in the preferred shapes. Farmers better understand the basics of seed propagation. This gives them a competitive advantage over previous varieties.
Bright future
The main project objective is to increase the income of small-scale farmers through improved seeds production and marketing. This has worked. The seeds harvested from the selected plants this year will be used for the production of elite seed as well as the production of commercial seed. The first commercial seed will be available in October 2018 and is for sale in 2019.
The prospect to bring the project to the next level is bright. The moment is there to upscale and bring the farmers further in the seed supply chain, which in turn will improve the income level of these farmers and of the farmers that will use the seeds. Improved local varieties are potential products to be further processed, packaged, and marketed all over Nepal in which the farmer cooperative can play a key role.
Due to good technical advice, the varieties will be well adapted and have a better level of resistance to diseases and pests. Less chemicals will be needed, which results in healthier food and working conditions for the people involved.
This true impact and proven progress was a coordinated effort of DACU Makawanpur and 3 of their member cooperatives, Enza Zaden and Agriterra.
About
Enza Zaden (Enkhuizen, the Netherlands) is an international company that develops new vegetable varieties that are grown, sold and consumed all over the world. Their aim is to grant people access to healthy vegetables worldwide by developing and globally selling vegetable varieties and seeds. Their vegetable varieties range from sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce to bitter gourd and bird’s eyes chillies. Through investment in innovations they annually introduce around 100 new vegetable varieties to the global market. Their motto is: ‘Breeding to feed the world’.
