The following technology provides features about the use of improved seeds and less labour-intensive crops. It also details the advantages and disadvantages of their use. The advantages include labour-saving, livelihood resilience strengthening, livelihood diversification, inputs, skills, cost and infrastructure. Disadvantages include inputs, costs, infrastructure and risk.

 Description

Plant seeds are saved from the previous harvest. Farmer-grown seeds are at risk of deteriorating over time.

1. Features of certified seed and improved varieties

• Using new certified seeds from the same variety every few years improves the quality of the seed and breaks the seed-borne disease cycle with the following results: improved germination; stronger, more vigorous growth; improved pest and disease resistance; and maintenance of high yield. 
• Planting new varieties of the same crop that have been bred to increase yield and resistance to certain pests and diseases.
• Certified seed should be locally produced, although it may be imported depending upon the crop and variety.
• Certified seed is usually grown for a premium price to the grower on local farms under careful supervision and control of the certifying authority.

2. Features of less labour-intensive crops

• Some root crops have low labour requirements and have no strict time for harvesting, such as cassava.
• They also provide more edible energy per hectare and per labour unit than conventional cereal crops such as rice and wheat.
• Varieties that are early maturing help during the hungry season prior to the harvest of the main crop.
• Some maize and rice varieties are adapted to dry conditions and provide the possibility of farming in dry seasons or in dry lands which spreads the labour requirements to quieter times of the year.
• Some varieties have developed features that ease harvesting in terms of physical effort and time, such as groundnuts with a vertical root structure. 
• Certain crops have physical properties that help suppress weeds such as pumpkins.

Figure 1. Seeds and crops

©FAO/TECA

3. Advantages

3.1 Labour saving

Some crops are less labour-intensive either in terms of total labour input over the year or the fact that labour inputs are spread more evenly throughout the year. With improved varieties, labour is saved in terms of work input per kg produced due to improved germination and higher yield, or food security improved for the same amount of labour input.

3.2 Livelihood resilience strengthening

Yields from certified seeds are generally 10 to 20 percent higher than conventional yields. This contributes to improving the income and food security at the household level.

3.3 Livelihood diversification

There is an opportunity to diversify the range of crops grown.

3.4 Inputs

Knowledge of traditional crops within the local community and seed selection is often the responsibility of women.

3.5 Skills

Skills are required to grow traditional varieties available within the community.

3.6 Cost

Seeds of traditional crops are available at low or no cost.

3.7 Infrastructure

Local seed banks maintain genetic stock of local varieties.

4. Disadvantages

4.1 Inputs

Certified seeds need to be available locally and some may be excessively dependent on fertilizer applications.

4.2 Cost

New certified seeds have to be purchased regularly.

4.3 Infrastructure

Relatively complex infrastructure is required for certified seeds with national plant breeding and research stations capable of developing varieties or testing imported varieties for their suitability to local conditions as well as seed banks; outbreeding facilities; and retail and local dealership networks. Good communication is required between national seed institutions and commercial retailers and outlets and extension services.

4.4 Risk

• There is poor local availability of suitably certified seeds.
• Quality control is not rigorously applied, with the potential for seeds to be adulterated in the supply chain, leaving farmers with unknown seeds of uncertain quality.
• Local stocks of indigenous seeds are lost over time, along with the specialist knowledge required for their selection and multiplication.

5. Related/associated technologies

• Jab planter user manual: ID 7339.
• Labour-saving technologies and practices: weed wipes and knapsack sprayers: ID 7303.
• Labour-saving technologies and practices: row planting, hand seeders and planters: ID 7301.

6. Objectives fulfilled by the project

6.1 Labour-saving technology (LST)

Some crops are less labour-intensive with improved output and yield relative to labour input.

6.2 Women-friendly

The technology is to some extent directed towards women given their knowledge of traditional crops within the local community and seed selection.

6.3 Pro-poor technology

The practice allows for an increase in yields and a diversification in crop growth.