Quality Seeds for Food Security and Food Self -Sufficiency During Havoc of Covid-19 in Nepal

Abstract

Seed is the basic vital unit in agriculture, which is also basis for food security, conservation of biodiversity. It is also a means for the delivery of new technologies and support services to rural areas. Seed system is one of the most vital components of agricultural system that serves as an important element in strategies for agricultural development and poverty reduction. COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every system worldwide. Seed system is not devoid of its effects too. Seed supply chain has been disrupted badly with very minimal workers around this sector, right now. Not only this sector but that of food safety, World Food security, has been affected severely as well. Importance of quality seeds is being understood, and is also being seen as basic tool for a secure food supply because of this havoc going around in the world. Quality seeds ensures good crop stand because of its high genetic and physiological qualities. So, with the institutional and technological enhancements in seed sectors, quality seeds can be used as solution for food security with addition to food self-sufficiency too. Production of seeds by following proper seed cycle, unifying seed system with complete knowledge and technological training on post-harvest operations up to marketing, utilization of maximum seed policies, seed schemes national, international both needs to be done in order to be selfreliable, sustainable, standard in line with sustaining food security and enhancing productivity.

Seed Systems in the Four Shallot Producing Areas of Java: A Focus Group Discussion

“…The genetic makeup of seed has been widely known as an important factor that determines the crop yield potential and stability [7]. As a catalyst in agricultural production [8], quality seed is a critical component in ensuring the success of development strategy for improved agricultural production and productivity, food security and livelihoods [9,10,11]. Good quality seeds are those that satisfy appropriate genetic, physical, health standards, germination and moisture percentage and vigor requirements for achieving higher yield [12,13].…”