The power of a seed is unlimited. As a powerful agent of change, seeds can be a means of overcoming production constraints, thereby making a difference in the lives of the poor and hungry. This requires seed demand and supply to be balanced by way of a secure seed supply system. This would give farmers access to adequate quantities of good quality seed of the desired type at the required time and at an affordable cost. Seeds are key components in the conservation and ownership of biodiversity. Accordingly, sustainable seed supply and implementation of seed security are among the major activities outlined in the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Seeds, therefore, represent hope for the future of mankind.
This book is an attempt to review and document the existing seed multiplication and delivery systems in four dryland agricultural districts of Andhra Pradesh: Anantapur, Kurnool, Mahbubnagar and Nalgonda. While analyzing the problems associated with different seed systems in these districts, the book makes a strong case for strengthening alternative seed systems and seed delivery models that address the needs of small farmers in the context of constantly changing dynamics on the national, international, political and socioeconomic fronts.