SEED MULTIPLICATION SUB-PROJECT OF THE AGRONOMIC RESEARCH, SEED MULTIPLICATION AND GRAIN MARKETING PROJECT PAPER FOR CHAD (11/9/77-12/7/77)

Report based on on-site observatns & statistical data. Govt of Chad (GOC) is not presently making a national effort to devel & implemt a seed improvemt & distributn program, and personnel lack trng & experience in seed improvemt. Research & processing facilities are not yet constructed, and most farmers are so lacking in capital that they consume the best grain & store the lowest quality seed for next years crop which is damaged by moisture & pests. Also, present distributn methods are inadequate since: 1) ONDR, the promotn & distributn unit of the Min of Agr lacks personnel; 2) Chad"s transportatn sys is inadequate, and 3) operating funds are not sufficient to support farmer seed productn, support seed multiplicatn Unis, or pay ONDR for seed distributn. The ultimate improvemt in productn will depend on: 1) research & cooperatn with other international research centers; 2) GOC"s willngness to make a strong commitmt to the program, 3) farmer"s acceptance of improved seed & methods; 4) more agr inputs, 5) adequate trng for personnel, 6) availability of consultants & candidates for trng & placemt, and 7) costs of equipmt & constructn be within estimates. Proj has resulted in 90,000 hectares being planted w/improved seed, increased grain yields by 20%, seed costs for improved seed being the same as traditional ones, personnel trng at all levels in Chad, Africa, and US & the purchase of commodities such as vehicles, and equipmt for cleaning, treating, testing, and storing grain. It is recommended that ONDR provide farmers with seeds at planting time & receive grain at harvest time; trng be continued at all levels; agricultural research be strengthened and continued; an extension service, marketing system and institutional framework be developed, and improved technical assistance be provided.