CHOICE OF SEED VARIETY

If a choice can be made between varieties which require heavy applications of fertilizer and agrochemicals, and disease-resistant varieties which grow well with lower levels of purchased inputs, the low-input variety is usually preferable for small farmers as it exposes them to less financial and biological risk.

If there is a choice between varieties with early and late planting and harvesting dates, the one which fits best into the smallholders' farming system (i.e. does not compete with other crops for land or labour at planting, weeding and harvesting time) should be selected.

More information: ILEIA (Institute for Low External Input Agriculture)

Related Information: seed quality; seed and seedling distribution: payment; seed production and supply