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Simple and successful: new seed-priming techniques boost farmers’ yields

Published by:
Publication date
19/11/2012
Language:
English
Type of Publication:
Working Papers & Briefs
Focus Region:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Focus Topic:
Agricultural Value Chains / Agri-Businesses
Source
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/r4d/PDF/Outputs/ResearchIntoUse/RIU_policybrief_9.pdf
Author
RIU

On-farm seed priming has been widely tested with a range of crops in Africa and Asia. The conclusion: it provides better crop growth and yield at little or no extra cost to farmers and needs little additional labour. Extensive research has proven that by using on-farm seed priming, farmers in the semi-arid tropics can improve their yields from grains and legumes—including wheat, rice, barley, maize, sorghum, millet, chickpea and mungbean. Gains range from 15% to over 200%. All they need is a little bit of water, and a few extra hours of time.