Seed System Development Strategy.

The Seed System Development Strategy is a national strategy with a sectoral approach. The main objective of the Strategy is to develop the seed sector of the country in a comprehensive, environmentally sustainable and socially equitable manner.
The Strategy sets out that the increase in crop production will also contribute to food security because the strategy adopts a view which sets forth that ‘seed security’ and ‘food security’ is complementary.
To develop the seed system and to increase crop production and productivity the Strategy will increase the utilization of seeds of improved varieties, with appropriate agronomic practices accompanied with other agricultural inputs.
The Strategy sets forth that the farmers’ livelihoods will be improved by creating an innovative market-led multi-sector seed system and enabling all farmers, women, men, and youth, to access seed of improved varieties at the right quality, quantity, time, and price.
To ensure a more inclusive and efficient seed system the Strategy will first of all include all the stakeholders at all stages of the making and implementing this strategy and will enable the stakeholders to coordinate their activities to be harmonious and comprehensive. Furthermore the roles and responsibilities among seed producers will be defined and enforced. The role of private sector in varietal development will be increased. Private sector producers will be supported also to meet needs for commercially attractive crops. A production model which is combined of public and private seed enterprises will be adopted for the production of basic seeds whereas private sector will be encouraged to produce certified seeds for all crop categories. The breeding capacity of National Agricultural Research Institutions will be strengthened. Importance will be given to research and extension services and contractual agreements and effective pricing / marketing mechanisms between research and extension and seed producers will be developed. A direct seed marketing system will be supported. An autonomous regulatory entity at the federal level that will also be responsible for conducting varietal evaluation, release, registration, and PVP (Plant Variety Protection) will be established. Regulatory structures will be strengthened to improve quality control at distribution. Marketing agents will be enabled to assess seed demand through direct involvement and incentives. An open pricing mechanism will be implemented. The capacity of existing seed labs, regional, and federal regulatory bodies will be developed and existing federal and regional regulatory entities will be strengthened. Guidelines and standards will be provided to enforce internal quality control for all seed producers. The capacity of breeding institutions will be increased to produce higher quantities. Pre-breeding component of Ethiopia’s biodiversity conservation institute will be strengthened and increased use of indigenous germplasm in breed improvement programs will be promoted. Support will be given to the conservation of local genetic diversity by strengthening the capacity of community-based conservation institutes to reduce risk of genetic erosion.
The Strategy sets up an efficient National Seed Emergency System that will effectively respond to natural and manmade disaster conditions by contributing to seed security. The Strategy will also strengthen farmers’ awareness in proper seed management methods and improve access to affordable implements.