| dc.description.abstract |
Rice crop is considered as a food security crop which is expected to contribute ensuring food
security in Ethiopia. Despite its importance, research on its seed systems is limited,
emphasizing the need to improve productivity and food security. This study assesses the
existing seed system and analyze seed quality attributes among existed seed source in Libo
Kemkem District of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The survey data were gathered from 120
farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Rice seed samples were obtained from both
formal (20 samples) and informal (25 samples) seed sources for laboratory testing. The data
were analyzed using descriptive statistics for survey data and independent t-test for
laboratory data with SPSS V27.0 Moreover, laboratory experiments were carried out at
ANRS Agriculture and safety Authority Bahir Dar Branch. The study identified the presence
of formal and informal seed systems to access rice seed by farmers. The survey results
revealed that most of the farmers (74.1%) accessed seed through the informal seed system;
the local market (30.8%), their stock (21.7%), exchanges with neighbors or relatives (13.3%),
and revolving seed (8.3%). 25.9% of served households accessed seed from formal channels.
Farmers’ reasons for using improved rice varieties were high-yielding potential, seed color,
marketability, drought resistance, early maturity, shattering resistance, and disease
resistance. Farmers’ seed management practices enable to maintain and improve rice seed
quality in the study area. Household perceptions of seed quality attributes were generally
positive. Laboratory results revealed that most of the seed quality parameters (physical,
physiological, thousand seed weight, and moisture content) showed significant differences (p
< 0.05) between the formal and informal seed systems. The present of pure seed collected
from the formal seed systems (98.8%) met the national seed quality standard set for breeder,
p/basic and basic seeds (98%). The highest germination percentage (86.6%) and (80.04) was
recorded in the formal and informal seed system respectively. Both seed systems met the
national seed quality standard set for breeder, p/basic and basic seeds (80%). Moisture
content (11.16%) and (11.29 %) was recorded for formal and informal systems respectively;
both systems fulfilled the standards better (13%).Seed access from formal seed systems was
significantly higher (P=0.000) in all tested vigor variables. High-vigor seeds can improve
seed germination and seedling emergence, increase crop yield and reduce the cost of
agriculture production |
en_US |