SEED SUPPLY-SYSTEM IN ETHIOPIA

The population of Ethiopia is about 51 million, 90% rural producing 90 % of food grains. Most of the country consists of high plateau and mou ntain ranges. The major area for crop production is on the plateau and is rain-fed. Crop breeding research is done by the Institute of Agric ultural Research and Alemaya University of Agriculture. The National V ariety Release Committee has recommended a total of 114 varieties. The Ethiopian Seed Corporation (ESC), established in 1979, had the monopo ly to produce seeds until 1990. It has adequate facilities for seed pr ocessing, storage and internal quality control. There is no quality co ntrol or seed certification agency. Art average of about 5% of potenti al seed requirement has been sold annually by ESC. Mast of the seed pr oduced by it is of open-pollinated varieties. Seed price has been low and yet diffusion of improved seed in the peasant sector has been smal l. Therefore, it is not the price that is the main reason For low adop tion of improved seed. To meet the shortage of good quality seed of hi gh yielding varieties and to introduce hybrid seed technology, a Joint Venture between the Ethiopian Seed Corporation and Pioneer Hi-Bred In ternational, Inc, USA was established in 1990. Pioneer's maize hybrids have given good performance in the medium maturity group. It is hoped that hybrid cultivation culture will spread into the peasant sector. The attitude of peasants towards innovations and their resources to ad opt them will be the determining factor in adopting hybrid cultivation technology. The Extension Agents have a major role to play in this re gard.