Socio-economic study on Community Based Seed Producers (CBSP) groups of women SHG group model in Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction Seed is a key intervention for enhancing productivity, nutrition and resilience of small holder farmers (McGuire and Sperling 2016). Globally several efforts have been done by researchers, policy makers, foundations and other organisations to improve the access of farmers to seed in developing countries (Coomes et al. 2015). Farmer seed networks are emerging as alternative channels for improving access to seed. Various studies had discussed the role of such Community Based Seed Producers (CBSP) groups in providing improved seeds ( Almekinders et al., 1999; Badstue et al., 2006; Audi et al., 2008; Alemu, 2011; Louwaars and de Boef, 2012; Rajendrana et al., 2016). Though these CBSP models are diverse as they are individual organisation or programme driven, the base model is a community driven seed production initiative, where seeds are produced and distributed among farm communities (Subash et al. 2016). The current study aims to look at the socioeconomic implications of such a model promoted by Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Yojana (RGMVP).