| Abstract |
This report analyzes interactions between public and private sector organizations in the world maize seed industry, with emphasis on the developing world. The analysis includes the share of total maize seed sales in 1992 by different kinds of seed enterprises and by different types of seed (hybrids, open pollinated varieties) and its origin (public or private sector breeding programs). Since the mid-1980s, private organizations in most developing countries have maintained and strengthened their position as the major producers and distributors of maize seed, while maize seed production and distribution by the public sector have tended to diminish. However, public breeding systems are still very important in maize seed industries; more than 50% of all the seed sold in developing countries in 1992 was of public origin. Over the next 10-20 years, the developing world seed industry will continue to evolve towards stronger public-private sector collaboration. Although schemes for direct production and distribution of maize seed by the public sector are largely a thing of the past, public breeding systems will remain important for fostering the development of domestic private seed enterprises and small-scale seed producers, and conducting research directed at small-scale farmers. |
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