IMPROVED SEED PRODUCTION BY FARMER’S ORGANIZATIONS: “PRODUCTORA DE MAÍZ TEOCINTLE”, A CASE STUDY

Abstract

This research dealt with the topic of seed production by farmer’s organizations. It studied the activities performed between 1999 and 2001 by an organization located in Tlachichuca, Pue., dedicated to the production of certified maize seed: the “Productora de Maíz Teocintle” Sociedad de Producción Rural de Responsabilidad Ilimitada. In this study we characterized the process of seed production and commercialization of the maize variety “Sintético Serdán”, and established whether different elements of the technological and economical factors affect the organization involvement in those activities. The techniques used were: document review, participatory observation, interview guide and financial analysis. The results showed that the members used 90 % of key aspects for production technology of open pollinated varieties, and 70 % for seed conditioning, therefore requiring further training in the last matter. Regarding the economical issue, the financial analysis indicated that seed production by the society was a profitable activity (a relation benefit:cost of 3.99), and that it was competitive in the seed market. Nevertheless, training is required on seed commercialization. It is concluded that the elements of the technological and economical factors studied promoted the involvement of the organization on seed production and commercialization, and that it is feasible that farmer’s organizations can produce and sell seed of improved maize in precise geographical areas, thus stimulating the use of improved varieties by traditional farmers, and representing a viable strategy for supplying such input.