Sustainable Seed Production & Hybrid Crops: Quality Seeds For Resilient Agriculture

Introduction:

Sustainable Seed Production and Hybrid Crops equips farmers, seed producers, and agricultural professionals with the knowledge and skills to produce high-quality seeds and understand the role of hybrid crops in sustainable agriculture. This course focuses on implementing sustainable seed production techniques, understanding hybrid seed development, and optimizing seed quality for improved crop yields. Participants will learn to manage seed production systems, maintain genetic purity, and contribute to seed security. By mastering sustainable seed production, professionals can enhance agricultural productivity and promote biodiversity.

Target Audience:

• Seed producers and farmers
• Agricultural extension officers and advisors
• Plant breeders and geneticists
• Agricultural researchers and scientists
• Seed company personnel
• Organic farming practitioners
• Rural development practitioners
• Agricultural educators
• Horticulture professionals
• Seed certification officers
• Crop consultants and agronomists
• Sustainability officers
• Students and enthusiasts of sustainable agriculture

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles and benefits of sustainable seed production.
• Implement techniques for maintaining genetic purity in seed production.
• Understand the principles of hybrid seed development and production.
• Implement techniques for managing seed production systems for different crops.
• Understand the role of seed certification and quality control.
• Implement techniques for seed harvesting, processing, and storage.
• Understand the role of seed health and disease management.
• Implement techniques for managing seed viability and germination.
• Understand the role of seed systems in agro-biodiversity conservation.
• Understand the legal and regulatory aspects of seed production and distribution.
• Develop strategies for adapting seed production to climate change.
• Understand the economic benefits and market opportunities for sustainable seed production.
• Develop strategies for promoting and scaling up sustainable seed production practices.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Foundations of Sustainable Seed Production

• Principles and benefits of sustainable seed systems.
• Understanding the role of quality seeds in crop productivity.
• Benefits of maintaining genetic diversity.
• Historical context and modern practices.

Module 2: Maintaining Genetic Purity

• Techniques for preventing genetic contamination.
• Implementing isolation and rouging practices.
• Managing pollination and seed selection.
• Utilizing varietal purity testing.

Module 3: Hybrid Seed Development and Production

• Principles of hybrid vigor and heterosis.
• Techniques for developing hybrid varieties.
• Managing parental lines and crossing blocks.
• Producing and maintaining hybrid seeds.

Module 4: Seed Production Systems

• Techniques for managing seed production in different crops.
• Implementing specialized seed production practices.
• Utilizing controlled environment agriculture for seed production.
• Managing seed production in different agroecological zones.

Module 5: Seed Certification and Quality Control

• Understanding seed certification standards and procedures.
• Implementing quality control measures.
• Utilizing seed testing and analysis.
• Managing seed labeling and traceability.

Module 6: Seed Harvesting, Processing, and Storage

• Techniques for harvesting seeds at optimal maturity.
• Implementing seed cleaning and drying processes.
• Managing seed storage conditions for viability.
• Utilizing seed packaging and handling techniques.

Module 7: Seed Health and Disease Management

• Understanding seed-borne diseases and pests.
• Implementing seed treatments and sanitation practices.
• Managing seed health during production and storage.
• Utilizing disease-resistant varieties.

Module 8: Seed Viability and Germination

• Techniques for assessing seed viability and germination.
• Implementing seed priming and scarification.
• Managing seed dormancy and stratification.
• Utilizing germination testing and analysis.

Module 9: Seed Systems and Agro-Biodiversity

• Role of seed systems in conserving genetic resources.
• Implementing community seed banks and seed saving initiatives.
• Utilizing farmer-managed seed systems.
• Promoting participatory plant breeding.

Module 10: Legal and Regulatory Aspects

• Understanding seed laws and regulations.
• Implementing intellectual property rights for seed varieties.
• Managing seed import and export requirements.
• Utilizing seed labeling and marketing regulations.

Module 11: Adapting Seed Production to Climate Change

• Techniques for selecting climate-resilient varieties.
• Implementing seed production in stress-prone environments.
• Managing seed production under changing climatic conditions.
• Utilizing climate forecasting for seed production planning.

Module 12: Economics of Sustainable Seed Production

• Analyzing the economic benefits of quality seed production.
• Evaluating the costs and returns of seed production systems.
• Identifying market opportunities for sustainable seeds.
• Developing business models for seed production enterprises.

Module 13: Promoting and Scaling Up Sustainable Seed Production

• Developing communication and extension strategies.
• Building farmer networks and seed producer associations.
• Implementing training programs for seed production skills.
• Scaling up successful seed production models.

Module 14: Case Studies: Successful Seed Production Systems

• Analyzing real-world examples of sustainable seed production practices.
• Highlighting best practices and innovative techniques.
• Documenting economic and environmental impacts.
• Seed producer testimonials and field visits.

Module 15: The Future of Sustainable Seed Production

• Exploring emerging trends and innovations.
• Integrating new technologies and research findings.
• Adapting to evolving environmental and market conditions.
• Building resilient and sustainable seed systems for global food security.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.v