First ever Access to Seeds Index for South and Southeast Asia evaluated 24 leading seed companies in the region on support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and increased smallholder farmer productivity.

Bridging the gap between the world’s leading seed companies and the smallholder farmer

The Access to Seeds Index is built around the premise that the seed industry can play a vital role in addressing global food security challenges. The Index assesses, scores and ranks seed companies according to their efforts to improve access to quality seeds of improved varieties for smallholder farmers in developing countries. It identifies leadership and good practices, providing an evidence base for the discussion on where and how the seed industry can step up its efforts. 

Small-scale farming dominates the agricultural landscape in South and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. For the first time, the Access to Seeds Index shines a light on companies taking the lead in reaching...

Smallholder farmers in South and Southeast Asia

This first evaluation of 24 leading seed companies in South and Southeast Asia shows that the industry is present in all countries. It is highly research-driven, releasing new varieties for a broad variety of crops. Seeds are sold in package sizes tailored to the needs of smallholders.

However, sales activities are not often accompanied by training to help farmers in adapting their practices and adopting new technologies. In addition, breeding and production activities tend to be concentrated in only a handful of countries. As a result, seed sector development in other countries does not progress to the same degree. Ultimately, the majority of smallholders in the region has yet to be reached.

READ The findings of the Access to Seeds Index 2019 HERE

On Twitter: #ATSIndex2019   #AsiaIndex   #SmallholderFarmers   #FoodSecurity   #ZeroHunger   #GlobalGoals

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