Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Assistant Professor of Agricultural Extension and Education, Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor of Plant Biotechnology, Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
Abstract
Keywords
Main Subjects
Extended abstract
Objectives
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the main challenges of seed companies` participation in breeding of vegetable crops and seed production of inland and improved varieties and the main solutions to solve these challenges.
Methods
This research is a qualitative research and grounded theory methodology was used as the research methodology. The statistical population of this study was all seed companies which are members of the Seed Importers Association (N=37) selected by snowball sampling method. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. In order to test the validity and reliability of the collected data, in addition to using various methods such as interviews, note-taking and voice recording during the data collection process, the results were also sent to 4 interviewees for review and approval after the transcription of the interview text and the initial extraction of codes and concepts. Strauss-Corbin method of continuous comparison analysis was used to analyze the data. The categories resulting from axial coding were regulated in the framework of a model that addresses the conditions and contexts, processes (or strategies) and consequences of seed companies` participation in breeding and seed production of domestic varieties.
Results
After a detailed and line-by-line review of the transcript contents of the interviews, in the first stage, about 150 initial codes or concepts were extracted from interviews with eexecutive officers of seed companies operating in the field of seed imports or their representatives. Then, these concepts were coded in the form of 33 major categories in the second stage of coding, which was pivotal coding, and in order to further integrate the extracted codes and determine the categories. In the continuation of the data analysis process, the identified challenges in the field of the central theme under study are thematically divided into five categories; Investment and knowledge challenges, government support challenges, challenges to change the attitude of users and reduce their risk power, challenges related to marketing and quality of the introduced figures, and the failure of the public sector to create trust and participation of the private sector was categorized. The solutions provided by the respondents were also identified and classified into 4 categories.
Discussion
In the field of breeding, it was found that in general, seed companies active in the field of seeds can be classified into two categories: The first class, whose number is also limited, are companies with a history of establishment, high experience and activity in the market, well-equipped facilities, manpower, experienced breeders and financial resources compared to other companies, have a high share of the market in terms of imports and supply of seeds in. Following the imposition of sanctions, rising currency prices, problems related to the economic situation, and the instability of the country's policies and international relations, these companies have been operating independently or with the participation of the knowledge-based companies for several years have implemented breeding projects and introduced the variety in a participatory manner. In general, these companies have not had a positive attitude towards partnership with the public sector in the field of breeding and introduction of varieties. The second category, which most of the studied companies fall in this category, are companies that face more restrictions in terms of facilities and equipment, manpower, experts in the field of breeding and financial resources compared to the first category. Most companies in this category currently do not have access to germplasm and breeding materials, and experienced breeders to enter the breeding process. These companies have mainly focused on seed imports. However, during recent years with increasing problems related to seed imports into the country, and increasing the price of imported seeds has increased the adoption rate of inland seeds by farmers (especially middle- and lower-class farmers). Therefore, if the private sector is sure of the quality of the introduced variety, its yield, its resistance to various stresses and other quantitative and qualitative characteristics, it will be willing to participate in the seed production of varieties introduced by the public sector.
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