Seed diffusion mechanism and adoption of quality seed in Manipur state, North East India

The present study revealed that the farmers mostly used own saved seeds of paddy, and rapeseed and mustard whereas they used seeds supplied by Department of Agriculture, ICAR and seed dealers for potato and tomato. The adoption rate of quality seed of paddy is significantly low visa-vis other crops. Extension departments in the state play an insignificant role in the diffusion of quality seed. Lack of awareness and non-availability of desired variety seed are the important hindering factors in adoption of quality seed of paddy. For rapeseed & mustard, non-availability of desired variety seed, fear of adulteration and untimely supply are the hindering factors. Untimely supply and non-availability of desired variety are important hindering factors in potato. Targeting progressive farmers, improvement in production of own saved seed and market infrastructure, establishment of plant health clinics, introduction of seed village and finally, makings the farmers aware of the importance of quality seed through radio, doordarshan and other print media are important suggestions for enhancing adoption of quality seed in the state.