Participatory varietal selection in high-potential production systems

This paper reviews some of the participatory research in high-potential production systems on participatory varietal selection in high-potential production systems. This collaborative research is conducted by the Centre for Arid Zone Studies, UK; Local Initiatives in Biodiversity Research and Development (U-BIRD), Nepal; the Gramin Vikas Trust, India; and the Punjab Agricultural University, India. The justification for participatory rescarch on varietal selection in marginal areas is reviewed .and then compared to the needs of high-potential production systems (HPPSs). Some of the more significant findings on participatory varietal selection (PVS) in HPPSs are summarized and the roles of decentralization and participation in the research are reviewed. Participatory methods can increase the efficiency of formal breeding programs and in HPPSs they have a great potential for contributing lo higher and mor