Tomato Hybrid Seed Production - Initiation of Public Private Partnership Approach in Agriculture

Public private partnership (PPP) is a contractual agreement between public agency and private sector to accomplish the certain task. The PPP model has been adopted in different sectors in Nepal. To assess the effectiveness of PPP model in vegetable sector, a case of tomato hybrid cultivar Srijana seed production in Nepal was selected. This study employed qualitative approach of analysis. Information was collected from key stakeholders and ex perts through semi-structured interview schedule; and review of reports. Study found three types of PPP model ex isting on hybrid tomato seed production in Nepal namely: farmers group directly linked with NA RC; NGOs facilitating community based seed production organizations (CBOs) and provide inbred lines from NA RC; and private seed companies providing inbred lines to CBOs from NA RC. Mainly NA RC has been providing technology and support services to private sectors to minimize the market risk in tomato seed production. A mong the different models, NA RC and farmer group collaboration was found more effective followed by NGOs facilitating model and private companies. The study noted that the agreement between public and private sector is not ex ecuted as per the MoU. Public sector for maintenance of parental lines of hybrid seeds and the private sectors for the multiplication and distribution of hybrid seeds are essential to maintain seed cycle. Moreover, prior information on demand of inbred lines, empowerment of local CBOs and capacity building to private sector is necessary for the effectiveness of PPP model in vegetable sector through formulation of conducive policy