Production, Problems and Decision Making Aspects of Maize Seed Producers in Banke District, Nepal

This study was carried in Banke district with the objective of understanding production and post-harvest activities, marketing and production problem of maize seed producer along with the decision making nature in seed producing households in comparison to non-seed producing households. A total of 65 households were randomly selected as sample which included 36 seed producer and 29 non-seed producing households. The average family size of the study population was 4.64 with 45.4% male and 54.6% female. Adoption of seed production found to be positively related with literacy and extension service. Local market was the largest source (67%) of seed implying poor facility from government agencies. Weeding activity and inspection of field by technician appeared to be very poor and seed testing also appeared inadequate. Lack of technical assistance found to be the most important problem of maize seed production with the index score of 0.77. Better technical support, supply of quality inputs and better irrigation facility appeared to be key for encouraging farmers in seed production. The study households showed male dominance in decision making but male dominance level found to be low in seed producer compared to non-seed producer households. Study showed that for encouraging maize seed producers and enhancing their production and profitability, extension program about business activity, input purchase, improved variety and involvement in training and workshops should be targeted more toward male while credit supply and information about efficient labor use should be prepared targeting both male and female.