A Comparative Economic Analysis of Improved and Local Maize Seed System in Udayapur, Nepal

<p>The primary aim of this study is to identify significant predictors affecting the deployment of upgraded seed in Udayapur, Nepal. With minimum prior study and insufficient information in the survey area, this research tries to fill the knowledge gap by investing socioeconomic, institutional, financial and technical factors affecting the adoption of improved seed. A sample size of 75 respondents were interviewed at farm level. Benefit Cost ratio, Binary Logistic regression and Scaling index techniques are employed for the research. The benefit-cost ratio (BC ratio) for improved seed adoption was found to be 1.37, which is higher than of local seed (1.10). The total area under cultivation (p = 0.010) and training status of farmers (p = 0.050) were significant factors affecting the adoption of improved seed. For every increase in one-unit, area (hectare) and trained farmer, the odds of planting improved seed increase by 15.1 % and 4.168% respectively. The untimely availability of improved seed (0.71), fragmented land holdings (0.65) and lack of technical knowledge (0.53) were top three ranked factors hindering the adoption of premium seeds. To further encourage the use of high graded seed, technical and financial assistance, timely supply of input, land consolidation, and cooperative’s roles become crucial. To streamline the future plans and programs for maize cultivation in the research area, an endeavor is made to study possible pathways for interventions. </p>