Abstract

Seed is the most important agricultural input for improving production and productivity. The objective is to show the status, challenges, and opportunities of early-generation seed production in the Areka Agricultural Research Center (AARC) of the Southern Agricultural Research Institute in the cropping season (2016/17-2021/22). The main purpose of Early Generation Seed (EGS) production is to maintain the genetic potential and identity of a variety and provide a regular supply of high-quality breeder seed, which is the basis for subsequent seed production. Ethiopia has adopted four seed classes for seed production: breeder seed, pre-basic seed, basic seed, and certified seed. Using quality seeds of a variety with high genetic potential (as for the improved varieties) can increase yield. A total of 1253.21 and 511.16 quintals of major cereals and pulse EGS were produced in the 2016/17–2021/22 cropping season, respectively. From 2016/17-2021/22 cropping seasons, the Areka Agricultural Research Center produced a total of 27973 EGS of Enset corm and suckers. In the 2016/17–2021/22 cropping seasons, AARCs produced a total of 6015 quintals of EGS of the Boloso-1 variety. The main challenges and opportunities are to either decrease or enhance EGS production in the Center. This implies that AARC’s capacity to produce early-generation seeds will improve in order to fulfill the existing demand for EGS.