Breeding Variety Release & Maintenance

Current genetic gains are suboptimal especially in relation to investment. The Breeding Variety Release and Maintenance (BVRM) component focuses on research and development of technologies through efficient breeding research programs, that enable and sustain yield gains on various crop varieties. Breeding programs that avail climate-smart, resilient and nutrition dense variety choices to farmers and other end users.

VISION OF A HEALTHY BREEDING PROGRAM:
  • Program sets clear pipeline strategy
  • Well-articulated and prioritized product profiles that are consistent with producer needs based on market survey to guide the breeding program.
  • Research is supported by relevant groups of interdisciplinary scientists focused on the product profile.
  • Provision of adequate budgetary support from government or other potential sources.
  • Program works in tandem with downstream actors (EGS producers, extension and commercial producers, regulatory bodies, etc.) to assure proper hand-off and post-release support..
  • Focus on continual improvement (product replacement) and adaptation to changing needs of farmers and market requirements.
The basis of comparison is the modern breeding programs that generate better return on investments, measured by the genetic gain delivered to farmers based on consumer/market requirements.