The objectives of the research were to identify seed management practices of the combined-system paddy seed producers as well as to examine the contribution and quality of the combined paddy seed supply system compared with the formal and informal systems.
The study was carried out in Udaberagama village of Hambantota district in southern province of Sri Lanka during March to June in 2013.
Eighty farmers were randomly selected and categorized based on use of paddy seed systems as belonging to either the formal, informal or combined system.
A farm interview survey and seed sampling for quality testing were conducted for each farmer. The farmers’ combined system seed production, involved strategies of both formal and informal sector, they use formal sector seed as basic seeds and many steps of traditional techniques to ensure a good quality seeds.