Abstract:

The need for improving availability and access to pure quality maize seeds of
protein content by small holder farmers instigated the
commencement of a scheme for production and conservation of longe5seeds in the dry land farming system. Longe5 is a maize variety with two amino acids
called tryptophan and leucine coding protein synthesis. This study aimed at: creating a multi stakeholder innovation platform for commercial production of pure quality Long maize seeds; equipping farmers with sustainable knowledge of
production, preservation and quality control of Long maize seeds; increasing seed volume through farmer block production. Methodically, four seed
grower groups were former and commenced seed production using long foundation seed stock for three seasons through half sib pollination technique.
Comparatively QPM seed scheme were established, functionalized with contract
agreements for commercial production developed and operationalized; model for seed profit margin analysis developed; and60%of seed
growers trained in production, conservation, marketing and consumption of QPM maize; 79.9% of farmers adopted and applied half-sib method
for genetic purity conservation. 100MTof pure QPM maize seeds were
produced. Currently growers are knowledgeable of the values, benefits of longe5
seed production with its access and accountability