ABSTRACT
In most countries where seed programs are in stages 1 or 2, only small amounts of seed are produced by research stations, government farms, and individual seed growers. Some seed enterprises are wholly private, some are wholly public, and some seed enterprises have various mixtures of public and private participation. Most governments help the commercial seed industry through research. Public research institutions are often the major source of new varieties, especially for crops not covered by private research. A government seed development team can be helpful to those considering the seed business. The organization of a good seed enterprise requires that the components of the infrastructure be combined harmoniously at the right place and time. Seed production requires good cultivation practices to maximize the multiplication ratio. Seed growers need fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides along with seed stock, and it may be necessary for a seed enterprise to arrange to supply these needs.
