ABSTRACT
Most seed programs in developing countries face competition for personnel, local funds, and foreign exchange. Seed program administrators must strive to obtain resources when they are needed and to use them efficiently in order to provide good seed in adequate quantities. This chapter discusses equipment needed for seed growing and harvesting, seed drying, seed processing, seed storage, and quality control. It describes obtaining supplies, getting facilities developed, making equipment operative, and maintaining equipment. Seed growing and harvesting are specialized operations and require some equipment that may not be common in ordinary farming. The processing plant is one of the largest capital investments in a seed program. Seed processing requires equipment designed for specific types of separations, other machinery such as conveyors and elevators, and buildings. The combination and sequence of equipment and operations—the processing line—should be tailored to essential objectives of processing. Administrators and leaders in the public and private sectors frequently must erect seed facilities and start them operating.
