Main Challenges and Strategies in Spring Wheat Seed Production
Wang Xiulan, Xu Yongtai, Shen Qingling, Zhao Desheng
(Yuzhu County Seed Management Station, Qinghai Province 810500)
Huzhu County is located in the northeast of Qinghai Province, with an average elevation of 2700 meters. It has a temperate continental climate, characterized by no harsh winters or scorching summers, with an annual average temperature of 3.5°C. This makes it an ideal region for high-yield crop production. The total cultivated area in the county is 59,000 hectares, and spring wheat is the third-largest crop after rapeseed and potatoes. However, recent years have seen several challenges arise in the production of spring wheat seeds, prompting a need for analysis and effective solutions.
### 1. Major Problems in Spring Wheat Seed Production
#### 1.1 Decentralized Seed Production
Since the implementation of the household contract responsibility system, seed production departments have faced difficulties in unifying management and quality standards. The decentralized model, where farmers are responsible for seed production under a "company-based farmer households" arrangement, has led to inefficiencies in supervision and field management. Inspections become time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it difficult to maintain quality control and ensure proper field operations.
#### 1.2 Disorganization and Mixed Varieties
Due to spontaneous planting by farmers, there is still a lack of regulation in variety selection and introduction. Some farmers grow unrefined strains, leading to serious issues of disorder and mixing. At harvest time, most selections are done manually, making mechanical mixing hard to control. This undermines seed quality and poses challenges for technical staff in ensuring consistent standards.
#### 1.3 Low Commodity Rate
Spring wheat in Qinghai is known for its large seed volume but is prone to contamination. Its low propagation coefficient and poor market competitiveness compared to winter wheat have resulted in reduced planting areas. Farmers often avoid using it as a primary source of income, which makes it challenging to maintain stable seed production and secure high-quality varieties.
#### 1.4 Poor Seed Quality
Although several new varieties such as Lantian No. 3, Lemai No. 5, Plateau No. 448, and others have been introduced, many suffer from weak resistance and outdated purification techniques. As a result, some varieties have been phased out or their cultivation areas have shrunk. Most farmers still rely on older, traditional varieties like “Mutually Beneficial Red†and “Arbo,†which have been planted for decades due to their stability. This highlights the urgent need for improved, high-yielding, and disease-resistant varieties.
#### 1.5 Degradation of Genetic Purity
Due to limited funding and changes in state-owned farms, the original species production based on the “three-reserve system†has declined. Although this method improves variety purity, its complexity and high costs make it unsustainable for small-scale farmers. As a result, many varieties cannot be properly purified or rejuvenated, leading to genetic degradation and a decline in quality.
### 2. Solutions and Recommendations
First, increasing awareness and improving scientific and technological input in seed production is essential. Promoting a centralized approach, where each region focuses on specific varieties, can help streamline production and improve efficiency. For example, certain villages specialize in “Mutual Aid,†while others focus on “Abo†or “Plateau 448.†This ensures better quality control and higher yields.
Second, reducing seed production costs and improving output efficiency through advanced agricultural techniques such as dry-fertilization and fine-seeding should be prioritized. By optimizing fertilization and managing plant structures, farmers can increase productivity and reduce expenses, encouraging more widespread use of improved varieties.
Third, strengthening the management system by involving county, township, and village levels will help implement the “three-reserve system†effectively. This ensures that both original and improved varieties are maintained, preventing genetic degradation and meeting farmers’ diverse needs.
Fourth, securing multiple funding sources and increasing government support will accelerate the introduction and testing of new varieties. A well-structured cycle of seed production will ensure long-term sustainability and better quality.
Fifth, improving inspection procedures—both in the field and in the lab—will help monitor seed purity and prevent hybrid seeds from entering the market. This protects farmers and ensures high-quality products reach consumers.
### 3. Gaps Between China’s Seed Market and Mature Markets
China’s seed industry is still in its early stages of development, and significant gaps remain compared to foreign markets.
#### 3.1 Low Integration of Research, Education, and Promotion
Historically, breeding resources were concentrated in state-owned institutions, leading to fragmented efforts. While some progress has been made, many seed companies still lack stable research support and struggle to develop core competencies. Small enterprises often lack reliable production bases, resulting in inconsistent quality and supply.
#### 3.2 Oversupply and Market Instability
Despite improvements in industry concentration, many small and medium-sized companies operate without clear strategies. This leads to overproduction and competition, especially in corn and rice seed markets. The rapid approval of new varieties also contributes to market imbalances.
#### 3.3 Need for Better Market Regulation
The current seed market lacks strong enforcement mechanisms, leading to issues such as unfair variety selection and counterfeit seeds. Local protectionism further complicates the situation, hindering the growth of large-scale enterprises and undermining fair competition.
### 4. Innovation and Development to Improve Enterprise Competitiveness
To enhance China’s seed industry, enterprises must become the main drivers of technological innovation. Strong intellectual property rights and research capabilities are key to long-term success. International collaboration and technology transfer will also play a vital role in modernizing the sector.
#### 4.1 Strengthening Technical Services
Seed companies must provide not only high-quality seeds but also comprehensive technical support. Improving service delivery, expanding service scope, and establishing efficient information systems will help build trust and improve customer satisfaction.
#### 4.2 Shifting from Variety Management to Brand Management
As competition shifts from variety to brand, seed companies must focus on building strong, recognizable brands. This requires consistent quality, reliable services, and long-term investment in reputation-building.
#### 4.3 Expanding International Cooperation
Global trends show that the seed industry is becoming increasingly consolidated. Chinese enterprises should actively engage in international partnerships, learn from global best practices, and expand their presence abroad. This will help them compete more effectively in the global market.
In conclusion, while challenges remain, with strategic reforms, increased investment, and stronger collaboration, China’s seed industry has great potential for growth and long-term success.
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