INTRODUCTION

Chilli (Capsicum annuum) is a vital spice and vegetable crop in Sri Lanka, cultivated on approximately 12,000 hectares. It holds significant cultural, nutritional and economic importance, serving both domestic consumption and, to a lesser extent, export markets. While green chilli production generally meets local demand, the supply of dry chilli remains inadequate, leading Sri Lanka to import over 50,000 Metric tons annually, placing a substantial burden on foreign exchange reserves.

Despite the crop’s importance, chilli farmers in Sri Lanka face several critical challenges: many farmers adopted high-yielding exotic hybrids, which offered early maturity and attractive fruit traits. However, these imported hybrids were often poorly adapted to local agro-climatic conditions and highly susceptible to local pests and diseases. Additionally, their high cost further constrained smallholder adoption.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the Field Crops Research & Development Institute (FCRDI) launched a local hybrid development program, utilizing indigenous germplasm to create varieties better suited to Sri Lankan conditions. One of the key outcomes of this initiative was the release of the MICH Hy1 hybrid variety in 2015. This cultivar offers early maturity, high yield potential (55t/ha), uniform fruit quality, and moderate resistance to Chilli Leaf Curl Complex (CLCC) and making it suitable for both fresh and dry chilli markets and also observed higher farmer preference.

Recognizing the importance of not just developing but also disseminating quality hybrid seeds, the DOA initiated a novel approach in 2019-2021 under the ‘KOPIA Chilli Project’ (Establishing Farm-Based Chilli Hybrid Seed Production System in Sri Lanka), funded by the KOrea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA). This model actively involves farmers in the production of hybrid seeds using infrastructure such as insect-proof net houses, along with comprehensive training on hybrid seed production techniques.

The new system represents a shift from centralized seed supply systems to decentralized, farmer-led initiatives. It empowers farmers by building technical capacity, providing access to quality parental lines, and creating income- generating opportunities through local seed sales. This approach enhances DOA certified hybrid seed availability and affordability, strengthens seed system resilience, and fosters farmer ownership and knowledge exchange. It also addresses challenges such as genetic purity, technical know-how, and market access through training, extension support, and cooperative marketing strategies.

This study explores the development, implementation, and outcomes of the participatory hybrid seed production system based on MICH Hy1. It assesses its role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s chilli seed system, reducing import dependency, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and self-reliant chilli production sector and economically empowering rural farming communities.

BACKGROUND AND KOPIA PROJECT

Chilli is one of Sri Lanka’s most essential spice crop, it use basically as green chilli and dry chilli powder. Almost each curries and side dishes daily use either way. The present cultivated extent approximately 12,000 ha, which is sufficient to supply local green chilli demand of 63,000 tons. Despite its importance to local cuisine and rural livelihoods, Sri Lanka remains heavily dependent on imports of dried chilli, amounting to over 50,000 metric tons annually, due to low domestic dry chilli production. The local dry chilli production is not a profitable venture due many reasons such as high cost of dry chilli production, cheaper price of imported dry chilli, poor facilities for marking dry chilli and unpredictable weather condition, etc. (Park Pyung-Sik, etc. 2025). The primary constraints affecting chilli cultivation include low-yielding open-pollinated varieties, poor seed quality, underdeveloped seed systems, not sufficient hybrid seed available, high variability of market price and high vulnerability to pests and diseases, particularly the Chilli Leaf Curl Complex (CLCC).

1. Chilli Hybrid Seed Production Project

To address these challenges, the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the Field Crops Research & Development Institute (FCRDI) initiated a local chilli hybrid development program. In 2015, this led to the release of MICH Hy 1, a high-yielding, early-maturing hybrid with resistance to major local pests and diseases. Adapted to Sri Lanka’s agro-climatic conditions, MICH Hy 1 quickly gained popularity among farmers for its superior performance in both fresh and dry markets.

However, despite the successful development of MICH Hy 1, a critical bottleneck emerged: the limited availability of hybrid seeds. Centralized production at government seed farms met less than 5% of national demand. The lack of a robust and decentralized seed production mechanism severely restricted the widespread adoption of the new hybrid and undermined its potential benefits. Recognizing this gap, the DOA and FCRDI, in collaboration with the KOPIA Sri Lanka Center, launched a village- based participatory seed production initiative in 2019 titled “Establishing Farm-Based Chilli Hybrid Seed Production System in Sri Lanka.”

The model introduced is a decentralized, inclusive approach where farmers are actively involved in producing hybrid seeds on their own farms, supported by institutional guidance, infrastructure, and quality control mechanisms. The model combines scientific innovation with grassroots implementation. Through capacity building, access to parental lines, and insect-proof net house infrastructure, farmers were trained in techniques such as synchronization of flowering, manual pollination, rouging and seed processing. Quality control was ensured through inspections and certification by the Seed Certification Service of the Department Agriculture of Sri Lanka.

The system addresses three key challenges: (1) inadequate hybrid seed supply, (2) low adoption of improved varieties, and (3) limited economic participation of farmers in seed value chains. By engaging farmers as producers rather than passive recipients, the model promotes knowledge transfer, enhances seed availability, improves affordability, and empowers rural communities economically and socially.

2. Global Relevance of Participatory Seed Systems

This model is not unique to Sri Lanka and has gained global traction as a viable strategy to democratize seed access and build resilient seed systems.

Seed is a vital input in agriculture and high-quality seed is crucial for ensuring a strong crop stand, a healthy harvest, and optimal output. In Bihar, there are two options available to farmers: either they rely on their own farm seeds for crop production, saving and preserving some of the grains for use as seeds for the following season, or they follow various public and private organizations. However, some farmers are turning to locally accessible, poor-quality seed as a result of this widening disparity, which lowers productivity and profitability (Hashim et al. 2023, Singh et al. 2013).

Swaans and Nabuuma in 2023 reviewed that, participatory vegetable and seed system development, ethnic minority farmers in target sites were organized in value chain groups to jointly produce and market various vegetable seeds/seedlings and vegetables. With the support of project partner and local partners, the groups’ capacity to identify market opportunities and engage with value chain actors improved, whereby production increased by 5∼7 times, from 70 to 400 tons after two years.

Community-based seed producers are a relatively under- researched and under-documented category of seed producers, but have the potential to cater to the diverse seed needs and interests of smallholder farmers. The case studies from India, Nepal, Uganda and Zimbabwe point to the viability of community seed banks as seed producers and distributors, but becoming successful is not easy and depends on several factors, including initial technical guidance and support, sufficient time, adherence to a seed value chain perspective and the development of a sound business plan from the very start (Vernooy et al., 2020).

These global cases demonstrate that participatory seed production is a proven model to overcome structural seed supply limitations, particularly for resource-poor smallholders in developing countries. When coupled with public sector breeding programs, participatory models enhance ownership, scalability, and sustainability of hybrid seed systems. Across Africa and Asia, community seed businesses remain under‑documented but viable when backed by technical guidance and clear business models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Study Area and Participant Selection

The seed production initiative was implemented across dry and intermediate agro-climatic zones in Sri Lanka, beginning in 2019. The pilot site was established in Kothmale (Central Province) and later expanded to Ipologama and Galenbindunuwewa in the Anuradhapura District of North Central province of Sri Lanka. A total of 50 smallholder chilli farmers were selected based on predefined criteria including willingness to participate, land suitability, and prior farming experience.

2. Hybrid Variety and Production Infrastructure

The focal hybrid variety, MICH Hy1, was developed by the Field Crops Research and Development Institute (FCRDI) for its high yield, pest resistance, and adaptation to local conditions.

To ensure controlled pollination and seed quality, insect- proof net houses were established (Figure 1):

3. Farmer Training and Seed Production Process

Training sessions conducted by DOA and KOPIA equipped farmers and extension officers (Figure 2) with technical knowledge on:

Farmers cultivated female and male lines typically in 4:1 ratio and performed hand pollination throughout the flowering period. The Seed Certification Service monitored field quality and following of necessary guide lines while frequent visits during the pollination period and germination rates, and genetic purity through standardized tests.

4. Data Collection and Analysis

Data were collected through field records, structured farmer interviews. Quantitative data on seed purity, germination rate, seed yield, and income were analyzed. Qualitative data on farmer perceptions and empowerment were thematically categorized.

RESULTS AND CONSIDERATION

1. Seed Production and Quality

In the first season (2019), over 60 kg of MICH Hy 1 hybrid seeds were produced from 6,000 ft² of net house space. Production capacity was projected to exceed 300 kg annually from 2021 onwards with expanded infrastructure. Seed purity exceeded more than 95%, Germination percentage consistently surpassed 90%, matching or exceeding commercial seed benchmarks (Table 1).

2. Farmer Participation and Economic Benefits

3. Institutional and Market Impact

The integration of insect-proof net houses, DOA-led training, and seed certification strengthened the national seed production ecosystem. The success of MICH Hy1 stimulated reduced dependence on imported hybrid seeds. Private sector interest in local hybrid production increased. Farmers transitioned from seed consumers to active stakeholders in seed value chains.

4. Chilli Hybrid Seed Production Project

The model implemented through the KOPIA-Chilli Project represents a transformative shift in Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape. Centered on the locally bred MICH Hy 1 variety, this initiative successfully addressed critical challenges in seed availability, affordability, and quality while empowering farmers as active contributors to the seed value chain (Figure 3). By decentralizing seed production and embedding it within local communities, the model has improved productivity, strengthened farmer incomes, and reduced reliance on expensive imported chilli seeds.

The integration of farmer training, institutional oversight, and infrastructure such as insect-proof net houses ensured high seed purity and scalability. As a result, the MICH Hy 1 hybrid has gained wide acceptance for its yield potential, disease resistance particularly against CLCC and suitability for both dry and fresh chilli markets.

This approach not only aligns with national food security and imports substitution goals but also reflects a broader global movement toward inclusive, sustainable, and farmer-centered agricultural innovation. Moving forward, scaling this model through regional training hubs, community-based enterprises, and public-private partnerships will be key to sustaining its impact. The success of the KOPIA-Chilli Project demonstrates that with the right support, farmers are not merely beneficiaries of agricultural technology they are essential partners in building resilient and self-reliant food systems.

Overall, the KOPIA-Chilli initiative successfully demonstrated the potential of a farmer-participatory, decentralized seed production model supported by institutional research, training, and quality control mechanisms. It bridged the critical gap between hybrid development and farmer adoption, improved seed availability, and built a commercially viable seed supply chain. Most importantly, it empowered rural communities by transforming them from passive recipients of agricultural technology into active producers, innovators, and stakeholders in the national seed system. The project has laid a strong foundation for sustainable chilli cultivation in Sri Lanka, and its integrated approach presents a replicable model for other crops and regions seeking to strengthen food security through local innovation and farmer-led development.

5. Performance and Expansion of KOPIA Project

In parallel, the project aimed to establish a sustainable, village-based hybrid seed production network with a target of producing 300 kg of certified hybrid seed annually. By 2021, this objective was nearly met through the establishment of over 35,000 ft² of insect-proof net house infrastructure across three key production sites: Kothmale (Central Province), Ipologama, and Galenbindunuwewa (North Central Province). The initial pilot phase in Kothmale, initiated in 2019, involved six trained farmers who successfully produced 200 kg of hybrid seed over two production cycles, generating over Rs. 25 million (85,000 USD) in collective revenue. Encouraged by these outcomes, the program expanded to ten additional farmers in Anuradhapura District, where larger 2,000 ft² net houses were installed through a cost-sharing model farmers contributed 50% of the infrastructure cost. These participants collectively produced 150 kg of hybrid seed and earned more than Rs. 15 million by mid-2021, demonstrating the financial viability and rapid return on investment of the model (Table 2) (KOPIA, 2021).

An additional 24 kg of hybrid seed was produced at the FCRDI Mahailluppallama research station to serve dual roles: ensuring quality control standards and supporting promotional distribution. This institutional production supported over 400 farmers through subsidized seed packs and contributed to training material development for farmer and extension officer capacity building.

Moreover, the availability of locally produced hybrid seed at affordable prices led to a dramatic reduction in the use of imported seeds more than 90% of imported hybrids were replaced, resulting in substantial savings in foreign exchange and enhanced national seed sovereignty.

Building on the success and demonstrated effectiveness of its previous initiatives, the KOPIA Sri Lanka Center has cooperated a new follow-up project titled “Establishment of Chilli Production Model Villages by Increasing Chilli Hybrid Seed Production (2024–2026).” This project aims to further enhance the country’s chilli sector through a multifaceted approach. Key objectives include the dissemination of a comprehensive technology package to boost both green and dry chilli production, and the increased availability of high-quality chilli hybrid seeds to farmers. This, in turn, is expected to provide consumers with dry chilli at more affordable prices. The initiative also seeks to reduce Sri Lanka’s dependency on imported dry chilli, thereby conserving foreign exchange. Additionally, the project focuses on strengthening the technical knowledge and practical experience of chilli growers and entrepreneurs while promoting environmentally sustainable practices through proper agrochemical usage.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The ‘KOPIA Chilli Project’ represents a paradigm shift in seed system innovation by empowering farmers through decentralization, infrastructure, and training. MICH Hy1’s productive performance, combined with new system, significantly improved availability, affordability, and quality of hybrid seeds, while dramatically reducing import dependency. This model not only boosts national food security and rural incomes but also aligns with global movements towards sustainable, inclusive agricultural systems.

Sri Lanka’s experience builds on this global evidence, showing that decentralized, farmer-centric seed systems can enhance seed access, affordability, and resilience, with positive impact on food security and incomes.

The main results of this study are as follows;