In 1986, the National Center for Agricultural Research and Development (CNRADA) started rice seed production at Kaedi through financial support of the Food and Agriculture of the United Nations (FAO). Until 1991, the Seed Unit of CNRADA was the only government institution producing seed when a new Seed Development Program was initiated. At present CNRADA is responsible for variety development, evaluation, release and management of national variety catalogue.
        In 1993, a Seed Production Center (SPC) was established at Kaedi for basic seed production. After the end of the program in 1996, the Seed Control Unit of the SPC continued producing basic seed in collaboration with CNRADA whereas the private sector produces registered seed.

Seed Production
At present, seed is produced both by public and private companies. In addition to variety development CNRADA is responsible for breeder seed production. Production of barley, wheat, sorghum, millet, groundnut and forage seed has been initiated to diversify the availability of improved varieties to farmers.
         The Seed Control Unit produces basic seed in addition to seed quality control.
       The private sector produces registered seed (R1 and R2). The private seed companies are Societe de Production Semencs et Plants (SPSPsa), Societe de Developpement et Production Agricole (SDPA), Societe d'intrant et Commercialisation des Produits Agricoles (SICAP), Association Generale des Groupements d'exploitation et Eleveurs pour l'etude et l'emploi des Techniques Ameliorees Agricoles et Animales (AGETA). The companies are located in Rosso (Trarza region) and are operating as independent commercial units. Altogether they produce about 70% of the 1,500 tonnes of annual rice seed requirement in the country.
        Since 1999, efforts are underway to expand the availability of seed by producing seed of different crops and varieties such as rice (8 varieties), sorghum (2), maize (2), millet (1), forage (5), wheat (1) and barley (1).

Seed Legislation
Previously rice yield was declining because of low quality seed used as a result of poor seed production techniques and the import of seed of unknown origin. The government enacted Bill No 96-025 (of 8 July 1996) for seed production, marketing and quality control to improve seed supply. The draft document contains:
· general regulations to implement Bill no 96-025
· general regulations for import of planting material for agricultural production
· decree setting conditions for registration of varieties in national catalogue
· decree for setting seed quality control and certification
· decree setting standards for certified rice  seed production and control

Constraints and Recommendations
Seed demand is increasing but the private sector has limited capacity to satisfy the market. The main problems are limited seed production, lack of qualified producers, inadequate quality control and lack of resources to implement the new legislation.
        There is a need to increase farmers' awareness about the importance of quality seed. The establishment of control units and training of the staff will improve the quality of seed produced.
        CNRADA should be given the responsibility and the financial support to produce good quality breeder and basic seed and keep seed security stocks in case of emergencies.