The adoption of hybrid seeds in various crops has improved yields and reduced the yield gap across the farming classes in numerous developing countries. However, until recently, hybrid wheat has not been readily available to farmers. Hybrid wheat could reduce the impacts of poor food security, a consequence of low productivity, inefficient seed systems and a changing climate in many countries. Pakistan, Bangladesh and Ethiopia have large populations and are struggling to ensure basic food security for hundreds of millions of people.

The University of Sydney and partner institutions in the current ACIAR funded project used a new hybrid wheat technology (the BLA system). This initiative addresses bottlenecks in current seed systems by working with universities, government agencies and small local seed businesses to introduce locally bred hybrid wheat seeds, thereby improving seed availability, increasing wheat productivity, and enhancing food access. Nevertheless, the success of the initiative is largely dependent upon alignment of the research with existing socio-economic conditions and cultural values of large numbers of smallholder wheat growers in these countries. A survey-based study using mixed method approach has been conducted to analyze the factors affecting hybrid wheat seed adoption rate and consumer preferences. A scenario analysis was then used to study the policy level economic implications at different rates of adoption of hybrid wheat seed.

Data were collected from a diverse group of more than 500 respondents, representing different farming classes, regions and cultures. These data were analyzed using multiple techniques including sample mean comparison, multiple logistic regression, and Technical Efficiency Analysis (TE). Results showed that farmers who used hybrid seeds not only achieved higher yields and profits but also operated with greater technical efficiency. Significant factors influencing the adoption of hybrid wheat included land holding size, access to credit, existing asset base, access to market information, and availability of extension services.

Additionally, the DEA model showed that farmers who adopted hybrids had a 10% higher technical efficiency than those growing traditional cultivars. Analysis of consumer data showed that female wheat flour users prioritized taste and aroma of products, whereas male consumers prioritized price and access when purchasing flour.

In summary, the adoption of hybrid wheat seeds holds promise for addressing food security challenges, however, success will depend on careful alignment with local conditions and farmer needs.