KEY CHECK 1: Used high quality-seeds of a recommended variety.
High-quality seeds are relatively pure, have fewer weed seeds, free from visible seed-borne diseases, full and uniform in size, and have at least 85% germination rate.
As crops from high-quality seeds grow, mature, and ripen uniformly, harvesting activities become more efficient. All of these can contribute to an increase in yield of 10% or more.
Recommended varieties are adapted to local conditions. They are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses (e.g. prevalent pests and diseases, drought) in the area, have produced relatively stable and high yields, and are preferred by farmers and local consumers.