Chilli (Capsicum spp.) is essential to Sri Lanka’s agricultural economy and household nutrition. However, the sector faces ongoing challenges, including low dry chilli productivity, pest and disease pressures particularly from the chilli leaf curl complex and a heavy dependence on expensive imported dried chillies. To tackle these issues, the Sri Lankan Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the Field Crops Research & D evelopment I nstitute ( FCRDI) developed MICH Hy1, a high-yielding, p est-resistant hybrid chilli variety suited to local conditions. From 2019 to 2021, the ‘KOPIA Chilli Project’ initiated a participatory hybrid seed production initiative in Kothmale, involving farmers in a decentralized seed system utilizing insect-proof net houses and capacity-building programs. This collaborative approach has successfully enhanced seed quality, improved farmers’ incomes, increased the availability of affordable hybrid seeds, and reduced reliance on imported varieties. The initiative highlights the potential of farmer-led hybrid seed systems to strengthen national seed security, empower rural communities, and promote sustainable chilli cultivation in Sri Lanka.

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND AND KOPIA PROJECT
    1. Chilli Hybrid Seed Production Project
    2. Global Relevance of Participatory Seed Systems
MATERIALS AND METHODS
    1. Study Area and Participant Selection
    2. Hybrid Variety and Production Infrastructure
    3. Farmer Training and Seed Production Process
    4. Data Collection and Analysis
RESULTS AND CONSIDERATION
    1. Seed Production and Quality
    2. Farmer Participation and Economic Benefits
    3. Institutional and Market Impact
    4. Chilli Hybrid Seed Production Project
    5. Performance and Expansion of KOPIA Project
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
REFERENCES

• Kamal N. Kannangara(Principal Investigator of KOPIA project, FCRDI, Sri Lanka) | 칸낭가라 (스리랑카 전작연구소)
• Pyung-Sik Park(Director of KOPIA Sri Lanka Centre (2024∼2025 Present)) | 박평식 (KOPIA 스리랑카센터(2024∼2025 Present))
• In-Hu Choi(Director of KOPIA Sri Lanka Centre (2016.01∼2021.3)) | 최인후 (KOPIA 스리랑카센터(2016.01∼2021.3))
• Jihyun Yoo(International Technology Cooperation Center, RDA, Korea) | 유지현 (농촌진흥청 기술협력국 국외농업기술과) Corresponding author