Minister emphasizes certified seeds as key to enhancing farm productivity

August 29, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan's seed sector requires immediate strengthening of research and development capabilities to boost the country's agriculture-driven exports, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan said during a high-level briefing organized by the Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department (FSC&RD) and the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA). 

The minister directly linked access to high-quality certified seeds with improved farm productivity and enhanced competitiveness of Pakistani agricultural products in international markets.

In a significant policy announcement, Khan assured that financial assistance could be extended through the Export Development Fund (EDF) if required to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the seed certification system, promoting climate-resilient varieties, and improving the overall agricultural export value chain.

"Our farmers and exporters deserve a seed system that delivers quality, innovation, and competitiveness," the minister remarked during his concluding statements.

The FSC&RD presentation revealed several pressing challenges facing Pakistan's seed sector, including:

• Narrow genetic diversity in existing seed varieties

• Insufficient investment in hybrid development

• Lengthy delays in variety approval processes

• Growing dependency on imported hybrid seeds

Khan highlighted that gaps in varietal development, limited R&D investment, and over-reliance on imported hybrids have significantly weakened Pakistan's domestic seed sector.

The briefing also identified key opportunities for sector development, including public-private partnerships for hybrid development, expanded biotechnology research, and Pakistan's potential accession to global agricultural forums to reduce trade barriers.

The Commerce Minister urged seed authorities and related organizations to improve mechanisms ensuring certified seed availability to farmers across the country.

He emphasized the need to promote local research capabilities and encourage stronger partnerships between public and private institutions.

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