ISLAMABAD, March 27: The federal government of Pakistan has made the decision to shut down 392 seed companies for failing to meet the regulatory standards established by the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA).
This action was taken after a thorough third-party audit, which revealed that these companies were not in compliance with the necessary quality requirements.
The aim of this move is to ensure that only certified, high-quality seeds are available to farmers, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and national food security.
NADRA Board
The decision was made during the second meeting of the NSDRA’s board of governors, which was chaired by Rana Tanveer Hussain, the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research.
The meeting focused on aligning the country’s seed supply with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for agricultural development, which includes the widespread availability of certified, high-quality seeds.
Minister Hussain emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing strict quality standards in the agricultural sector, noting that these measures are essential for the sector’s growth.
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The importance of certified seeds in boosting crop yields and ensuring food security was a central theme of the discussion.
A third-party audit of seed companies was a key topic during the meeting, with the NSDRA and the Federal Seed Certification Department reviewing the audit’s findings.
Based on this review, the decision was made to revoke the licenses of 392 seed companies that failed to comply with the regulatory standards.
This move was unanimously supported by the board, underscoring the need for tighter regulatory oversight to improve seed quality.
Ministry of Food Security
Minister Hussain reiterated that the Ministry of Food Security remains steadfast in its commitment to making bold decisions for the betterment of the agricultural sector.
He explained that while these actions might seem difficult, they are necessary for long-term improvements that will ultimately benefit farmers across the country.
The government’s broader objective is to ensure that only high-quality seeds are available to farmers, which will, in turn, enhance crop yields and contribute to the nation’s food security.
In addition to the seed company shutdowns, the meeting also focused on the need to crack down on the so-called “seed mafia” that has been operating within the industry.
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The government remains determined to implement stricter regulations and ensure that the agricultural sector operates with transparency and accountability.
Through these efforts, the government aims to create a more efficient and sustainable agricultural system, which will foster growth and increase the resilience of the farming community in Pakistan.
