ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Food Security and Research, Sikandar Hayat Bosan here on Tuesday said that Seed Amendment Bill 2014 has been passed by the Parliament which would help to enhance productivity and ensure the availability of certified seeds for farmers in the country.
Addressing a press conference, here at Press Information Department (PID) media center, the minister said that Seed Act 1976 was not fulfilling the requirements of modern seed industry and the amended bill would provide level playing field to both public and private sector and create required discipline in the seed industry and also facilitate in establishment of a competitive seed sector in the country.
"Previous act was implemented only on public sector companies but after the amendment the private sector was also included besides enhancement in different punishments and penalties for adulterators", he added.
Bosan said that 'Plants Breeders Rights Bill' was also with the Prime Minister for approval which would bring revolution in the agriculture sector and quantum jump in investments,in seed production sector.
The minister expressed the hope that the bill would be approved by the Parliament during next three months, which would allow foreign companies to invest in seeds sector in the country.
"Availability of certified seed was a big issue in the country particularly for cotton crop and average 2-3 percent certified seed was available during last year adding that this was enhanced to 20 percent during current year", he added.
Sikandar Bosan informed that Plant Breeders Right Bill would bring revolution in the country and it would attract foreign companies for producing high yielding seed and would also benefit the growers.
The minister said that due to reduction in the commodity prices in international market the profitability was also reduced which was affecting the farmers in the country.
He said that federal government in collaboration with provinces was focusing for reducing the cost of production to provide level playing field for domestic farmers in international market to compte with world market.
He said that plant protection act was introduced by the government and which has change the image of Pakistani agriculture products in international markets and exports of fruits was increased.
"Exports of mango was increased from 60,000 tons to 92,000 tons during this year as Pakistan was the 4th largest exporters of mango this year target was set to achieve the first position", he added.
He informed that exports of orange has crossed the 300,000 tons mark as compared to 250,000 tons of same period last year adding that wheat crop outlook was also healthy.
Director General Seed Certification Department, Dr. Shakil Ahmad said that government was determined to provide 50 percent certified seed for farmers besides establishing a legal infrastructure for certified seed.
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