UAF VC congratulates minister on approval of National Seed Policy

FAISALABAD: Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, has congratulated Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA), and the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) on the approval of the National Seed Policy, describing it as a landmark achievement that will transform Pakistan’s seed sector, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute significantly to national food and nutritional security.

He expressed these views during a meeting with Dr. Qamar Shakeel, Member Research & Development and Policy, NSDRA. The meeting focused on the significance of the newly approved policy and its role in modernizing Pakistan’s seed system through innovation, research, quality assurance, and regulatory reforms.

Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali particularly commended Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain for his vision, leadership, and commitment in steering the policy through the approval process. He also appreciated the contributions of NSDRA and the Green Pakistan Initiative for their instrumental role in the formulation, review, refinement, and successful approval of the policy.

The Vice Chancellor extended his congratulations to all stakeholders involved in the drafting, technical review, presentation, editing, consultation, and approval of the National Seed Policy. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of researchers, policymakers, seed industry representatives, regulatory experts, universities, and public and private sector organizations whose collective efforts culminated in the development of a comprehensive policy framework for Pakistan’s seed sector.

Speaking on the significance of the policy, Dr. Qamar Shakeel stated that the National Seed Policy provides a strategic roadmap for transforming Pakistan’s seed system through innovation, quality assurance, research and development, institutional strengthening, and enhanced private sector participation. He noted that the policy addresses major challenges confronting the seed sector, including low seed replacement rates, dependence on imported hybrid seeds, limited seed exports, and the need for stronger regulatory and quality control mechanisms.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026