Pakistan Seed Industry News

2023 News

Q4

APTMA and BCI Collaborate for Sustainable Cotton: 25 Nov: The All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Cotton Foundation and the Better Cotton Initiative Pakistan (BCI) have signed an MoU to enhance sustainable cotton production in Pakistan. The partnership aims to revolutionize cotton production through model and cluster farming, focusing on environmental and economic sustainability. Key initiatives include strengthening the cotton value chain, improving productivity, and implementing a traceability system for ethical compliance. The collaboration will support increased cotton production, quality improvement, and the development of a sustainable, transparent supply chain in the Pakistan textile industry. Source

Certified Seeds Key to Agricultural Growth in Pakistan: 20 Nov: Shahzad Ali Malik, Chairman of the Pakistan Hitch Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA), emphasized the critical role of certified, particularly hybrid, seeds in sustainable agricultural production. Addressing a delegation of farmers, the Chairman highlighted that certified seeds are fundamental for robust crop yields and sustainable agriculture. Hybrid seeds offer benefits like increased productivity, better disease resistance, and adaptation to local environments. In Pakistan, where agriculture is a major economic sector, the use of certified hybrid seeds can significantly boost food security and economic development. Malik advocated for increased awareness among farmers about the benefits of these seeds and called for supportive policies and initiatives to ensure their accessibility and affordability. Source

MoU Signed for Climate-Resilient Agriculture: 19 Nov: The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the Food Security and Agriculture Center of Excellence (FACE) of Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to tackle agricultural challenges posed by climate change and enhance food security. The MoU, signed at the COMSATS Secretariat, focuses on adopting innovative technologies and sustainable farming practices, including joint research, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. Key areas of collaboration include integrated pest management, quality seed production, CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and solutions for land reclamation and water management in climate-vulnerable regions. Source

Sustainable Cotton Farming Initiative Launched: 07 Oct: A five-year plan focused on sustainable and traceable organic cotton farming in Pakistan's fertile Pacca Chang region has been launched. The initiative aims to promote eco-friendly cotton production practices that are both sustainable and can be traced back to their source. Source

New High-Yielding Varieties of Oilseed and Sugarcane Recommended: 04 Oct: The Variety Evaluation Committee of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) has recommended 10 new high-yielding genotypes of oilseed crops and two of sugarcane for commercial cultivation. The new varieties include four sunflower hybrids, three mustard varieties, and one variety each of soybean, rapeseed, and groundnut. Source

Q3

Pakistan Army to Take Over Government Land for Agriculture: 25 Sep: The Pakistan Army plans to acquire up to 1 million acres of government-owned land in eastern Punjab province to boost food production. The land will be leased for up to 30 years and is expected to be used for growing cash crops like wheat, cotton, and sugarcane, as well as vegetables and fruits. Twenty percent of any profit generated will be allocated for farming research and development. Source

Reviving Pakistan's Seed Industry: 24 Sep: Pakistan's seed industry is in dire need of modernization to meet the challenges of a growing population and changing agricultural landscape. The Punjab Seed Corporation, once a major player in the seed business, has lost its influence, and the country faces a seed crisis with only 39% of the market offering certified seeds. A Public Sector Development Programme project has been launched to promote a quality seed industry led by the private sector, aiming to meet international standards set by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). Source

Pakistan aims to produce quality seeds to reduce imports: August 28: Pakistan's Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department Director General, Azam Khan, underscored the necessity of domestic quality seed production to cut down the annual import expenditure of Rs50 billion. Khan emphasized that private sector involvement in producing basic seeds could reduce imports, driving agricultural development and ensuring food security. The introduction of a management information system (MIS) is set to bolster seed company capacities, enhancing monitoring by regulators to ensure farmers access certified seeds. Suggestions from companies will activate the Seed Track and Trace System. The MIS aims to monitor certified seed stages and discourage substandard seed sales, as highlighted by the department's directors, Nazar Iqbal and Hayyat Ullah Tareen. Seed Association of Pakistan (SAP) President Rana Salman Mehmood and General Secretary Bilal Gujjar praised the system's potential benefits for seed companies and called for a gradual, effective implementation. Source.

Farmers demand higher price for sugarcane: August 27: The Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA) urged a sugarcane price of Rs450 per maund due to increased input costs. The fixed rate of Rs425 per 40 kilograms by sugar mills was rejected. Rising prices of seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and fuel, alongside fertilizer industry extortion, were highlighted. Dealers monopolizing fertilizer supplies and inflating prices were condemned. The SCA called for government action, emphasizing the need to address hoarding and overpricing to curb food price inflation and support wheat farmers with low-interest loans. Source.

Hi-tech hybrid seeds key in tackling climate challenges: August 25: Pakistan Hitech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) Chairman Shahzad Ali Malik highlighted the pivotal role of hi-tech hybrid seeds in mitigating the impacts of unpredictable weather patterns and changing climate conditions. The adoption of these seeds has transformed the agriculture industry in recent years. Malik emphasized the profound economic impact of these seeds, leading to increased productivity, thus enhancing food security, price stability, and a consistent supply of agricultural goods. Source.

Pakistan's sesame seed exports surge due to China trade agreement: August 13: Pakistan's sesame seed exports showed remarkable growth in 2022, attributed to the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement and favorable prices in the Chinese market. Exports to China reached $59.09 million in the first nine months of CY22, marking a 50% YoY increase. China imported 39,533 tons of sesame seeds, valued at $59.09 million, in 2022, a 22% rise in volume compared to 2021's 32,487 tons worth $39.44 million. Sesame is a vital oilseed crop known for its high-quality oil and protein content (50%-58%). Suited for hot, dry climates, it finds applications in various sectors like food, confectionery, bakery products, soap, perfumes, vegetable oil, and carbon paper. Pakistani farmers are increasingly adopting sesame cultivation due to its high-end and high-price potential, as stated by Nazakat Nawaz, Principal Scientific Officer at the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC). Source.

Pakistan and China Seek Collaboration for High-Yield Hybrid Seeds: July 25: The Pakistan Hitech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) delegation embarked on a week-long visit to China to explore collaboration with its Chinese counterparts for joint production of new varieties of high-yield hybrid seeds. PHHSA Chairman Shahzad Ali Malik stated that this collaboration could prove beneficial for both countries. By leveraging the expertise of Chinese experts, the association aims to develop hybrid seeds with desirable traits, such as improved yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to specific climates. These seeds have the potential to significantly enhance crop productivity and contribute to food security in Pakistan. The collaboration is expected to augment advancements in crop varieties and address agricultural challenges faced by the nation. Source.

Pakistan Releases 31 Wheat Varieties to Boost Food Security and Resilience

July 11: Pakistan's goal of achieving self-sufficiency in wheat production receives a boost with the release of 31 wheat varieties since 2021. These new seeds are expected to enhance the productivity, climate resilience, and disease resistance of the country's 9 million hectares of cultivated wheat fields. The selection process involved rigorous testing of international nurseries and field trials, and the new varieties have shown a promising yield potential, with improvements ranging from 5% to 20%. They also exhibit resistance to prevalent diseases, making them well-suited to combat environmental stressors like drought and heat. These efforts align with Pakistan's Vision 2025 and Vision for Agriculture 2030, which underscore the importance of improving food and nutrition security through sustainable wheat production. Source.

Q2

Five year grace on local seed production mandate: May 2023: APSA has been informed by its stakeholders that the government of Pakistan recently granted a five-year grace period for implementation of its previously announced rule 4(8)(b)(iv) that mandated for seed importing companies to produce at least 10 percent of seed of its imported varieties locally in the first year (initially intended to commence 2022), and no less than 50 percent within five years. The rule concerns implementation of Seed (Business Regulation) Rules, 2021, amending the 2016 rules (See letter from Pakistan government to APSA here for further details on the amendment) The grace, which is outlined in a 16 page document recently circulated amongst concerned stakeholders, is the result of sustained advocacy and public sector engagement efforts by the international seed sector, led by CropLife Pakistan. It is understood that the grace period is applied retroactively, effective from 2022 through 2027.

Quality seed key to enhanced Punjab cotton production: April 27: The commissioner of Punjab’s Multan division, Amir Khattak, chaired a meeting on cotton cultivation and emphasized the urgent need to increase cotton production in Multan division and across the province. He highlighted the importance of quality seed preparation and instructed officials to ensure its availability with expert consultation. Khattak recognized cotton as a valuable source of foreign exchange and called for measures to enhance per-acre cotton production. Industrialist Khawaja Anees suggested resolving farmers' and cotton ginners' issues, strengthening the research sector, and launching a special awareness campaign for cotton cultivation in sugarcane-dominated areas. Relevant department officials were present during the meeting.

Commissioner For Taking Steps To Enhance Cotton Production - UrduPoint

Pakistan Receipient of Highest Funding in Asia from ADB: April 25: According to the annual report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Pakistan received the highest funding of any Asian country in 2022, with the ADB financing projects worth $5.5 billion and providing concessional loans of USD 2 billion. The report stated that Pakistan's economy suffered due to devastating floods, which caused 1,730 deaths as well as the destruction of crops, an imbalance of supply and demand, and increased inflation. The floods affected a total of 33.3 million people, and caused a loss of $30 billion to Pakistan's economy. The ADB provided $1.5 billion for the flood-affected areas in Pakistan, while international trade partners have promised $16 billion for the restoration of the flood-affected areas. Source

Pakistan Water Crisis Threatens Cotton Production: April 25: Pakistan is facing a water crisis as the country's water losses have exceeded its storage capacity, negatively impacting crops in the early Kharif season such as cotton. The country is only able to store 13 million acres feet (MAF) of water while losing around 15-17 MAF. This significant loss of water costs USD 1 billion to the national economy, which could be reduced through efficient use of water according to a meeting of the Indus River System Authority (Irsa).

Climate change has affected the trends of water availability, delaying the availability of water in the rivers and affecting crops during the Kharif season, which begins in April and continues until September. Key Kharif crops include rice, sugarcane, maize, mash pulse, and cotton. According to Irsa, Punjab and Sindh provinces will face a 27% water shortage in the current Kharif season, posing a serious threat to the Kharif crops, particularly cotton, which is a key crop in Pakistan's agricultural economy.

Pakistan's cotton production has fallen due to farmers switching to other more profitable crops, including rice, maize, and sugarcane. In the last four years, cotton output has dropped from around 12 million bales to just 7 million bales in 2020-21 and about 9.45 million bales in 2021-22. In addition, unprecedented flooding last year significantly damaged the standing cotton crop, reducing the overall production to only 4.76 million bales from a target of 9 million bales. Source

Opportunities for Seed Collaboration: April 12: A Chinese seed company, Hainan State Farms Nanfan Industrial Group, and the Pakistani embassy in China have agreed to explore opportunities to collaborate on breeding seeds. The Pakistani embassy has expressed its interest in promoting collaboration between agricultural enterprises in both countries, while the Chinese seed company will communicate with Pakistani seed enterprises and research institutes to find potential avenues for seed breeding, agricultural research and development, and cultivation. An online forum will be organised to encourage seed cooperation and exchanges. China recently collected 124,000 new agricultural germplasm resources during the country's third census since 2015. Source

Balochistan to distribute rice seeds after Eid: April 17: The government of Balochistan will distribute free rice seeds and agricultural machinery to farmers in four districts with the help of a $5 million grant from the Asian Development Bank. The Secretary of the agriculture department, Umaid Ali Khokhar, stated that the department is committed to the development of the agriculture sector and helping farmers. The distribution of wheat seeds was launched last year to provide relief to farmers after monsoon rains caused significant damage to the agriculture sector. The wheat seeds were distributed transparently among farmers, resulting in record wheat production in Balochistan. The Asian Development Bank announced a loan of $15 million for the province after the 2022 floods. Source

Pakistan and South Korea collaborate on aeroponic technology: March 27: Pakistan and South Korea are collaborating on a project to produce potato seeds through aeroponic technology. This joint project aims to increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, promote farm-level processing, develop human resources, and create job opportunities. Over 30% of Pakistan's potato seed requirements can be met from tissue culture labs at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). The project aims to establish additional greenhouses at NARC to produce 400,000 nucleus seed potatoes, resulting in the production of 4,000,000 first-generation seed potato tubers for large-scale cultivation. This initiative will help reduce Pakistan's annual import of potato seed and minimize the import bill. The project's goal is to produce 150,000 tons of high-quality fourth-generation seed potatoes within five years. Source

Policymakers consider support price for cotton: March 24: Pakistan is experiencing a significant decline in cotton production, with a per-acre yield only half that of neighboring countries due to farmers switching to more profitable crops like rice, maize, and sugarcane. This decline is a cause for concern among economic policymakers, who are considering developing a support price mechanism for cotton. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research is looking into the wheat and sugarcane model for the cotton support price. The Ministry also notes that cotton production has been decreasing while the planting area is shrinking, but Pakistan has the potential to produce up to 15 million bales to meet the demands of the textile industry. The recent unprecedented floods significantly damaged the cotton crop, leading to a mere 4.76 million bales of production against a target of 9 million bales. Consultations have been held with stakeholders to draw up a cotton intervention price proposal, with growers proposing an intervention price of Rs7,000-8,000 per 40 kg. Source

Q1

Chinese Canola Flowers Benefiting Pakistan Farmers: February 19: Pakistan and China's partnership under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has resulted in Chinese seed company Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng's canola variety HC-021C flourishing in Pakistan. This new variety offers a shorter growth period, higher disease resistance, and is suitable for high-density planting. HC-021C also has a 5% higher yield compared to local varieties, contributing to Pakistan's edible oil production, lowering import bills, and increasing the income of local farmers. Moreover, HC-021C's higher oil content and price make it a better alternative to other local canola varieties. Read original story here

Traders push for competitive wheat support in Punjab: February 14: The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has called on the Punjab government to increase the wheat support price for the 2023 procurement season from Rs 3000 ($11.46) per maund (37.3 kg) to Rs 3,900 ($14.89) per maund. The call was made in light of a recent increase in the wheat price by the Sindh government to Rs4,000 per maund – the price difference between the two provinces resulting in cases of wheat smuggling from Punjab to Sindh. Last year, the uniform wheat price of Rs2,200 per maund in Punjab and Sindh helped to stabilize the grain market. The cost of wheat cultivation in Punjab, minus profit, is reportedly Rs2,965 per 40 maund. Source. 

Students to Receive Hybrid Seeds and Tissue Culture Training Support from PARC: January 30: The Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) will support Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) students in producing hybrid seeds and training in tissue culture. PARC and SAU experts agreed that agriculture research could strengthen Pakistan's economy. During the visit of the PARC delegation headed by Chairman Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali to SAU, Vice Chancellor Dr. Fateh Marri said that both institutions agreed to collaborate on joint research to improve agriculture and ensure food security in Pakistan. Read original story here

2022 News

Q3

‘More rain than ever’ causes untold devastation for farmers, lives and infrastructure: August 22: Farmers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) have been devastated by torrential downpours that have resulted in the flooding of their crops. Hundreds of agriculturists in the province have lost their crop of maize, wheat, pulses, tobacco, tobacco, onions, tomatoes and other vegetables. Data cited by the Directorate of Crop Reporting Services indicates that 778,724 acres of farmland was impacted by the flood, 14,592 acres of this was denoted as severely damaged. This has resulted in production losses of 16,491 tons and total losses of some Rs 3.3. Billion or about US$15 million. Source. According to another estimate, by JS Brokerage, the floods have caused more than Rs900 billion ($4 billion), which extends to losses in life, crops and infrastructure. “The country witnessed ‘more rain than ever recorded’ this season as there is delay in wheat sowing, while cotton and rice crops have been severely damaged, according to the report” Source.

Balochistan battered by heavy rain: July 24: Extreme rainfall and flooding has resulted in 100 deaths and 57 injured in southwest Balochistan province. Many people have also been displaced with over 6,000 homes damaged, of which 2,500 homes have been completely destroyed, and extensive damage to crops as well as infrastructure, including four major highways leading to many communities being cut off. Source

Chagai ag sector drowns in floods: July 21: The ongoing monsoon rains have thus far caused a losses of about Rs60 million to Chaga’s agriculture sector According to an official data cited, “melons, dates and vegetables on hundreds of acres of land, along with hundreds of solar panels, were damaged owing to heavy rains, followed by floods.” Source.

Farmers urged to adopt Chinese ag tech: July 15: Shahzad Ali Malik, the Chairman of Pakistan Hi-Tech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) has urged farmers to use “ultra-modern Chinese agricultural technologies for getting bumper crop production to make Pakistan self-sufficient in food”. Among the technologies he advocates include mechanized direct-seeded rice (DSR), which he said could help conserve water by 50% and labor  by up to 37%. The chairman also noted that 53 Pakistani rice enterprises are on an approval list of China’s General Administration of Customs to export to China. Source. In related news, the PHHSA Chairman, also urged the government to “tailor a viable strategy for rapid modernization of agriculture sector on scientific lines for higher yield to meet food staple needs of population in the wake of Russia-Ukraine conflict and climate change.” Source.

Mango production falls due to heat and water scarcity: July 11: Farmers are reporting a reduced mango harvest of between 20 to 40% in most areas. The losses are a result of higher temperatures in March followed by heatwaves that depleted water levels. Pakistan is a leading exporter of mangoes and produces around two million tons annually across the southern parts of Punjab and Sindh. Source

Ag income down, FAO survey: July 8: According to a survey carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 28 districts, farming household income has been dropping. The survey, which focused on Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh, was conducted from March to April 2022, and included face-to-face interviews conducted in seven districts of KP (Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, North Waziristan, Orakzai and South Waziristan); twelve districts in Balochistan (Chagai, Gwadar, Harnai, Kech, Kharan, Killa Abdullah, Loralai, Nushki, Panjgur, Pishin, Washuk, and Zhob); and nine districts in Sindh (Badin, Dadu, Jamshoro, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Sujawal, Tharparkar, Thatta and Umerkot. Source.

Food insecurity looms as ag sector struggles: July 8: Pakistan’s agriculture sector is reportedly facing a multitude of challenges and threats from a hostile climate, shrinking cultivable land, domestic water shortages, rising costs and imports and inept and inadequate policies to address the issues. Source.

Sesame seed exports to China surge: July 5: Pakistan’s export of sesame seeds to China surged to $50.32 million in the first five months of 2022, representing year-on-year growth of 47.41%, Citing data from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), a Pakistani official noted that China imported 33,846 tons of sesame seed worth $50.32 million compared to 27,890 tons worth $34.07 million during the same period in 2021t Throughout 2021, Pakistan exported 92,516.55 tons of sesame seeds worth $120.44 million in 2021, while China had imported a total of 615,510 tons of sesame seeds worth around $918 million from throughout the world last year. Source.

Wheat planting disrupted by seasonal extremes: June 28: Crop cultivation by farmers in the mountainous areas of the Upper Indus Basin in the Hindu Kush Himalayas has been adversely impacted by seasonal extremes thus far in 2022. Following heavy rain and “record snowfall” this past winter in the mountainous northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, fields quickly dried up in March, prompting earlier than usual sowing of summer wheat, starting in March, when decade high heat was reported, as opposed to the usual sowing period in April. The early melt of snow reportedly led to the rapid drying of soil and water shortages. Source. 

Q2 news

Low quality chili hybrids blamed for poor production: May 30: Low quality hybrid seeds have been noted by agriculture experts, farmers and scientists for sub-standard chili production. This was in addition to climate change and water scarcity, which have profoundly affected red chili production in Sindh, as expressed during a "National Symposium on Chili Diseases", organized by Sindh Agriculture University. It was noted that Sindh is where 82 percent of chilies are produced in the country. Source.

Chinese breeding technology a boon for Pakistani ag: May 30: The Chairman of the Pakistan Hi Tech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) Shahzad Ali Malik has been quoted as praising Chinese breeding technology for helping Pakistani farmers to easily cultivate high-yield, disease resistant new rice varieties for exports. It was also revealed that China, imported from Pakistan more than 466,617 tonnes of different types of rice  during first quarter of current fiscal year. Source. In related news, the association chairman has appealed for the government to reconsider a Goods and Services Tax of 17%, which he noted was making Pakistan uncompetitive in international agriculture markets, and would contribute to an increase in cost of agri crops. Source. And here.

Win-all Hi-Tech to introduce new crop seeds in Pakistan: May 18: The Vice President of China Seed Association, Zhang Qin has revealed that her company plans to promote corn, cotton, wheat, and vegetable seeds in Pakistan, which would contribute to variety optimization and yield improvement of these crops.The Chinese company has reportedly been active in the Pakistani market for 15 years and has introduced more than 20 varieties of high-yield rice seeds to Pakistan. Chinese rice seeds have planted widely in Pakistan and it is hoped to serve as a model for other type of seeds.Source.

Record sesamum seed export to China in Q1: May 16: Pakistan  exported a record $45.99 million worth of sesamum seeds to China in the first quarter of 2022, which represents a 102.49 percent increase over the first quarter of 2022. Citing the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), “China imported around 30,923 tons of sesamum seeds in the first quarter of this year and was one of the main destinations for sesamum seed exports from Pakistan, while in the same period in 2021 it was only around 18,444 tons” The increase in trade was credited to the second phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. Source. 

Q1 news

Pakistan mandates 12 new pest declarations for Zea mays imports: In a move that took importers completely by surprise, Pakistan on 28 January introduced 12 additional declarations for pests -- including several already present there and others not associated with seed – to conditions governing import of Zea mays (enlisted maize) seed. No notification was afforded local business or the World Trade Organization (WTO) and no transitional period was allowed before the changes take place.

This will likely impact supply this season as sowing seed produced subject to previous import conditions must now undergo additional testing and inspection. That will add lead time to imports of six-to-eight weeks — at least — and may result in export cancellations if valid test methods for the pests are unavailable and field inspections no longer possible.

In a letter to the Director General of Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection, the International Seed Federation (ISF), APSA and CropLife Asia have asked that import of maize seed harvested or in production prior to 28 January be allowed under previous conditions. They also asked for a transition period of 15 months (March, 2023), as, in order to comply with current phytosanitary requirements, maize seed production starts 12 - 15 months before destination countries receive it. Without a transitional period, farmers will lack seed, and seed producers must bear extraordinary costs when it is ordered destroyed for failing to comply with new conditions.

They also suggest Pakistan follow International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) standards with regard to pest declarations, noting that regulated quarantine pests are those:

1) Of potential economic importance, 2) Not yet present, or present but not widely distributed.

As those requiring new declarations already present in Pakistan include Cochliobolus heterostrophus and Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamais), they recommend those be removed; along with Anthracnose (Kubatiella zeae), because its presence in seed is not a proven

pathway; and Downy Mildew (Pseudoperonospora humuli), Hop viruses, Tropical rust (Physopella zeae), and Hop cyst nematode (Heroderma humuli) -- because there is no record that seed is a pathway for such pests.      

Likewise, they request clarity on new import conditions for maize viruses, of which more than 50 are known, some already present in Pakistan. The scientific names of Pakistan’s quarantine viruses of concern should be specified on import permits, they explain, as it will greatly assist exporting countries in phytosanitary inspection, testing and certification.

Finally, they ask that Pakistan notify the WTO of future changes “to ensure awareness for global trading partners.”

Updates on restrictive amendments to Pakistan seed regulation: Amendments to Pakistan’s Seed (Business Regulation) Rules 2016 are set to become effective 31 July 2022. Confirmed in a circular ( F.No.1-77/80/Amendments/2021/295-1551) issued by the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department, on November 25, 2021, salient changes include: 1) establishment a Seed Business Registration Committee (SBRC) integral to the seed company licensing process — a committee on which the Seed Association of Pakistan is not formally represented; 2) a Performance Bond requiring companies produce locally 50% of seed referenced in their production plans, and instituting a Performance Contract for registration or business licensing renewal; 3) a mandate that new seed companies develop physical infrastructure to Ministry of National Food Security and Research satisfaction within five years — or face forfeiture of their bonds and registry cancellation. APSA’s Standing Committee on International Trade & Quarantine expressed concern last September 16 that the new rules would stifle small and medium-size seed companies and have adverse effects on Pakistan's seed trade.

In a formal response to APSA’s letter, which was dated December 21, 2021,  FSC&RD Director General Afaqw Ahmed outlined various salient points of the changes. These included the government’s intention to “discourage the fuzzy seed companies” and “to incept a system of local seed production in order to reduce dependence on seed imports”.  Download, read the response here.

Moving forward, APSA together with ISF and CropLife Asia will still continue to work with SAP in engaging the government on the counterproductive and restrictive aspects of the new regulation, especially with respect the performance bond requirement for 50% local production, which would greatly discourage seed companies to continue their business.

Q4 News

Govt pushes forward with ATP, seed supply: The Federal government on December 29 asked provincial authorities to expedite Agriculture Transformation Plan (ATP), which has provisions to distribute subsidized agricultural implements to farmers, including the supply of high-quality seeds. It is reported that “Rs5.5 billion subsidies will be given to Punjab to ensure that ATP is timely executed.” Story here.

Association chief forecasts 2022 wheat shortage: Cereal Association of Pakistan Founder and Chairman Muzzammil Chappal has forecast that his country’s wheat supply would be short of demand next year. He said this year’s output stood at 27 million metric tons this year, but the changing climate would make it difficult to achieve a requirement of 30 million tonnes next year, unless there is a “change our timing and our seeds”. Also commenting on the fertilizer shortage, .he said Pakistan needs to produce around 32.5-35 million metric tons to meet growing demand. He also commented on rice and corn demand and capacity. See full story here. 

Rice surplus to be exported: December 28: The Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam confirmed that Pakistan plans to export its surplus stock of rice to new markets globally. According to quoted figures, local consumption of the staple grain stood at at 3.5 million tonnes, while there was a glut of over eight million tonnes, which could fetch the country $4 billion. See story here.

Poppy Seed exporters seek seed distinction: December 29: Exporters of white poppy seeds are asking for the Federal government to eliminate a discrepancy between the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) system and the Export Policy Order, which has been hampering the trade of khashkhash – white poppy seeds, which are reported to be distinctively different from opium poppy seeds. The former is a food and food ingredient according to Pakistan Standard Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) PS 550; however, they are being hindered by the Web-based One Customs (WeBOC) system, which has been hindering export of the seeds. See full report here as well as here.

Syngenta Pakistan gets new GM: Syngenta Pakistan has announced that Zeeshan Hasib Baig will be appointed as General Manager with effect from January 10, 2022. Zeeshan will replace Kazim Hasnain, who has taken on a new role at Syngenta Indonesia. As the new GM, “Zeeshan will drive the growth of Syngenta Pakistan to help farmers achieve food security while navigating the impact of climate change. He will also be responsible for leading the digital roadmap for the business, which includes introducing digital and technology innovations, digital ecosystem engagements, as well as public-private partnerships.”  Read more here.

Govt to distribute subsidised wheat seeds, fertilizer: October 9: One million farmers are marked to receive “high-yielding certified wheat seed varieties” to sow in the coming Rabi or dry season. The plan, which was announced by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Food Security Jamshed Iqbal Cheema at a press conference, is to support efforts to “achieve production of 30 million tons of wheat”. Aside from the provision of subsidised seeds, the government will provide subsidies for fertilizer too. Read original story here.

Startup platform addressing ag supply chain issues gets more funding: October 6: Tazah Technologies, a B-2-B agriculture marketplace startup based in Lahore, has announced it has raised a $2 million in a pre-seed funding round. The startup, which launched two months ago to address a “fragmented and complicated supply chains . . . inflated prices, food waste and low profits for farmers,” is currently working with about 300 small- to medium-sized sellers buying inventory through its platform, facilitating the movement of multiple truckloads of produce every day. At present, the main products benefiting include ginger, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes and onions, and it is planned to expand the platform to include vegetables and fruits, pending “consistent supply and quality” See more details here. 
 

Q3 News

Clarity and flexibility sought in new Seed Rules: Pakistan’s Seed (Business Regulation) Rules 2016 were amended and are now effective, according to the Seed Association of Pakistan (SAP). At time of press, the new rules had yet to be posted to the homepage of the Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department (FSC&RD), which is the seed industry regulatory authority in Pakistan (www.federalseed.gov.pk) which still links to the 2016 version. Asian Seed has seen the rules, and salient points include the following: 

A Seed Business Registration Committee (SBRC) has been established to make recommendations as part of the process for granting licenses to new seed companies, effectively replacing the Working Group in the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, which had that role previously. 

Representation of the new SRBC representation includes the Director General and Director of Seed Registration of the FSC&RD, representatives from the Punjab Seed Corporation, Sindh Seed Corporation, the Pakistan Intellectual Property Organization, the Plant Sciences Division of PARC,  and a number of nominated seats, including a scientist/seed breeder, two farmers and an owner or a chief executive of a private seed business company. It does not, however, include representation from SAP, the national seed association. 

Furthermore, the new rules introduce a “Performance bond” requiring production companies to produce 50% of their production plan locally, (ranging from Rs. 1 to Rs. 8 million on basis of crops and in the form of a Bank Guarantee) and mandate a Performance Contract for registration or renewal of seed business license.

Moreover, new seed companies reportedly must develop their own physical infrastructure as per the Ministry’s satisfaction within five years, otherwise their bond will be encashed and the company terminated.

In a September 16 letter addressed to Pakistan authorities, which was composed and reviewed by APSA’s Standing Committee on International Trade & Quarantine, concern was expressed that the new rules would “discourage and/or prevent small and medium size seed companies from continuing or starting their business in Pakistan,” and “generate an adverse effect to the overall seed trade for Pakistan and the accessibility of quality seeds for Pakistani farmers.” 

In addition to recommending for the SBRC to include representation from the National Seed Association, “as the Association represents the interests of the entire industry including small and medium size companies and has direct knowledge of, and has a key interest in, the positive reputation of the Pakistani seed business,” it was also suggested to remove the rule mandating a performance contract and bond” which “will surely discourage the investment in local seed production. . .”. Clarification and review was also sought on evaluation criteria and the rules concerning local production targets. “Flexibility,” the letter concludes, “is required to safeguard Pakistan food security and Pakistan’s seed industry. There are many other questions relating to how such a requirement will be administered, and we would ask for significant further discussions to be undertaken with seed companies before implementing such a rule is even considered. We urge the Pakistan Government to pause the implementation of the Seed (Business Regulation) Rules (2021) and hold public and industry consultations to gather more feedback.”

Pakistan rice to China export potential: Aug 23: Demand for Pakistani rice in China is on the rise according to Badar uz Zaman, Commercial Counselor of Pakistan Embassy in Beijing. In 2020, China imported 475,000 tons of rice with a value of USD 259 million from Pakistan. Within two years, the figure is expected to surpass 1 million tons, especially with IRRI-6 and IRRI-9 varieties of long-grain Basmati rice enjoying high popularity among Chinese consumers. Pakistan is one of the main producers of Basmati rice alongside India and Bangladesh. Aiding in the development of new rice varieties in Pakistan are hybrid seeds from China, such as Honglian hybrid rice developed by Wuhan University, which show promising results with yields double that of traditional varieties. Original story here 

Business leaders tout seed importance: Aug 19: At a reception hosted by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and Businessmen Panel (BMP), the chairman of BMP, Mian Anjum Nisar, spoke about the need for government to implement strategies to avoid shortages of goods and raw materials that could threaten food security. FPCCI President Nasir Hayat Magoo added seed quality played a vital part in improving agriculture productivity and promoted the benefits of certified seeds for enhancing agriculture productivity due to its higher quality and profitability. Original story here

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Charsadda cropping update: July 7: The Department of Agriculture in Charsadda District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province recently distributed a low-cost sugarcane seed that was able to yield 4 tonnes of sugarcane on 1 acre of land from 8 tonnes of seed. This is alongside the adoption of a modern grafting technique, known as "chip budding", which can greatly reduce the cost of cultivation. To increase wheat production and boost the income of local farmers in the district, 8,637 bags of new wheat seeds were distributed among the farmers this year along with a subsidy of USD 16 per bag. The production of edible oils such as sunflower, canola and sesame is also being encouraged with a subsidy of USD 67 per acre. New varieties of rice seeds were also distributed among local farmers along with a subsidy of USD 16 per acre to spur rice production in the district. The Department of Agriculture has set up its branches around the district to distribute seeds and provide guidance to the farmers. Original story here

Punjab cropping seed allotment: July 6: The Punjab minister for agriculture, Syed Hussain Jahanian Gardezi, announced that the Punjab Seed Council (PSC) would provide exotic and imported seed varieties to farmers at a lower price than the current market. The committee would also develop hybrid maize and paddy seed varieties, procedures for seed breeding using modern scientific methods, and encourage farmers to cultivate registered seed varieties. Original story here 

Punjab increase subsidies for seed, fertilizer and crop insurance: July 6: The government of Punjab province has increased a subsidy of USD 48 million for insurance of crops, provision of seeds, pesticides and fertilizers in the annual budget for fiscal year 2021-22, up from USD 36 million in the previous year. Original story here 

Record wheat production, certified seed tracking: July 6: At a meeting of the Wheat Review Committee chaired by the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Syed Fakhar Imam, record wheat production figures were celebrated that showed an estimated 27.539 million tons of wheat was produced in the country during 2020-21. Present at the meeting were agriculture secretaries from all provinces, representatives from the provincial food departments, Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation Ltd. (PASSCO) managing director and senior Agriculture Department officials. The growing importance of the track and trace system was also demonstrated with 50% of the seed requirement certified last year, and an even higher figure expected this year. Original story here 

Olive cultivation project: July 5: As a measure to increase sufficiency in oilseed crops, the Pakistan Oilseed Development Board has launched a USD 38 million project to encourage farmers to grow olives including supplying free olive trees, drip irrigation systems, machinery and equipment for extraction of oil from seeds. A similar project worth USD 68 million to boost sunflower, canola, soya bean and sesame seed oil with a USD 31 subsidy given to each farmer per acre under cultivation. The Italian government is also sponsoring a program to provide free training to farmers on oilseed cultivation. Original story here

Cotton imports rise as production lags: July 4: Pakistan’s cotton imports reached USD 2.3 billion, a 44% increase, from July 2020-May 2021 (11MFY21) compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. However, local production reached barely 5.6 million bales in FY21 even after an increase in orders and government incentives to boost exports. Original story here 

Q2 News

Rice seed subsidy for Punjab paddy: June 30: Agriculture Department has started providing subsidies to registered farmers on the purchase of rice seed in 15 districts of Punjab including Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Mandi Bahaud Din, Narowal, Gujrat, Hafiz Abad, Okara and Bahawalpur. A subsidy of USD 7.50 will be provided to farmers who purchase a 20 kg bag of Basmati seed, and a USD 5 subsidy on the purchase of 20 kg of non-Basmati seed. Original story here 

Opposition to proposed import hybrid maize seed tax: June 27: As a result of the Finance Bill 2021-22 imported maize seed will now be subject to 17% sales tax and 3% VAT. With 12,758 tons of the total 16,639 tons of maize seed coming from imports, the economic impact of the tax will be widespread. Maize is the third most important cereal crop in Pakistan after wheat and rice, contributing 0.6% to GDP. High yield hybrid seeds have led to tripling yields across the country from 0.7 tons per acre in 1999-00 to 2 tons per acre in 2019-20, and even 4 tons per acre in some cases using high-quality hybrid seeds. Around 70% of all locally produced grain is used by the poultry industry as feed. Critics claim the imposition of the tax is expected to increase the price of imported seed by 20% and place a large burden on the farming community. Original story here

Chili farms under CPEC update: June 21: The pilot project of 100 acres of chili farms has been completed according to the Chairman of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority, Lt. Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa. The next phase will comprise 3000 acres of land of chili cultivation with research leading to enhance yields, improved seed quality, skill development, farm labour, and processing. The project is hoped to produce more than 8,000 tons of dried chilies with a net income of more than USD 600 per acre for local farmers. Original story here 

12 billion rupees to uplift Paki ag: June 12: To ensure Pakistan’s food security and turn the country into a net food exporter, the government has earmarked Rs12 billion (USD 75 million) for the agriculture sector in the fiscal year 2021-22. Finance Minister, Shaukat Tarin, announced that out of the Rs12 billion, Rs1 billion (USD 6.3 million) had been allocated to combat the locust threat, while another Rs2 billion (USD 12.5 million) had been set aside to enhance the output of different crops such as rice, wheat, cotton, sugarcane and pulses, Rs1 billion to increase olive cultivation, and Rs3 billion to overhaul and improve waterways. Original story here 

UC to help Punjab enhance seed: June 8: Punjab Governor, Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, announced that the University of California will provide assistance to the Punjab government on the latest techniques to enhance crop yields, modernize irrigation systems, and improve seed quality, as part of a resolution by the government of the State of California declaring Punjab and California as "Sister States". The relationship is expected to open "a new era of progress" in Punjab due to cooperation with the US State in technology transfer and university exchange programmes, which would help revolutionise Punjab's agriculture sector. Original story here 

Soybean variety development for intercropping: June 6: The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) recently announced that it has developed soybeans that can be grown in both spring and autumn following successful field trials at the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) and the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) of PAEC in Faisalabad. The NIBGE, funded by the Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB), has been working on soybean adaptation in Pakistan since 2015. Although the source of 25% global vegetable edible oil and 75% of protein for poultry/livestock feed, soybean cultivation in Pakistan is limited and the country imports one billion USD of soybean annually. Challenges include a limited diversity in germplasm, lack of well adapted, disease-resistant soybean genotypes, and lack of photo-insensitive soybean lines for different regions of Pakistan. Currently, farmers are only able to grow during autumn. PAEC scientists have successfully identified high-yielding soybean lines suitable for autumn cultivation, and high-yielding soybean lines suitable for spring cultivation. These varieties are highly resistant to multiple viruses, can be grown across different agro-ecological regions of Pakistan, and intercropped with maize and sugarcane. Original story here 

Kharif crops rebound: June 3: The quarterly report from the State Bank of Pakistan showed an increase in tax collection and better performance of Kharif crops compared to the previous year, mainly due to increases in their areas under cultivation. The report stated, "The government’s support package for Rabi crops, comprising subsidies on key inputs, and an increase in the support price for wheat, are likely to bolster the overall crop sector growth. However, cotton exerted a drag on the overall agricultural performance, as the revised production estimate of 7.7 million bales represented the lowest output since FY86," and that overall, the agriculture sector is expected to register growth during FY21. Read original story here 

MoU between Pak and China unis for crops: June 9: The Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan and the Sichuan Agriculture University of China signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation and collaboration in research activities and faculty exchange, setting up a China-Pakistan Crop Research Center to research high quality and high yielding crops. Under the exchange program, teachers and students of both universities will visit each other and conduct teaching and research activities, including training workshops and publishing research journals. Original story here 

Kisan Card Scheme to link all farmers to banks, channel seed subsidies, loans: May 17: A long-term goal of agricultural development in Pakistan recently came to fruition with the launch of the Kisan Card. The scheme brings 3.5 million farmers under a centralised system that will streamline issuing loans, subsidies and tracking the entire farming activity of those farmers. Together with credit history and loan and subsidy data, and linking of the entire land record with biometrics in the National Database & Registration Authority’s (Nadra) database, the card will allow farmers to have much greater access to banking services. The issuing of government loans and subsidies will also be streamlined, with interest-free loans of USD 32.5 million to be provided through the card this Kharif season. Subsidies on seeds such as cotton, wheat, rice, sunflower and canola as well as fertiliser funds would also be operated  through it. It is hoped the card will help to bypass a lot of bureaucracy and reduce the potential for corruption in the system, and also enable traceability and accountability throughout the supply chain. Original story here

China report highlights Pakistani paddy potential: May 16: The China-Pakistan Agricultural and Industrial Information Platform (CPAIC) released a detailed review of the Pakistan rice industry. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Pakistan ranked ninth out of the world’s top rice producers. In 2019 the country exported 4.59 million tons, or 10% of the total global rice output, making Pakistan the world’s third largest rice exporter. Rice is the sixth largest export commodity and the country’s largest non-textile export. The average cost per hectare of rice farming in Pakistan was reported to be below USD 130 in 2019, according to data from the Agriculture Marketing Information Service (AMIS), Directorate of Agriculture Punjab, below that of other major crops such as corn, cotton and sugarcane, which are between USD 160 to 260 per hectare, showing that rice cultivation offers a competitive edge over other crops. Original story here

Sowing of cotton on up in South Punjab: May 16: South Punjab has seen a sharp rise in the amount of land under cotton cultivation due to incentives offered by the provincial government. The Federal Committee on Agriculture has set a target of 10.5 million bales for the 2021-2022 season, with 6.07 million bales expected to come from 1.6 million hectares of land in Punjab. Growers of registered Bt cotton varieties are to complete sowing between 1 April and 31 May, with IUB-13, MNH-886, BS-15, Niab-878, and FH-142 varieties recommended by the Agriculture Department. The news follows a report on May 11 that the country spent USD 1.84 billion on cotton imports during the nine months of the current fiscal year, an increase of 46% from the previous year and more than the total of the cotton import bill of 2020, which was USD 1.7 billion. Together with a marked decline in cotton production, which has fallen from over 14 million bales in 2012 to just 5.6m bales in the current year, this has been a blow for the textile industry that saw total exports during the nine months of the fiscal year increase by just 2% year-on-year. Original story here 

Bumper wheat crop in Punjab: May 12: Punjab celebrated a record-setting wheat crop of over 20.9 million metric tons. At a press event, Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Hussain Jahania Gardezi announced that an unprecedented yield of 510 metric tons per hectare had been achieved on a total of 40 million hectares of wheat cultivation. Mr Gardezi credited the government's awareness campaign and subsidies through the kisan card scheme, an amount totalling USD 32.5 million to be distributed to one million farmers. The minister also pointed to the ongoing development of new seed varieties to enhance yields of wheat, cotton and other crops as well as the improved access to pesticides and fertilizers for local farmers. The price of wheat was increased from USD 0.34 per metric ton to USD 0.44 to assist wheat farmers. Original story here 

Domestic oil crop sowing urged: May 12:  In order to reduce the import burden of cooking oil, farmers in Pakistan Farmers are being encouraged to plant oily crops such as sunflower and sesame seeds. According to Ahmed Naveed Amjad, Agriculture Deputy Director (extension), the current production of cooking oil was only 7 million tonnes while annual consumption stands at roughly 29 million tonnes, meaning the country has to import 23 million tonnes to meet demand. Original story here

Pakistan with China help eradicates desert locust pest: May 10: The National Locust Control Center (NLCC) declared that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Punjab provinces had been completely cleared of locusts. Operations carried out by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, provincial agriculture departments and the Pakistan Army to combat desert locust swarms had been carried out on 1,131,865 hectares of land across 61 districts in the three districts utilising drones, helicopters, hundreds of vehicles and thousands of agriculture workers. Assistance had been provided by China and included anti-locust sprays, equipment and expertise. Desert locust swarms first entered Pakistan from neighboring Iran in mid-2019 and have been destroying cotton, wheat, maize and other crops around the southwest of the country. Original story here

Government to introduce inflation controls and support wheat growers: May 8: Addressing concerns over rising inflation, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Farrukh Habib, said that strong efforts were being made to control inflation due to rising prices of goods. The Minister remarked that hoarders, profiteers and criminal organisations were being dealt with to ensure an adequate supply of commodities at affordable prices and that the government was working to cut out middlemen, which were a major factor in driving higher prices. Mr Habib announced the government was working to boost Pakistan’s agriculture sector and that wheat producers would receive USD 3.26 billion extra while a total of USD 652 million had been set aside for farmers. Original story here

PARC signs cooperation deals on 3 projects with RDA, Korea: May 4: At a ceremony held at the National Agriculture Research Center in Islamabad on 4 May, Pakistan and the Republic of Korea signed new agreements to increase cooperation in agricultural development between the two countries. The agreements covered technical cooperation on three projects by the  Korea Programme on International Agriculture (KOPIA) Centre, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Ministry of National Food Security & Research (MNFSR) and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). The projects included self-sufficiency of virus free potato seed multiplication by Aeroponic Technique, establishment of production technology of major fodder crops, and chili production and post-harvest management technology development. Read more here and here.

Favorable weather, seed subsidy for good Punjab crop: April 25: A ‘better’ cotton crop this year is expected thanks to favorable weather and seed subsidies. This is according to an official from the Punjab Agriculture Department, speaking during a visit to Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association. Aside from anticipated favourable weather for growing cotton, the official said that the government has allocated Rs three billion for pest control, in addition to Rs 3 billion for cotton seed subsidy, which would  be paid to cotton growers through e-vouchers. He expressed hope that a six million cotton bale target would be achieved in Punjab this year. See original story here.

Govt prepares certified cotton seed, MSP: April 25: A cotton minimum support price would be announced in the near future to “bring maximum land under cotton cultivation”. This is according to an official at the Ministry of National food, Security and Research in a briefing. Moreover, the government is expected to distribute certified, high-yielding, pest-resistant and climate-tolerant seed varieties to farmers for the coming season. For this, the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department has prepared 30,000 tons of cotton seeds of different varieties. More details in news here. 

April 25: The Khyber Pakthunkhwa government has finalized details of a development package earmarked with a budget of Rs. 2.2 billion ($14.2 million), which is to be utilized in seven sectors in three years. These include municipalities, public health engineering, irrigation, agriculture, skills development, livestock and forestry. Of this, Rs. 560 million ($36,346) would be used for increasing crop productivity, enhancing the capacity of farmers and promotion of modern technology in agriculture sector. More details here, as well as here. 

Low yield, crop failures in coastal Sindh: April 22: According to an account from a farmer of coastal town Garho, Thatta district, changing coastal conditions in recent years has impeded the growing of various crops, including banana, vegetables, betel leaves, wheat, paddy and cotton. Aside from sea intrusion, which affects soil fertility, the farmers also blames rising temperature, depletion of trees and low crop yield and failure from disease diseases. Original story here 

Q1 News

Cotton farmers advised on pink bollworm threat: March 2: The agriculture department has started raising awareness among cotton farmers in Faisalabad about the threat of pink bollworm (Gulabi Sundi). The pest reportedly hybrenates in the months of November and December but its “eggs remained present on cotton seeds, branches and dried leafs in farms and ginning factories.” Growers were advised to avoid cultivating cotton crops before April 1. Original story here. 

Seed association sees steady outlook for domestic seed sector in 2021: January:
Given favorable climatic conditions this year, seed industry stakeholders have forecast a steady outlook for the year 2021, which could be valued at 135 billion rupees  (US$842 million). Nonetheless, rising seed prices are one of the major issues that need to be addressed. According to the Seed Association o Pakistan Chairman Chaudhry Asif Ali, quoted in an article, government seed auctions are to blame for the seed price hikes, referring to the auctioning of “seed varieties of various crops developed by public sector research institutes to raise funds for scientists”. And despite shortcoming of cotton, wheat and maize crops in the last season, the SAP chief sees no shortage of their seeds for the next sowing. Read full story on Dawn here. 

Punjab Ag Minister on improving seed quality: January 2021:
Punjab Provincial Minister for Agriculture Syed Hussain Jahanian Gardezi in a meeting on 6 January said that “research on seed technology is an important need of the hour and it is the responsibility of the Punjab Agriculture Research Board (PARB) to provide technical support to seed companies” He said that seed quality could be improved by “developing high yielding diseases resistant lines” speaking during a visit to the new office building of Punjab Agricultural Research Board in  Johar Town. Read article here.

Cotton deliveries, ginning fall: January 2021:
More than 5.39 million bales of seeded cotton had been processed at ginning factories across Pakistan as of Jan 15, 2021, which represents a 34% drop compared to corresponding period of last year, when 8 million bales were received. Figures from the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) point that 3.3 million bales had been sent to Punjab and another 2 million bales to Sindh, representing year-on-year drops of 30.38% and 38.67%, respectively. Read full article in Urdu Point here. 

IUB production of quality ag produce, seeds: January 2021:
The Islamia University Bahawalpur will be aiming to produce agriculture produce, supply quality seeds and promote agricultural research via a new project to cultivate 140 acres of barren land on its campus. Vegetables, fruits and herbs will be produced using ‘unconventional farming methods’ an already under production are 19 varieties of vegetables, 12 varieties of ornamental flowers and seasonal fruits. Read full details on Urdu Point. In a related recent seed news article the SAP Chairman in December pushed for seed manufacturing companies and farmers to have representation in an agricultural reforms committee as part of efforts to resolve longstanding issues. SAP members have reportedly “appealed to the federal government not to amend seed enforcement laws and regulations in order to ensure a level playing field for all companies.” Read full details of that story in The Tribune Pakistan here.