Seed industry opposes transfer of enforcement responsibilities to provinces

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hi-Tech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) and the Seed Association of Pakistan (SAP) have expressed serious reservations over the proposal to transfer seed enforcement responsibilities from the federal government to provincial agriculture departments.

Both associations have written to the prime minister, highlighting their concerns regarding the Ministry of National Food Security & Research’s (MNFS&R) plan to delegate this crucial function. They argue that shifting enforcement to the provinces could lead to regulatory inconsistencies and weaken the oversight of the seed sector. The letter points out that the Agriculture Extension Department in Punjab is already overburdened with multiple responsibilities beyond its core duty of educating farmers. In addition to advisory services, it is tasked with fertiliser, pesticide and cotton inspection, as well as price regulation. Furthermore, seed companies have faced undue pressure due to the misapplication of the Cotton Control Act by provincial authorities.

The seed industry plays a vital role in ensuring national food security, agricultural productivity and economic stability. Given its technical and knowledge-intensive nature, a fragmented regulatory framework at the provincial level could create inefficiencies and hinder uniform enforcement of seed standards across Pakistan. Effective seed regulation is essential to maintaining quality, preventing counterfeit seeds and fostering innovation in hybrid seed technology.

Industry representatives strongly advocate for retaining a centralised enforcement structure under the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD), which operates internationally accredited laboratories. They argue that devolution could dilute regulatory expertise, lead to inconsistent enforcement standards and pose challenges in meeting national and international seed quality benchmarks. Such a move, they warn, could ultimately hamper progress in Pakistan’s seed industry and agricultural productivity.

In their letter, the associations have urged the prime minister to intervene and ensure that seed enforcement remains under a dedicated, centralised regulatory authority. They stress that this approach would safeguard the interests of farmers, seed companies and the broader agricultural sector while reinforcing Pakistan’s progress towards self-sufficiency in seed production and food security.

The industry has also expressed its willingness to collaborate with the government to find a viable solution that protects all stakeholders. The local seed sector remains committed to working closely with federal authorities to enhance food security through high-tech hybrid seed development.

The associations have requested the prime minister’s intervention and support in addressing their concerns, emphasising the need for a robust and scientifically sound regulatory framework to sustain agricultural growth and innovation.