On PM’s orders Govt shuts down 392 seed firms in quality purge

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has shut down 392 seed companies for failing to meet regulatory standards, officials said Thursday, as the government, acting on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, moves to curb declining crop yields blamed on substandard seeds.

The crackdown, ordered by the premier, aims to ensure farmers have access to certified, high-yield seeds amid growing concerns over food security and economic stability.

For years, farmers have complained that low-quality seeds fail to deliver promised yields, contributing to declining harvests in key crops. Agriculture, which accounts for nearly 20 percent of Pakistan’s GDP and employs a large portion of the population, has been struggling due to subpar inputs, including ineffective seeds. The government’s latest intervention seeks to reverse the trend and enhance productivity, officials said.

The decision was finalized during the second Board of Governors meeting of the recently formed National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA), chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain. Officials emphasized the need for stricter oversight to eliminate unregulated suppliers and ensure that only certified seeds reach the market.

A third-party audit played a critical role in identifying non-compliant firms, leading to their immediate closure. The Federal Seed Certification Department and NSDRA briefed the minister on their action plan, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strict enforcement.

The government will take tough decisions to improve agriculture in the long run, Hussain said, adding that ensuring high-quality seeds is crucial for national food security.

Experts warn that without urgent improvements, Pakistan’s reliance on imported wheat, edible oils, and pulses will continue to rise, further straining foreign reserves and increasing food insecurity risks.