Maiden hybrid rice seed consignment cleared for export

LAHORE: The government has allowed a local firm to export hybrid rice seed for the first time in the history of the country, marking Pakistan’s debut in the international trade of this variety of the agricultural commodity, a statement said on Friday.

“Guard Agricultural Research and Services Ltd was given a go-ahead to initially sell 50 tons of hybrid rice seed to a Philippine company, after its consignment passed purity and germination analysis,” said Shahzad Ali Malik, chief executive Guard.

“The company had applied for the aforementioned analysis with the Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department (FSCD) in mid of December 2017 and received a positive response on January 03, 2018.” Malik said the company would export the consignment shortly as now it was going through the process of quarantine.

“We had a good harvest of rice seed of hybrid varieties, which after processing and passing through required procedures is ready to be exported now,” he said. He said the shipment was expected to be seen off at Karachi by high government officials, company representatives and other stakeholders at an event to celebrate this landmark achievement by the country.

“We dedicate this milestone to the Pakistani growers, company’s Chinese counterparts and our team,” Malik added.

Shah Rukh Malik, executive seed division, Guard Agriculture Research & Services, termed it a great accomplishment, not only for the company but also for Pakistan.