Quality seed in SAARC Countries (2011)

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SAARC Agriculture CentreBARC Campus, FarmgateDhaka-1215, BangladeshPhone: 880-2-8115353; Fax: 880-2-9124596E-mail: [email protected]: www.saarcagri.net

2011 SAARC Agriculture CentreFirst Published 2011

All rights reservedNo part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmittedin any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise without priorpermission of the publisher

ISBN: 978-984-33-1853-4

Cover DesignMafruha Begum

Page LayoutRaihana Kabir

PriceUS $ 10.00 for SAARC countriesUS $ 20.00 for other countries

Printed atMomin Offset Press9 Nilkhet Babupura, Dhaka-1205Phone : 9675332, 8616471

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Foreword

This is a compendium of the country papers of six SAARC member countries, namely,Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The country papers werepresented in the Regional Workshop on “Quality Seeds in SAARC countries: Production,Processing, Legal and Quality Control and marketing System” held in New Delhi during16-18 December 2009. The papers were prepared by eminent seed personalities of theSAARC Member countries on the basis of a concept note provided by SAARCAgriculture Centre (SAC). The concept note delineated the areas to be incorporated in thepapers and the authors have carefully described those in their papers. As a result thepapers have become a rich Knowledge-Bank on seed for the SAARC member countries.

Upon discussion on the country papers in the workshop thirty recommendations wereadopted under six thematic areas for future course of action for promotion of quality seedin SAARC countries. The proceedings of the workshop has been included in the book. Asper recommendation SAC has started undertaking activities and as first step SAC hasestablished “SAARC SEED FORUM” which is a big way forward.

Preparation of concept note and country papers, holding of workshop, preparation of andpublication of recommendations of the workshop and finally putting all these in acompendium are elaborate tasks. I am grateful to all involved in these tasks. My sincerethanks and appreciation to editors who has done a commendable job to give thesematerials a form wherefrom one can find their needed information easily. I hope thisbook will be helpful for undertaking collaborative seed promotion activities for effectivedevelopment of quality seed system of the SAARC countries and can also be used asreference.

I would appreciate receiving feedback, comments or suggestions from users which wouldhelp us to do better in the future.

Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam MondalDirectorSAARC Agriculture Centre

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C o n t e n t

Item PageForeword vPart-1: Quality Seed in Bangladesh

i) Introduction (ii) Agriculture and Seed Scenario (iii)Structure, capacity and function of public seed system (iv)Structure, capacity and function of private seed system (v)Quality assurance mechanism (vi) Seed regulation and theireffectiveness (vii) Farmers seed management practice (viii)Human resource development and capacity building (ix)Conclusion and recommendation

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Part-2: Quality Seed in Bhutani) Introduction (ii) Agriculture and Seed Scenario (iii)Structure, capacity and function of public seed system (iv)Structure, capacity and function of private seed system (v)Quality assurance mechanism (vi) Seed regulation and theireffectiveness (vii) Farmers seed management practice (viii)Human resource development and capacity building (ix)Conclusion and recommendation

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Part-3: Quality Seed in Indiai) Introduction (ii) Agriculture and Seed Scenario (iii)Structure, capacity and function of public seed system (iv)Structure, capacity and function of private seed system (v)Quality assurance mechanism (vi) Seed regulation and theireffectiveness (vii) Farmers seed management practice (viii)Human resource development and capacity building (ix)Conclusion and recommendation

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Part-4: Quality Seed in Nepali) Introduction (ii) Agriculture and Seed Scenario (iii)Structure, capacity and function of public seed system (iv)Structure, capacity and function of private seed system (v)Quality assurance mechanism (vi) Seed regulation and theireffectiveness (vii) Farmers seed management practice (viii)Human resource development and capacity building (ix)Conclusion and recommendation

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Part-5: Quality Seed in Pakistani) Introduction (ii) Agriculture and Seed Scenario (iii)Structure, capacity and function of public seed system (iv)Structure, capacity and function of private seed system (v)Quality assurance mechanism (vi) Seed regulation and theireffectiveness (vii) Farmers seed management practice (viii)Human resource development and capacity building (ix)Conclusion and recommendation

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Part-6: Quality Seed in Sri Lankai) Introduction (ii) Agriculture and Seed Scenario (iii)Structure, capacity and function of public seed system (iv)Structure, capacity and function of private seed system (v)Quality assurance mechanism (vi) Seed regulation and theireffectiveness (vii) Farmers seed management practice (viii)Human resource development and capacity building (ix)Conclusion and recommendation

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Part-7: AppendicesAppendix –A : Concept Note prepared by SAARC

Agriculture CentreAppendix–B : Recommendation of the regional workshop

held in New Delhi during 16-18 December2009

Appendix–C : IndexAppendix–D : Pictures of regional workshop on quality seed

in SAARC countries held in New Delhi on 16-18, December 2009

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Quality Seed in Bangladesh

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QUALITY SEED IN BANGLADESHPRODUCTION, PROCESSING, PRESERVATION,

LEGISLATION, QUALITY CONTROL ANDMARKETING

Professor Dr. M. Ayub AliBangladesh Agricultural University

Mymensingh

December 2009


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Content

C o n t e n t Topic Page

1. Introduction 52. Agricultural and seed scenario 7

2.1 Agrarian structure and land use 72.2 Trends in crop yields 92.3 Seed replacement rate 102.4 Seed requirement 112.5 Trends in seed trade 13

3. Structure, capacity and functioning of public seed system 143.1 Public seed agencies and their infrastructure facility 143.2 Seed activities and various seed operations 193.3 Crop covered and size of operation and seed sales 19

4. Structure, capacity and functioning of private seed system 204.1 Private seed agencies and their infrastructure 214.2 Seed activities and various seed operations 224.3 Crop covered and size of operation, seed sales 23

5. Quality assurance mechanism 245.1 Description of the mechanisms and the main weakness 245.2 Measures to strengthen the quality assurance mechanism 295.3 Seed health status, activities and facilities 29

6. Seed regulations and their effectiveness 316.1 Regulation dealing with seed production, handling and distribution 316.2 Regulations for IPR and use of GMO/GMS 486.3 Exchange of genetic material and seed 55

7. Farmer Seed Management Practices 567.1 Farmer seed practices by crops 567.2 Extent of farmer-to-farmer exchange of seed 567.3 Farmer seed selection and procurement behavior 577.4 Farmer’s knowledge about varieties and seed system 57

8. Human Resource Development and Capacity Building 578.1 Involvement of research and academic institutions 588.2 Training for farmers and extension workers 608.3 Areas for skills and capacity building 60

9. Conclusions and Recommendation 6010. Tables 6211. References 67


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Introduction

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background

The seed is basic input for agricultural production. . As planting materials “seeds”means the true seeds of food crops, edible oil, pulses, fruits and vegetables, fiber crops,flower and ornamental plants, forage crops; and also includes vegetative propagatingmaterials such as saplings, and tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, root cuttings and all types ofgrafts except those used for drugs and narcotics.

The quality of seeds is considered as an important factor for increasing yield. The useof quality seeds helps greatly in higher production per unit area to attain food security ofthe country. Quality seeds have the ability for efficient utilization of the inputs such asfertilizers and irrigation. Well thought policy, planning, congenial regulatory system,facilities for capacity and structural improvement both in public and private sectors arerequired for production, processing, preservation, and distribution of sufficient quantityof quality seeds in time to the farmers.

More than 160 different crops are grown in Bangladesh, the yield of almost all cropsare low as compared to the yield of the other countries. Lack of supply of quality seeds isone of the important limiting factors, only 18% of the total requirement of the qualityseeds are supplied by the public and private organizations, 82% of the seeds are producedtraditionally by the farmers are of very poor quality.

Seed borne pathogens are considered as major biotic agent for deteriorating seedquality. Most of our economically important crops suffer from a large number of seedborne diseases. It has been estimated that 10% crop loss worth Tk. 10,000 millionincurred annually due to seed-borne diseases in Bangladesh.

Seed quality is assessed by purity, germination and moisture content of the seed lot.Seed health is not considered. Facilities for seed quality testing are available in a veryfew private companies, none of them have seed health testing facility. Most of the privateseed companies test their seeds from SCA, SPC or BADC. Truthfully labeled seeds(TLS) are in the top of the list of seed supply by the companies, the quality of which issupposed to be equivalent to certified seeds. But the farmers are not happy of the qualityof the TLS available in the market as its performance is not satisfactory.

Around 40% people live below the poverty line, suffering from food insecurity andmal-nourished in the country. There is an annual food deficit of three million tons in thecountry, the food security problem will be more acute in future in the context of highpopulation growth rate, reduction of cultivable land and frequent natural hazards. Cropalone shares 11.7% of the total GDP.

The political and social security system of the government is mainly depending onfeeding the people with sufficient food produced from the cultivable lands. Failure of thegovernment to ensure the supply of quality seeds will results low production,unemployment, poor economic growth which will ultimately reflects to the poor GDP.


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Introduction

Supply of quality seeds was the responsibility of the public organization such asBADC During last couple of decades. These seed agencies were only the source ofquality seeds for the commercial growers and small farmers. Production, processing,preservation and distribution systems have undergone significant changes during the lasttwo decades. But supply of quality seed remained quite low because of technical andinfrastructural constraints. The situation has, however, improved considerably because ofexpansion of agricultural research system and development of seed industries orcompanies in the country.

Production and delivery system of quality seed to the farmers through public andprivate organizations of Bangladesh is facilitated by the seed regulation mechanisms suchas Seed Act, Ordinance, Policy and Rules. There is ample opportunity of harmonizationand improvement of the seed regulations within the SAARC countries particularly theissues related to export/import of seed and seed processing machineries, quality controland research system and maintaining a seed security arrangement with emphasis toensure the availability of quality seeds to the farmers in time and at reasonable price.

Bangladesh is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and has signed anagreement on different aspects of the international trade. The country has obligation toestablish legal mechanism to ensure intellectual property right (IPR) on new plantvarieties. To fulfill this requirement draft of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Right ProtectionAct is under process for approval. Major provisions of this act is to provide right to thebreeder and the farmers for commercial production and marketing of the seeds of newplant varieties

The progress in the development of private seed industries or companies have, nodoubt, increased availability of quality seeds to the commercial farmers, but theirimplications for quality seeds and ability to meet seed requirement of the small farmers orthe farmers in the marginal areas are seen uncertain. It is a matter of concern that privateseed sector may dominate the public seed sector and exploit the system for their quest ofprofit. These private companies will not only exploit local genetic materials for theiradvantages, but would also charge high prices for seed, restricting access of resourcepoor farmers to quality seed. The problem is further compounded by the introduction ofhybrid seed and genetically modified seeds. Private seed companies are supplyingincreasing proportion of hybrid seeds of vegetables and cereals. It is an urgent need tomaintain a balance in responsibilities between public and private sector so that the needfor quality seed of poor farmers are met at a reasonable price and to enhance overall seedreplacement rate.

There has been considerable development in seed technologies in the SAARCcountries but their application in the farmers field have been limited. It will beworthwhile to study for finding way to use technologies and examine the possibilities ofimproving the practices associated any aspect of seed quality. There are a number ofissues which need to be addressed to enhance availability quality seeds and evolvemechanisms which are cost-effective and enable regional cooperation. Updating theknowledge of current scenario on technical aspects of seed production, processing,preservation and distribution is a vital issue for the producer, traders, businessmen and


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Agriculture and Seed Scenario

users of quality seeds. Seed legislation is equally important for seed marketing at thenational and international level.

Documentation of country study reports of different countries in the region of south-east Asia on the current scenario of the status of production, processing, preservation,legislation and marketing of quality seed undoubtedly will be very useful forimprovement of the quality seed supply chain in any of the SAAR countries. The study inparticular will suggest how the SAARC countries can learn from their experiences andfoster public-private partnership and suggest policy, institutional and technical optionsfor strengthening sustainable seed system so that overall seed replacement rate could beenhanced. The opportunities for mutual cooperation in the area of cross-country trade inseed and exchange of new varieties and protecting farmers’ interest will be explored.

1.2. Objectives

The specific objectives for the study and preparation of the country study report areas follow:

♦ To document the requirement and availability of quality seed and seed replacementrate in Bangladesh.

♦ To study the seed quality control system and seed activities in the Seed Agencies/Organizations/Institutes of the country.

♦ To assess the present status of seed health test for judging seed quality and needfor capacity improvement, its effectiveness and possibility of its harmonization.

♦ To observe the infrastructural and technical facilities available in the public,private, and non- government organization in seed sector.

♦ To examine the rules, acts, ordinance, policy regulations for development, testingand release and movement of seeds of new or existing crop varieties, andprotection of Intellectual Property Right.

♦ To investigate the application of plant quarantine act/rules with emphasis to itsstrength or weakness and suggestion for the improvement.

♦ To elucidate the status of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Right Protection Act andfuture need for its application and harmonization with existing seed act.

2. AGRICULTURE AND SEED SCENARIO

2. 1. Agrarian structure and land use

The topography of the country mostly occupied by flat, low-lying land with somehilly and high land. About a third of the country is subjected to floods during themonsoon rainy season. The only significant area of hilly terrain, constituting less thanone-tenth of the nation’s territory, is the Chittagong Hill Tracts with scattered hills ofdifferent shapes and sizes. The Madhupur Tract and the Barind tract are the two oldalluvial terraces of the country, the former located in the north central part of the country,


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and the Barind tract remain standing on the north-west part and is extended up to theborder of India. The soil here is much less fertile than the annually replenished alluvialsoil of the surrounding floodplain in the delta. Bangladesh soil has previously beenknown to be highly fertile. A good fertile soil should have organic matter content higherthan 3%. In Bangladesh, most of the soils have now less than 1.5% of organic matter andwithout a natural replenishment of adequate nutrition, the decline in productivitycontinues.

Bangladesh situated in the north-eastern part of South Asia and located between20034_ and 26038_ north latitude and 88001_ and 92041_ east altitude. The country isbordered by India on the west, the north, and the northeast. Burma is on the southeast andthe Bay of Bengal on the south of the country. The total land area is 147570 sq. km ofwhich 136953 sq.km are located in the rural area and the remaining in the urban areas.Total agricultural land is 14.84 million ha of which 9.09 million ha is under cultivation.Land in the rural area is 136953 sq km and in the urban area is 10617 sq.km. Largenumber of rivers, the Padma, the Meghna, the Ganges, the Brahmaputra and the Jamunaare important geographical characteristic of Bangladesh. The rivers divide the countryinto six natural regions which consequently constitute six administrative divisions, 64districts, 599 Thanas and 508 upazilas includes 87362 villages (Table 3).

Bangladesh is one of the densely populated countries in the world. The populationaccording to the Census 2001 was 130.5 million of which 67731320 was male and62791278 female (Table 4); currently estimated to be 146.7 million; will nearly doubleby 2050 with the growth rate of 1.4%. The majority of the population (76%) living in therural areas. Households in the country is 254.9 million of which 194.6 million in the ruralareas and the rest in the urban areas (Table 5). About 63% of the population provideslabor force in agriculture in comparison to 11% and 26% in the industrial and the servicesector, respectively.

The climate of Bangladesh is characterized by a tropical monsoon. January tends tobe the coolest month and May the warmest. In all areas about 80% of the annual rainfalltypically occurs in the monsoon period during May to October. The minimum rainfall is44 mm and maximum is 1733 mm, the temperature ranges minimum 13.90C in the winterand maximum 32.60C in the summer, the average temperature in January is about 190C,and the average temperature in May is about 290C. The relative humidity ranges 73-86%.During the winter period the relative humidity usually remains low prevailing dryweather and it is humid in the summers during rest of the months in the year (Table 1).Bangladesh faces devastating natural calamities like cyclone, flood and droughtparticularly during the periods of April to May and September to November often causesgreat damage and losses of life.

The farming system in the country is highly diversified with more than 160 differentcrops and integrated with livestock, fishery and homestead forestry. However, theintensive rice cultivation is now dominating crop agriculture. Rice, wheat, tomato, potato,jute, sugarcane, chili, coriander, egg plant, cucurbits, radish, cauliflower, cabbage,palangsak, lalsak, puisak, dherosh are the important crops. The cool crops such as onion,tomato, potato, and pulses are grown in the winter and the others like spinach, indian


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spinach, ladysfinger, snakegourd, ribbedgourd, Bittergourd, amaranths etc are cultivatedduring the summer season. Some of the above mentioned crops are suitable forcultivation in both the seasons. Rice cultivars are grown in three distinct seasons such asAus (April to July), Amon (July-December) and Boro (November-May). Vegetables arecultivated in the summer (April to September) and the winter (October-March). Theseeds of the field crops and vegetables need to be stored for a period of 5-7 month beforethe seed can be used for the next crop. Availability of food items is limited in October-November and April-May in almost every year.

About 43% of the land is used for crop cultivation and 16% area is suitable formodern rice cultivation. About 80 thousand ha of the cultivable land is declining everyyear due to urbanization and infrastructure development and also because of degradation,erosion and salinity problem of the soil. The average farm size is around 0.68 ha. About80% of the households, owned only 0.02 to 1.0 ha of land. The average farm size isdeclining due to land fragmentation and the number of small farmers is increasingwhereas the number of medium and large farmers is declining. Around 45% of ruralhouseholds are landless.

Area under rice cultivation was 113. 02 lac ha in 2007 of which 11.15, 58.20 and43.67 respectively was under aus, amon and boro cultivation; the area was 113.38 lac hain 2008 covering 11.58, 55.09 and 46.75 lac ha of aus, amon and boro (Table 6). In theboro season 75% area is covered by HYV, 21% by hybrid rice varieties and only 4% bylocal varieties. About 73% amon area is used for HYV and 27% for local varieties. HYVcovers 67% of aus area as compared to 33% by local varieties. Cultivation of hybridvarieties of rice is limited only in boro season (Table 7). Wheat covers 3.72 - 3.70 lac ha.The area covered by potato is 3.77--5.20 lac ha as compared to 4.71- 4.73 lac ha occupiedby jute. Maize area increased from 2.22 in 2007 to 3.82 lac ha in 2008. Area under pulsesshows declining trend, it was 6.46 lac ha in 2007 and 5.89 in 2008 while area underoilseed increased from 5.69 lac ha in 2007 to 7.52 lac ha in 2008. The vegetable area is6.51- 6.63 lac ha while 4.41- 4.57 for spices and 0.74 lac ha for sugarcane cultivation(Table 8).

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Bangladesh largely depends on Agriculture sectorwhich contributes 21% to the GDP; the contribution of the crops alone is 11.70%. Therural non-farm sector is primarily driven by agriculture providing opportunity foremployment of man powers. Per capita income (US $) is 520 (Table 9).

2. 2. Trends in crop yield

The production of rice in Bangladesh has constantly increased since the 1970’s duedevelopment of high yielding (HYV) and hybrid varieties and relevant technologies fortheir cultivation. Production was around 31.05 million tons in the 2006 – 2007 and 31.98million tons in the 2007-2008 periods. Bangladesh is nearly self-sufficient with rice butsupplementary import is necessary to cover the food demand. Amount of rice in the boro,aus and amon were 15.99, 12.84 and 2.22 million tons in 2006-2007 which were 18.68,11.06 and 2.30 million tons, respectively in 2007-2008. Major quantity of rice is


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produced during Amon and Boro season. The average yield of hybrid rice is 4.7- 4.75tons/ha while it is 2.87-2.89 for HYV and 1.41-1.53 for local cultivars. The yield ofHYV in aus, amon and boro season is around 2.38-2.43, 2.38-2.60 and 3.64-3.85 tons/ha,respectively. The local cultivars produce 1.19-1.24, 1.20- 1.58 and 1.76-1.85 tons/ha,respectively during aus, amon and boro season (Table 10). Wheat production was 7.65lac tons in the year 2006-2007 which increased to 9.56 lac tons in the year 2007-2008.Maize production was nearly double (2.36 million tons) in 2007- 2008 than that in 2006-2007 (1.27 million tons) (Table 11). The increase in maize production is mainly causedby an increased demand for maize in human diet and as feed for the expanding poultrysector in combination with an introduction of higher yielding varieties, better seed qualityand better crop management. Wheat and maize share calories supply along with rice andare the major source of carbohydrate of the people of Bangladesh. Minor cereals likebarely, jower and cheena shows 384-735, 120-250 and 1466-4705 tons, respectively.

Vegetables production was 9.31million tons in 2006-2007 and 8.91million tons in2007- 2008. Around 1.96 tons of spices was produced in 2006-2007 and 2.31 tons in2007- 2008. Production of chilli in 2008 is lower than that in 2007. Potato, pulses, oilseeds and sugarcane also play an important role in the food supply (Table 12). Around5.28 million tons of potato was produced in 2006-2007 while in 2007-2008 its productionincreased to 9.24 million tons. The potato production is still performing low quality andyield of both seed and ware potatoes mainly due to by deterioration of the quality in theseed multiplication process and the inadequate storage facilities. Production of pulsesranged 5.37-5.82 lac tons annually (Table 13). There is significant trend of increase inproduction of oil seed from 6.18 lac tons in 2006-2007 to 9.24 lac tons in 2007-2008.Sugarcane production remains almost constant around 3.56 million tons annually. Juteand cotton are two important fibre crops of Bangladesh. Jute production has decreasedfrom 49.16 bales in 2006-2007 to 47.29 bales in 2007-2008. The area under vegetable isincreasing but rice, pulse and oil seeds area decreasing. Abrupt increase in area undermaize cultivation is remarkable. The yield gap between the potential yield obtained atresearch stations and the average yield in farmers’ fields is high in all food crops. Thenational average yield of rice is notably lower than that in China and Japan but higherthan the rice yields in Pakistan and India. In contrast, the harvested yield of maize ishigher in Bangladesh compared to the yield in Japan, China, India and Pakistan.

2.3. Seed replacement rate

The quality seeds of popular high yielding or hybrid varieties are the good seedspreferable to the farmers for cultivation. The productivity in agriculture will increasemany-fold if replacement bad seeds are replaced by the good seeds. The farmers will bevery encouraged and benefited by replacement of the bad seeds by the good seeds. It maybe mentioned here that, the seed replacement rate has increased greatly with theintroduction of hybrid seeds particularly maize, vegetables and rice. The seedreplacement rate is also considerably increased in jute and wheat mainly because ofavailability of quality seeds of improved varieties. Since the quality of farmer’s savedseed is poor, the availability of quality seed will not only improve seed replacement ratebut also help saving of seeds by using lower dose of seed per unit area. The seed


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replacement rate of oilseeds like mustard, groundnut and soybean are considered to bemuch higher mainly because of making availability of quality seeds of these crops bypublic sector seed enterprise the BADC. The seed replacement rate of potato is also highdue to supply of sufficient quantity of quality seed potato by both public and privatesectors. The role of cold storage is most important and essential for maintaining seedpotato quality. The BADC as well as many private seed companies have their own coldstorage facilities, some private seed companies and few financially solvent farmers canavail the facility to store their seed potatoes in cold storage. But resource poor farmers’don’t have such facility and can’t avail the cold storage facility to store their seed potato.

Once the farmers get the seeds of a high yielding variety from the seed organizations,they cultivate it, produce seed and store for reuse in the next season. Most of them rarelycome for replacement of the seed stock until the yield potential of that cultivar declinedremarkably. The advanced big farmers sometimes contact the seed organization forreplacement of their seed stock by the good seeds or the seeds of a new variety.

Seed replacement rate is around 25-35 % in rice which is higher (55%) in wheat. Incase of maize the seed replacement rate is maximum which is more than 99% as thefarmers used to buy the hybrid seeds this crop from the seed companies. The seedreplacement rate was only 1.155 in 2005-2006 which increased to 13.14% in 2007-2008.Similarly the seed replacement of oil seed crops tend to increase from 2.95% in 2005-2006 to 10.22% in 2007-2008. (Table 13)The seed replacement rate is steady invegetables; 29-36% of the total requirement of seeds is replaced by the quality seedssupplied by the seed organization. Around 4-6% is the seed replacement of potato. Seedreplacement rate is highly unsatisfactory in spices.

2.4. Seed Requirement and Supply

The public sector like BADC, DAE, BARI, BRRI and BJRI produce the seeds intheir own land or in the field of contract growers following the seed certificationprocedure and are known as formal seeds. Similarly the seed supplied by the seedcompanies and NGOs are also formal seeds. A portion of the formal seeds like the hybridseeds of rice, maize, and vegetables, and HYV seeds of spices, potato and jute areimported by both public and private sectors. The seed production and distribution systemin the public and private seed companies are mostly organized and formal system.Another source of seed supply is the informal seeds produced by the farmers andpreserved traditionally in their own land. These seeds are never being subjected to anyquality test and seed production procedure is not applied. The informal seeds are of badquality.

Four hybrid varieties (three from India and one from China were first introduced inBangladesh in 1998. As of 2008 a total of sixty hybrid rice have been released inBangladesh, out of which 57 hybrids in private sector, one in public sector (BADC) andtwo hybrids developed by BRRI. The hybrid seeds of maize and sunflower have beenintroduced in Bangladesh in 1980


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At present about 18% of the total requirement of seed of different crops is met up bythe formal seed system and the remaining 82% comes from the informal system whichincludes farmers’ saved seeds. Approximately 99% of the requirement of pulses seed isfulfilled by the farmer seeds; less than 1% of the total requirements are supplied byBADC. The supply of potato seeds by public sector is only 2%, the remaining 98% of thetotal requirement are met through private sectors and farmers own seeds. Around 50% ofthe total seeds of different vegetables are supplied by different seed companies.

The requirement of rice seeds varies 303875-306840 tons of which 117985-122985tons are supplied by the formal sectors in the three rice growing seasons. Out ofrequirement of 37000-37500 tons in aus season only 4690- 4885 tons seed are suppliedby the formal sector; in amon season supply is 36600-40700 against the requirement of167875-168000 tons; and in boro season supply is 72400-77400 tons while therequirement is 99500-102400 tons (Table 14).

Requirement of wheat seeds is 69600-70800 tons and the corresponding supply is39200-41050 tons. But in case of wheat seed, its requirement and supply has beendecreasing remarkably may be due to diversion of wheat area to other high value crops.Supply of maize seeds is nearly equal to the requirement of about 4970- 6800 tonsannually. The supply of maize seed is quite high mainly because of hybrid seeds whichare imported by private sector seed companies. Some minor cereals like barley, sorghum,foxtail millet etc. are cultivated on the marginal lands and are quite important. But thereis no organized supply of seed for these crops. Farmers keep seed and use it forcultivation.

Only 2808-3280 tons seed of pulses are supplied by the formal system against therequirement of 20965- 21370 tons per year. Although a very small quantity of pulse seedis supplied by BADC but sometimes the seeds is remained unsold. The maximumquantity (above 90%) of pulse seed is used by farmers’ own saved poor quality seed.Requirement of oil seeds is 14450- 15000 tons and the supply is only 1477 - 1982 tons.

About 930-1438 tons of vegetable seeds are supplied by the formal system, therequirement is 2600-2620 tons. The supply of potato seed is 22500-39686 tons againstthe requirement of 600000 tons. Minimum quantity, 384-496 tons seed of spices aresupplied by the formal sector whereas its requirement is 137000-153462 tons per year.

Many farmers buy jute seed, as it is difficult to preserve jute seed with their owninitiative. The area of jute cultivation is decreasing, as its cultivation is not profitable inthe context of emergence and increased popularity of synthetic fibre. As a result therequirement of jute seed might also be decreasing in the future. Cotton seeds are suppliedonly by the Cotton Development Board (public organization). Around 125-184 tonscertified seeds, 49-69 tons Foundation seeds and 5-6 tons Breeder seeds are produced andsupplied by the Cotton Development Board (Table 15). Tobacco seeds are supplied bythe private tobacco companies. There is also no organized seed supply system for sweetpotato and aroids.


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2.5. Trends in seed trade

The regulations for import of seeds are mentioned in ‘The National Seed Policy1993’. Except for appropriate plant quarantine safeguards, restrictions on importation ofseeds are to be eliminated. Approved varieties of rice, wheat, jute, potato and sugarcanemay be imported for commercial sale. However, registered seed growers will bepermitted to import small quantities of seeds of rice, wheat, jute, potato and sugarcane foradaptability testing. The Plant Quarantine Regulations provided under the DestructiveInsect and Pest Act 1966 (as amended upto 1989) are to be reviewed and reformed with aview to simplifying procedures to facilitate import of high quality seeds and plantingmaterials. Plant quarantine procedures will be made applicable to crop/plant species andnot to specific varieties.

Import permit and a phytosanitary certificate are required to import any type of seedto Bangladesh. These documents are issued by the Plant Protection Wing of theDepartment of Agricultural Extension (DAE) under the Ministry of Agriculture.Internationally accredited laboratory facility is required for issuing the seed certificate forseed trade. ISTA orange certificate is not yet mandatory for seed trade but seed qualitycertificate from the seed certification authority of the exporting country is needed. Inaddition, imported varieties of the five notified crops such as rice, wheat, potatoes, juteand sugarcane must be included in the list of varieties of the NSB.

The most active business in the seed system is the vegetable seed trade. Private sectormerchants are the main partners in these activities. Seeds of more than 30 differentvegetable crops are in trade. Most of the seeds of the vegetables grown in winter,particularly of cauliflower, cabbage, kohlrabi and watermelon, are imported and a verygood profit is made out of the this business. Organized seed production of the vegetableslike radish, Indian spinach, okra has started with very encouraging results.

On the other hand, hybrids of maize have been made available by private sector seedmerchants. Maize hybrid seed production has also been started by the private sector in alimited scale collecting parent lines from the multinational companies. The public sectorBARI (NARS) developed hybrid maize seed did not get popularity to the farmers mainlybecause of competition with much higher yielding hybrid seeds imported by privatesector companies. The requirement of hybrid maize seed has gained its momentum due tothe growth of poultry sector which is greatly contributing consumption of large qualitiesof maize grain as feed. The maize area has been increased many- fold because farmersare economically benefited by getting higher per unit yield due to use of hybrid maizeseed imported by private companies.

The agricultural import is characterized by import of food crops e.g. wheat, soybean,palm oils and rice which underline that the Bangladesh agricultural production does notcover the domestic food. The agricultural export is dominated by jute and jute-like fibre.The yearly export of fibre materials is about 85 million dollars, export of jute hasincreased in the last three years due to an increase its demand as material safe for thehealthy environmental. Tea has been an export commodity for a long time.


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Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Public Seed System

According to the seed ordinance and acts no person shall export or import or cause tobe exported or imported any seed of any kind or variety unless it conforms to thestandards of seeds quality, and the container of such seeds bears, in the prescribedmanner, the mark or label containing the correct particulars thereof specified in theordinance. On the recommendation of the Board, the Government may, by notification inthe official Gazette, recognize any seed certification agency established in any foreigncountry for the purposes of this Ordinance.

Approximately 1489 tons of rice seeds was imported from abroad in 2005-2006which then increased to 5336, 5601 and 8151 tons in 2006-2007, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 respectively; the import of maize seed was 3885, 3135, 2629 and 1928 tons; wheat2212, 0.01, 20 and 143 tons; the trend of jute seed trade was 2161, 2345, 2629 and 1928tons; potato 1911, 5718, 3742 and 4674 tons, vegetable 1085, 1368, 3098 and 725 tons;12, 21, 0.66 and 75 tons of onion seeds (Table 16).

The trend of seed import in 2006-2007, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 wasapproximately 178, 236 and 178 tons of lawn grass; 24.67, 284.35 and 190.06 tons ofcoriander, respectively. There was no import of flower seed in 2006-07; lawn grass andcoriander in 2005-2006. About 29.6 tons of pepper; 15 tons of oil crop seeds and 125 tonsof sorgum were imported only in 2008-09.

3. STRUCTURE, CAPACITY AND FUNCTIONING OF PUBLIC SEED SYSTEM

Bangladesh has a considerable number of public seed organizations. Development ofnew varieties of the cultivable crops and generation of technologies are the majormandatory functions of the research organizations. Breeder seeds are supplied by theresearch organizations and hence the vital source of good seeds. Multiplication of theBreeder seed in to Foundation seed and certified seeds is also the principal responsibilityof some of the public seed organizations. Activities of technologies transfer for qualityseed production and preservation by the farmers are also demonstrated by the publicextension organizations.

3.1. Public seed agencies and infrastructure

Bangladesh is proud of some famous research organizations. Some are involved invariety development and the others are directly involved in seed activities.

Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)

The Ministry of Agriculture looks after all the activities related to seeds through itsSeed wing. Preparing, adopting and administrating policies, acts, rules and regulationsrelated to seed activities are the jobs undertaken by the ministry. Different statutoryorganizations and bodies such as National Seed Board, Seed Certification Agency are theimplementing organizations of the seed legislations.


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Seed Wing (SW)

Seed Wing established in the year 1992 under the Ministry of Agriculture to assistthe government in handling the seed activities of the country. Director General is thehead of the Seed Wing assisted by one Chief Seed Technologist and two Assistant SeedTechnologists. The responsibilities of the Seed Wing are i) help update policies and planstrategies for the development of the seed industry with special attention given topromoting private sector seed enterprises and to ensure implementation of such policiesand strategies; ii) monitor development and commercialization of the seed sector; iii)oversee and co-ordinate the production of breeder and foundation seed by public andprivate seed enterprises to meet farmer's demands; iv) promote human resourcedevelopment in the seed sector through training, seminars and workshops; v) develop apermanent cadre of trained and experienced seed technologists in public sector institutesto ensure sustained growth of the seed industry; vi) plan and promote seed technologyresearch in the NARS, BAD and the private sector; vii) plan and implement a seedsecurity system including maintenance of buffer stocks of seeds. The Seed Wing shouldprovide technical assistance and other support/services to promote the development of aprivate sector seed industry.

National Seed Board (NSB)

The aim of the National Seed Board is to advise the Government on matters arisingout of the administration of this Ordinance and to carry out the other functions assignedto it by or under the Seed Ordinance. The NSB is the statutory body comprising ofconcerned officials and representatives from the private sector. Originally there were 15members of the NSB. The number has been extended to 19 including 3 (three) memberscoming from the private sector. The present provision of memberships is at the maximum25 in number. Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture is the Chairman and Director General ofthe Seed Wing is the Member Secretary of the Board. The Government has the authorityto select the Member Secretary. NSB advises the Government on different seedmanagement activities such as the application of seed ordinance, rules, policy, varietyreleases & registration, quality control, fixation of seed standards etc.

National Seed Board generally meets twice a year. If required, a special meeting ofthe NSB can be convened. Decisions of the NSB are circulated to the members in theform of proceeding of the meeting. Decision regarding release of a variety is published inthe official gazette of the government. Sometimes an official order or a circular is issuedto notify the decision of the NSB on specific matters. National Seed Board has twocommittees: (1) Technical Committee and (2) Seed Promotion Committee. The TechnicalCommittee prepares, through the meeting, recommendations on certain matters forconsideration of the NSB. Most specifically the committee is solely responsible torecommend the release of a variety. The Seed Promotion Committee is mostlyresponsible for promoting use of quality seed. The committee generally decides thequantity of seed to be supplied and the variety to be promoted.


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NSB advises the Government on all matters regarding the promotion anddevelopment of Seed Industry; the suitability and functions of the Government Seedlaboratory; to notify any kind or variety of seeds, withdraw or denotify outdated varieties;the procedure or standards for certification, test or analysis of seeds; the role andresponsibilities of the certification agency; seed security system; for the registration ofvarieties of crops grown in Bangladesh, whether developed locally or imported; makearrangement for the registration of Seed Dealers in Bangladesh; meet any time in a year,not less than twice, to dispose of matters brought before the Board for decision; changeany form attached to these rules for better functioning of the seed activities; recommendthe rate of fees to be levied for analysis of samples by seed laboratory and forcertification by the certification agency; discharge any other work or function, subject tothe prior approval of the Government, for carrying out the purposes of the Ordinance.

Seed Certification Agency (SCA)

Seed Certification Agency (SCA) established in 1974 is the regulatory authorityunder the Ministry of Agriculture. It is well equipped for seed testing and varietyevaluation (VCU and DUS). It has its head office at Gazipur. A twelve hectare controlfarm is attached to SCA headquarter for VCU, DUS, pre and post control and grow-outtests.

SCA is headed by the Director. It has five Regional Field Officers and 32 FieldOfficers throughout the country. The central laboratory of SCA is at Gazipur and anotherlaboratory at Ishurdi. The Seed Certification Agency shall certify seeds of any notified orother registered varieties and authorized for seed certification and variety release throughfield inspection, market monitoring and seed quality testing. It also coordinates thetechnical committee meetings and the field evaluation and variety release system.

The Seed Certification Agency shall certify the seeds of any notified kinds orvarieties or other registered varieties; outline the procedures for growing, processing,storage and labeling of seeds intended for certification and to ensure that the seed lotsfinally approved for certification are true to the variety and conform to the standardregarding the germination percentage, purity percentage, moisture contents and suchother components of seed quality for certification.

The Seed Certification Agency shall inspect fields to ensure the minimum standardsfor isolation, rouging, and other factors specific to the kind or variety are maintained atall times, as well as ensure that seed borne disease are not present in the field to a greaterextent than those provided in the standards for certification; inspect seed processingplants to see that the admixtures of other kinds and varieties are not introduced; ensurethat field inspection, seed processing plant. inspection, analysis of samples and issue ofcertificate, including marking, labeling and sealing, are taken expeditiously.

The Seed Certification Agency shall conduct DUS (Distinctness, uniformity andstability) tests, and co-ordinate and organize multi-location trials for performance testingof varieties (VCU-value for cultivation and use).


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The agency monitors by post control sampling procedures the seeds quality asdeclared on the labels of seed containers offered for sale by seed Dealers and feed backresults to the Seed Dealers to create awareness about quality; carry out varietaldescription activities as a part of review and recommend from time to time minimumstandards of seeds quality of different crops.

SCA employs 30 field officers who work under five regional field offices. Most ofthe field offices are located in the seed producing and processing areas of BADC andother private/NGO seed enterprises. With the support from SID/DANIDA, SCA hasestablished 25 regional seed testing laboratories throughout the country. The laboratoriesare equipped with the most basic instruments for purity, germination and moisture tests.For that reason, SCA field inspectors and other technical staff have been trained at SCAin Gazipur in laboratory procedures.

Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC)

This is virtually the sole public agency for production, preservation and distributionquality seeds of high yielding varieties of different crops seeds such as rice, wheat, jute,potato, vegetables, oil seed and pulses.

The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) is a public sectororganization under the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for multiplication, processingand marketing of seeds of different crops. It is the largest seed producer and supplier inBangladesh. Its Headquarters is in Dhaka. BADC has established a system of seedmultiplication of different crops by engagement of approximately 50,000 smallholders ascontract growers, 23 seed production farms, 16 contract grower zones, seed sale offices inall districts and connections with more than 1,000 registered private seed dealers. BADCoffers facility to the seed growers, traders and farmers for processing and preservation ofseeds at minimum price to enhance the supply of quality seeds of different crops in thecountry.

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)

Department of Agricultural Extension: Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)is the biggest organization under Ministry of Agriculture having its staff down to villagelevel. About 22,000 workers are engaged in disseminating agricultural technology andmaterials along with seed technology directly to the farmers. Agricultural technologiesdeveloped by NARS are taken to the farmers through the extension system of DAE.Besides, there are technical committees at national, regional and district levels fordetermining requirement of some technology(s) and feedback to the NARS. PlantProtection Wing under DAE is responsible for implementation of the Plant Quarantineservices. It also issues import and export permits and phytosanitary certificates forimporting and exporting plants and plant products as per Plant Quarantine Act.

DAE is also producing quality seed through farmers seed production programme.This is the biggest organization of the agriculture sector disseminating technologies forproduction and preservation of quality seeds by the farmers.


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DAE will be responsible for promoting newly involved superior crop varieties. Forthis purpose DAE will: Monitor the farmer's response/demand for varieties and transmitfarmer preferences to the NSB so that adjustments to production of Breeder andFoundation seed can be made; Promote new varieties among farmers throughdemonstration plots; Advise NSB on developments in the seed sector; Create a suitablecareer structure for seed technologists in all seed sector agencies so that staff continuityand retention of experience can be achieved; and Improve facilities at entry points forlaboratory testing and post entry quarantine testing.

Agricultural Information Services (AIS) will facilitate dissemination and sharing ofinformation from private and public sector seed agencies and enterprises with the farmingpublic, particularly with respect to promotion of new varieties.

Cotton Development Board

Cotton Development Board (CDB) is a public sector organization and takes care ofall activities like variety development, seed production and supply, cotton production andits marketing. It has two cotton research and seed multiplication farms and five regionalofficers for cotton production and procurement in different parts of the country. Itsheadquarters is in Dhaka headed by Executive Director.

Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC)

Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) under Ministry of Agriculture isthe apex body of the National Agricultural Research Sysytem in Bangladesh. The mainresponsibility of BARC is to strengthen the national agricultural research capabilitythrough planning and integration of resources according to the national priorities. BARChas the responsibility to coordinate research and promote inter-institute collaboration,monitor and review the research program of NARS institutes, assist institutes instrengthening research capacities and to establish system-wide operational policies andstandard management procedures and to assure that each institute is optimally governed.Total staff of BARC is 216 of which 42 are technical staff.

National Agricultural Research System (NARS)

The different research organizations forming the national agricultural research system(NARS) consists of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh RiceResearch Institute (BRRI), Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), BangladeshSugarcane Research Institute (BSRI), Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture(BINA), Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI), Bangladesh Livestock ResearchInstitute (BLRI), Fisheries Research Institute (FRI), Bangladesh Forest Research Institute(BFRI) and Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI). BARI, BRRI, FRI and BJRIhave their regional research centres at different agro-ecological and agro-climaticlocations of the country. The research activities of all the organizations are coordinatedby Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC). BARC is headed by theExecutive Chairman and it has a Board of Governors. All the Research Institutes are


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headed by a Director General and managed by a Board of Governors. BARI and BRRIhas Seed Technology Division and BJRI has a Seed Technology Unit to undertakeresearch on seed technological aspects.

According to ‘The national Seed Policy 1993’ varietal development by NARS shouldanticipate the increase in irrigated high-input, high-output cropping systems and adapttheir crop species and variety selection criteria accordingly. With an increasing demandof food by a fast expanding population, it is imperative that NARS respond by releasingseeds of high-input responsive crop varieties into the agricultural sector. In particular, theuse of hybrids must be expanded. To achieve this, the NARS will: reoriented its plantbreeding programmes to develop varieties that respond to sustainable high-input, high-output technology especially emphasizing diversified crops, such as oilseeds, pulses,cereals (other than rice), vegetables, fruits, etc. that fit into rice-based cropping systemsand the NARS will need to respond to farmer's current demands for varieties and crops;design breeding programmes keeping in mind the opportunity of importing improvedseed which may be an economic way to obtain improved varieties; develop adequatemaintenance breeding units at their regional/central research stations; and co-ordinatevariety development programmes between scientists and institutes in both public andprivate sectors by developing common objectives and testing procedures.

Seed Pathology Centre (SPC)

Seed Pathology Centre (SPC) located at the campus of the Bangladesh AgriculturalUniversity (BAU) will establish/strengthen a course in seed technology, which wouldcover all aspects of the seed industry from seed breeding to its multiplication anddistribution, seed policy and seed industry development; develop its seed laboratory as aNational Seed Health Laboratory which will, besides supporting the university's teachingfunctions, regularly review the seed quarantine requirements and develop seedtechnology necessary for the production of healthy seed; and promote the technology andproduction of inoculum for legume seeds in both public and private sectors.

3.2. Seed activities and various seed operations

BADC as the public seed organization has 30 seed multiplication farms, 20 seedprocessing centres, 10 cold stores, 22 Regional seed distribution centres (for seed dealers)and 78 Thana seed sale centres all over the country. Five Directors (planning, seed,irrigation, supply, finance). Seed activities are managed by the Member Director (Seed)through different divisions: farms, contract growers, procession, marketing. EachManager and Project Director as head of the division are responsible for managing theiractivities, which are mostly crop-specific. Only Manager Marketing is to undertakemarketing responsibilities of all seeds produced by BADC through different divisions.

3.3. Crop covered and size of operations, seed sale

The public seed organizations deals with almost all crops including rice, wheat,maize tuber crops, pulses & oilseed, jute and vegetables. Bulk quantity of rice seeds of


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Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Private Seed System

the varieties suitable for cultivation in aus, amon and boro seasons are marketed byBADC. There is an increased trend in rice seed market occupied by the organization.Quantity of amon rice seed has increased from 5669 tons in 2005-2006 to 12260 in 2006-2007 and 13500 toms in 2007-2008; boro rice seeds sale was almost double 23831-30650tons; while the sale was very in case of aus rice seeds which was only 470-940 tons. Thesale of wheat seeds ranged 12851-21000 tons and that of maize seeds 233-470 in eachgrowing season during the years 2005-2008. About 21000 tons of potato seed tubers ofBADC was available in the market in 2007-2008 cropping season which was 14000 tonsin 2006-07 and 9231tons in 2005. The sale of jute seed was 393, 1275 & 1327 tons in2005-2006, 2006-2007 and 2007-2008, respectively; the seed quantity of pulses in themarket was 275, 585 & 699 tons while that of oilseed was 435, 663 & 750 tons; theBADC market of vegetable seeds remained steady with 75- 86 tons seed sale. BARIdistributed 761 kg of vegetable seeds in 2006-2007 which was more than double, 1619 kgin 2007-2008.

4. STRUCTURE, CAPACITY AND FUNCTIONING OF PRIVATE SEEDSYSTEM

The seed industries have started to grow after the liberation of the country in 1971.Some seed companies started their seed business mainly by importing the vegetable seedsfrom abroad and selling to the growers of the country.

‘The National Seed Policy 1993’ keeps the provision for exchanging foreign currencyand other relevant issues. The importers of seeds and seed processing equipment will bemade eligible for allotment of foreign exchange. Seed merchants will be allowed to enterinto supplier's credit arrangements with foreign seed suppliers. Private sector seeds menwill be granted access to storage space, drying floors, dryers, cleaning equipment, andrelated equipment and facilities that are in excess of BADC-Seed Wing needs. Accesswill be through custom services, lease, or lease-purchase arrangements. Favorablepolicies, concessions, incentives, and support will be provided to promote private sectorparticipation in the seed industry.

‘The National Seed Policy 1993’ also advocate technical assistance, training andservices from BADC. Seeds Wing, DAE, NRS, NSTL, SCA and other public sector unitsinvolved in the seeds industry will be made available to private sector seeds men onrequest for a reasonable fee in connection with services such as seed testing, certificationand inspection. The private sector will be granted access to or included in all donorassisted and organized seed related training courses, workshops and study tours. In caseswhere expert technical assistance is brought into Bangladesh under donor financed seedrelated projects, the technical assistance and services will also be made available to theprivate sector. The Bangladesh Seeds Merchants Association and the Bangladesh SeedProducers Association will be used as a mechanism for communicating with the privatesector.

‘The National Seed Policy 1993’ assure the private sector representation in SeedPolicy Making: The private sector will be allowed representation in the National Seed


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Board, Variety Release Committee, and in any special committee constituted for or in theinterest of seed production in Bangladesh.

4. 1. Private seed agencies and infrastructure

Although private seed companies have been established since the post independenceera, accelerated growth of the private sector began after mid nineties. The emergence ofthe private industry has been a phenomenon of the last 15 years in Bangladesh. Entry intoits modern phase of dominance by integrated, well capitalized, professionally managedfirms is encouraging. Hybrid rice production is being continuing by private sector since1998. Currently there are large numbers of private seed companies, together with a fewmultinational companies.

In Bangladesh about 18 seed companies have the seed production facility either intheir own farm, leased land or in the contract growers field through the close supervisionby the technical skilled manpower designated as “Seed Production Manager” or FarmManager”. These companies also have seed processing and packaging facility andmanpower. About 12 seed companies have seed processing and packaging and storagefacility and manpower. All the seed companies have produced seed marketing networkwith a significant number of Market Manager through seed dealers selected by thecompany.

Participation of private entrepreneurs and NGO’s in seed business started uprisingday by day following technologies at different stages of production, production,procurement, processing and marketing of seeds in organized way. In case of vegetableseed, the situation is more encouraging. Besides the varieties developed in the publicsector research institute BARI, The private sector is still lacking behind in seedtechnology research, because accept one of two no other company could developedfacilities required for carrying out seed technology research.

After the adoption of the National Seed Policy in 1993, the emerging private seedsector and NGOs have played an increasing role in the seed production and seed supply.In 2005-2006, the amount of seed supplied by the private sector was estimated to be14,551 MT. the private seed companies are mostly confined to low volume/high valueseed e.g. hybrid seed of maize, rice and vegetables. In 2003, the different seedstakeholder associations formed a Seed federation of Bangladesh (SFB) to form a morecoherent interest organization representing the business interest of the private seedcompanies and influencing the GOB in seed related policy issue

Seed Companies

The emerging private seed sector includes both multinational companies anddomestic seed businesses. The leading seed companies in Bangladesh are: Lal Teer,Syngenta, Supreme Seed Company, Petrochem (Bangladesh) Limited, Auto Crop Care,Krishi Banijya Protisthan, Kushtia Seed Stores, Agri Business Corporation, Metal Seeds,Mollika Seeds, McDonald (Bangladesh) Ltd., Aftab Bahumukhi Farms Limited, Tinpata


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Seeds, Duncan, A.R. Malik & Namdharee Seeds, Masud Seed Company, Blue MoonInternational, Alpha Agro and Agri Concern.

Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

There are many non-government organizations working in the country, very few ofthem have organized activities in seed. During late nineties some NGOs had started totake up seed activities in an organized way. During the period more than a dozen ofNGOs have started activities on research, multiplication, processing and marketing ofseed. NGOs have their own organizational structure. They generally use the samestructure for the seed activities with support from the technical persons.

NGOs play an important role in seed supply in Bangladesh as in all other sectors ofthe Bangladesh civil community. Many of the NGOs have taken up seed production, seedmarketing and distribution both as relief programmes and on commercial conditions.More than 20 NGOs are involved in seed production and marketing. These includeBangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), Grameen Krishi Foundation,Proshika, RDRS, Gono Kollan Trust and Agricultural Advisory Society. The NGOs haverecently launched an organization named NGO Seed Forum.

Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC)

BRAC has become a major stakeholder in seed production and supply in Bangladesh.Before 1986, BRAC was only involved in distribution of vegetable seed for small holdersbut since 1996, BRAC has started to produce quality seed with the aim to provide theseseeds to the farmers on a commercial basis. It is a general perception that NGOs have acompetitive advantage in seed supply due to their donor support, lower interest rates, taxadvantages and NGO micro-credit schemes. Seeds from NGOs are often distributedthrough seasonal credit loans at subsidised interest rates. However, BRAC maintains thatthey work on comparable commercial conditions with the private seed sector.

4. 2. Seed activities and various seed operations

The new emerging private seed sector is characterized by a long range of differentassociations, some of them are described below:

Seed Merchants’ Association

This is a registered organization formed by the seed merchants who are mostlyengaged in procuring seed from home and aboard and marketing. It is managed throughan executive committee having a President and a General Secretary. This is the mostactive organization in the private sector dealing with seed. It has about 200 registeredmembers. It has an office and good communication network through telephone, fax, e-mail, etc. It has a representative in the National Seed Board.


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Seedmen’s Society of Bangladesh

This organization was formed in March 1993 to manage activities in the privatesector taking representatives from different seed organizations. As yet members are veryfew in number. It has a governing council consisting of 16 members with a President anda General Secretary. It has a representative in the National Seed Board.

Seed Growers Association

The Seed Growers Association is not a registered organization. It has an executivecommittee headed by a President and activities are performed by General Secretary. Ithas a representative in the National Seed Board.

Bangladesh Seed Dealers Welfare Association

During 1996 and Seed Wing MoA started registering private organizations orindividuals who had been performing any sort of seed activities. These registered SeedDealers formed an organization in the name of Bangladesh Seed Dealers WelfareOrganization. Many members of this organization are also the members of the otherprivate seed organizations.

Traditional marketing organizations

There exists a very strong marketing network having wholesaling and retailing of theseeds handled by the private seed businessmen. They have wholesale shops at SiddiqueBazar in Dhaka. Retailers or small wholesalers collect seed from this market. There aboutmore than 4000 seed shops in different market places in the country those are retailingseed of different companies and of the wholesale markets.

BARI has received support from the International Maize and Wheat ImprovementCentre (CIMMYT) in the development of varieties of maize and wheat while theInternational crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) collaboratedwith BARI in the development of groundnut and chickpea varieties. The InternationalPotato Centre (CIP) has worked closely with BARI in the introduction and developmentof potato germplasm. BRRI benefited from the collaboration with the International RiceResearch Institute (IRRI) in the releasing of new varieties of rice.

4. 3. Crop covered and size of operations, seed sale

The seed companies tend to focus on high value crops with the principal effort beingplaced on creating hybrids/HYV for maize, vegetables, sorghum and maize. The amountof vegetable seed production/import by the private seed companies are increasing. BRACproduces significant amount of hybrid seeds of maize. Remarkable progress in theproduction of quality seed by the seed companies observed during the current years. Inthe year 1995 only 50 tons of quality seeds of different vegetables were produced by theseed companies which increased 350 ton in 2000, 600 ton in 2005 and 857 ton in 2008.


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Quality Assurance Mechanism

Lal Teer Seed Company supplied highest amount of vegetable seeds as compared to otherseed companies like BRAC. During the year 2007-2008, Lal Tees supplied 186 metrictons of vegetable seeds while BRAC supplied 46 tons. There is fluctuation in the totalamount of vegetable seed supplied by these two seed companies during the last fouryears. In the year 2004 total production of maize seed by BRAC were 402 whichincreased to 868 ton in 2007 and 2008 expected to produce 900 tons of maize seeds. Theseed sale by the private sector show remarkable increase. It was 50 tons in 1995 whichwas 350, 600 and 857 in the next three subsequent years respectively. During thecropping season, 2007-2008, the private sector seed sale was 8800 tons of rice, 4500 tonsof maize, 1350 tons of jute 6500 tons of potato and 101 tons of spices.

Lal Teer is in the top list of vegetable seed sale in Bangladesh. This company hasmarketed 192, 260 and 185 tons of vegetable seeds while and the other big partner ofprivate seed organization, BRAC marketed 82, 59 and 38 tons respectively during theperiod 2004-2005, 2005-2006, and 2006-2007. The sale of hybrid maize by BRACranged 868-900 tons during the year 2006-2008. ACI is the another partner of privateseed sector marketed 150 tons of vegetable seeds as compared to Metal Seed Companymarketed 99 tons and the sale of AR Mallik was 68 tons in the year 2007-2008. Out of 48tons of hybrid vegetable seeds supplied by Lal Teer and BRAC in the year 2007-08, 20tons were produced in the seed production farm of the company in Bangladesh whileBRAC produced 5 metirc tons, the remaining 23 tons of hybrid vegetable seeds wereimported by these two companies.

5. QUALITY ASSURANCE MECHANISM

Seeds have been classified into four classes such as Breeder Seed, Foundation Seed,Certified Seed and Truthfully Labeled Seed for the purpose of controlling the quality ofthe seeds. Breeder Seed are developed and multiplied by the plant breeders and is onlythe source of the first and the recurring increase of seed true to the variety. FoundationSeed shall be the progeny of Breeder Seed and Certified Seed shall be the progeny ofFoundation Seed. Certified Seed may be the progeny of Certified Seeds provided thisreproduction may not exceed three generations and that the genetic identify and purity arenot significantly altered. Truthfully Labeled Seed (TLS) shall be progeny of Foundationor Certified Seed, the container of which has a label indicating its quality in a way asprescribed. Production of TLS is allowed by the National Seed Board (NSB) consideringthe necessity to maintain adequate seeds supplies.

5.1. Description of the mechanism and main weaknesses

The planting value and market price of the seeds can be measured only through thequality assessment of a seed lot. The major attributes that are in practical use are purity,germination and moisture content of the seeds. Genetical purity and seed health areimportant parameters to be included in the quality assurance of the seeds to be supplied tothe farmers for crop production. Quality control mechanisms are implemented by theNational Seed Board through the government organization and some committees and or


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agencies. The quality assurance mechanism includes, Seed Certification, Field Inspectionand Market Monitoring

Seed Certification

Breeder Seed, Foundation Seed and Certified Seed particularly of the notified cropsare under compulsory certification which means these classes of seeds cannot be suppliedor marketed with out certification. If the seed dealers want to sale as certified seed thatseed must the produced, processed and marketed following certification procedure ofSeed Certification Agency. The Seed Certification is a legal procedure for quality controlof seed placed for sale. Seed Certification procedure includes the (i) Receipt and scrutinyof application for certification; (ii) Verification of seed source; (iii) Field inspection toverify conformity to the prescribed field standard; (iv) Inspection at post harvest stages(including storing); (v) Seed sampling and seed testing; (vi) Grant of certificate andcertification tags; & (vii) Tagging and sealing.

Certificate is granted to a Seed Dealer on filling application to Seed CertificationAgency (SCA). Seed Dealer is a person or a Company or an Organization involved inproduction of seeds carrying on the business or importing, selling, hoarding for sale,bartering or otherwise supplying any seed of any kind or variety for agricultural purpose.Seed Dealers are registered with the National Seed Board (NSB). The application forregistration as Seed Dealer is to be made to the Member Secretary of the National SeedBoard. After examination NSB issues a certificate of registration as Seed Dealer. TheProcedures for seed certification start with filing an application to Seed CertificationAgency. Every application for the grant of a certificate shall be made in the prescribedForm.

On receipt of an application, seed Certification Agency shall, through inspection ofthe seed plots give decision on the application serving notice in prescribed Form IV in thecase of acceptance or in Form V in the case of rejection. Every certificate shall be grantedin the prescribed Form by the Certification Agency. Certification tag should be attachedto every container of the certified seed. The certification tag shall contain name andaddress of the Certification Agency, the name of the kind and variety of seeds; lotnumber or other mark of the seeds; name and address of the registered seed dealer; dateof issue of the certificate and its validity; an appropriate sign to designate certified seeds.

The class designation of the seeds like breeder, foundation and certified, and theperiod during which the seeds shall be used for sowing or planting; should clearly bementioned. Whether treated or not; if treated marking as follows should be given: “Donot use as food, feed or oil”; that the use of seed after the expire of the validity period byany person is entirely at his risk and the holder of the certificate shall not be responsiblefor any damage to the buyer of the seeds; that no one should purchase the seeds if the sealor the Certification tag has been tampered with.

The color of the Certification tag shall be green for breeder seed, white forfoundation seed, blue for certified seed and yellow for truthfully labeled seed; thecontainer of the certified seeds shall carry a seal of such material and in such form as the


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Certification Agency may determine and no container carrying a Certification tag shall besold by the person if the tag or seal has either been tampered with or removed. The holderof the certificate shall keep record of the details of each lot of the seed which is issued forsale in such form as to be available for inspection and to be easily identified by referenceto the number of the lot as shown in the Certification tag of each consumer and suchrecord shall be retained in the case of seeds for which the date of expiry is fixed for aperiod of two years from the expiry of such date; the holder of the certificate shall allowany Seed inspector, authorized in writing by the Certification Agency in that behalf, toenter with or without prior notice the premises, where the seeds are grown, processed andsold and to inspect promises, plant and the process of processing at all reasonable hours;the holder of the certificate shall allow the Seed Inspector, authorized in writing by theCertification Agency, to inspect all registers and records maintained and to take samplesof the seeds and shall supply to the Seed Inspector such information as he may require forthe purposes of ascertaining whether the conditions subject to which the certificate hasbeen granted have been complied with; The holder of the certificate shall on requestfurnish to the Certification Agency from every lot of the seeds or from such lot or lots asthe Certification Agency may from time to time specify, a sample of such quantity as theAgency may consider adequate for any examination required to be made:

Seed Certification Agency (SCA) is the legal authority to provide label and tag forcertification of Breeder Seed, Foundation Seed and Certified Seed. But the seed producerwill provide label and tag for the Truthfully Labeled Seeds (TLS) and contains the sameinformation as mandatory for certification of other classes of seeds. Yellow tag is usedfor TLS. The seed standards and field standards fixed by the NSB for Certified Seeds areused for TLS. The TLS certificate is issued by the producer, the producer conduct allactivities in a similar way as done by the SCA for seed certification and contains thesame information

The holder of the certificate shall not, if the Certification Agency so directs, sell oroffer for sale any lot in respect of which a sample is furnished to the Agency under clauseabove until the Agency authorizes the sale of such lot the holder of the certificate shall,no being directed by the Certification Agency that any part of a lot has been found by theAgency not to conform to the specific standards of quality or purity, withdraw theremainder of that lot from sale and so far as may, in the particular circumstances of thecase, be practicable, recall all issue already made from that lot; and the holder of thecertificate shall comply with the provisions of the Ordinance, Acts and the Rules andwith the directions given after not less than one month’s notice by the seed CertificationAgency to such holder.

Every memorandum of appeal preferred under shall be in writing and shall beaccompanied by a copy of the decision of the Certification Agency against which it hasbeen preferred and shall set forth concisely and under distinct heads the grounds ofobjection to each decision without any argument or narrative. (ii) Every memorandum ofappeal shall be accompanied by a treasury receipt for a sum of Tk. 500.00 (Taka fivehundred only). (iii) Every memorandum of appeal may be presented either in person orthrough an agent duly authorized I writing in this behalf by the appellant or may be sent


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by registered post. In deciding appeals under the Seed Ordinance, 1977, the appellateauthority constituted by the Board in this behalf shall follow the same procedure which acourt follows in deciding appeals for the decree or order under the Code of CivilProcedure, 1908.

Certificate is granted by the certification agency according to The Seeds Ordinance1977, The Seeds (amendment) Act 1997 and The Seeds (amendment) Act 2005. Anyperson selling, keeping for sale, offering to sell, bartering or otherwise supplying anyseed of any kind or variety may, if he desires to have such seed certified by theCertification Agency, apply to the Certification Agency for grant of a certificate for thepurpose. Every application shall be made in prescribed form, shall contain suchparticulars and shall be accompanied by such fees as may be prescribed. On receipt ofany such application for the grant of a certificate, the Certification Agency may, aftersuch enquiry as it thinks fit and after satisfying itself that the seed to which theapplication relates conforms at least to the minimum limits of germination and purityspecified for that seed, grant a certificate in such form and on such conditions as may beprescribed.

There is provision in the Seed ordinance and Acts for revocation of certificate if theCertification Agency is satisfied, either on a reference made to it in this behalf orotherwise, that the certificate granted by it under section 9 has been obtained bymisrepresentation as to any essential fact, or the holder of the certificate has, withoutreasonable cause, failed to comply with the conditions subject to which the certificate hasbeen granted or has contravened any of the provisions of this Ordinance or the rules madethere under, then, without prejudice to any other penalty to which the holder of thecertificate may be liable under this Ordinance, the Certification Agency may, after givingthe holder of the certificate an opportunity of showing cause, revoke the certificate.

Seed ordinance and Acts allows any person aggrieved by a decision of theCertification Agency may, within thirty days from the date on which the decision iscommunicated to him and on payment of such fees as may be prescribed, prefer an appealto such authority as may be specified by the Government in this behalf. Provided that theappellate authority may entertain an appeal after the expiry of the said period of thirtydays if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filling theappeal in time. On receipt of an appeal, the appellate authority shall, after giving theappellant an opportunity of being heard dispose of the appeal as expeditiously aspossible. Every order of the appellate authority under the section shall be final.

Field inspection

Seed quality includes genetically purity, physical purity, germination capacity,moisture contentt, health and vigour. The quality possessed by the lot or stock is to beascertained field stands. All except genetical purity can be determined in the Seed TestingLaboratory by testing the seed following prescribed procedure for Seed Testing. Seedtesting procedure has been prepared by following the guidelines given in the ISTAproceeding. Genetical purity is to be ascertained by growing crops in the field


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undertaking field Inspection. As such it is necessary to accomplish the following twoactivities in order to provide quality assurance. Seed are tested in a laboratory followingset procedure. The results obtained in the tests provide indication of the physical andphysiological qualities and health status of the seed under test thereby of the lot or stock.

Field Inspection is the act of performing the field operations like counting percentageof undesirable plants and diseases plants, ascertaining isolation distances of the seed cropetc, and finally declaring acceptability or non-acceptability of the seed crop. After doingfield inspection advice is also given to the growers for necessary rectification for his seedcrop field. Field Inspection and seed testing are the main two tools for executing anyschemes like Seed Certification, Truthfully Labeling and Market Monitoring required forcontrolling quality of the seed for sale. Field Inspection procedure has been described bySCA following guidelines available in OECD certification scheme and experience gainedin producing seed in the country. Seed standards fixed by the NSB are followedrespectively during the field inspection of the seed crop and laboratory test of the seedsamples.

Market monitoring

Market Monitoring is done by collecting samples of the seed placed for sale in themarket and conduct test of the samples. If the quality of the marketed seed is found belowthe prescribed standard the seed dealer who places the seed in the market will be put totask as per existing ‘Seed Ordinance’ and ‘Seed Acts’ of the country. Notwithstandinganything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1998 (Act No. V of 1998) nocourt shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under the Seed Amendment Act2005, except upon a complaint in writing, made by a Seed Inspector. Notwithstandinganything contained in the Code of Criminal procedure an offence punishable under theAmendment Act 2005, may be tried at any place within the local jurisdiction of themetropolitan magistrate or of the first class magistrate.

If any person contravenes any provision of the Seed Amendment Act 2005 or anyrule made there under, or prevents a Seed Inspector taking sample under this Ordinanceor prevents him from exercising any other power conferred upon him by or under thisOrdinance, he shall be on conviction and be punishable for the first offence, withimprisonment for a term not exceeding thirty days or with fine which may extend to takafive thousand, and in the event such person having been previously convicted of anyoffence under this section, with imprisonment for a term not exceeding ninety days orwith fine which may extend to taka twenty thousand.

The country has been divided in 32 zones within their assigned jurisdiction and FieldOfficers of Seed Certification Agency have been authorized to collect samples of theseeds placed in the market for sale. The procedures of taking and handling samplesshould be followed as, described in the ‘The Seed Rules 1998”.


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5.2. Measures to strengthen the quality assurance mechanism

The Ministry of Agriculture has made necessary amendments in the Seed relatedRegulatory Frameworks like The Seeds (Amendment) Acts, 2005, but no amendment hasyet been made in The National Seed Policy, 1993 and The Seed Rules, 1998. In the Seedrelated Regulatory Frameworks, other necessary and essential legal frameworks are yet tobe enacted into law like (i) Plant Variety Protection and “Farmers Rights Protection Acts(draft), (ii) Plant Quarantine Regulations (Amendment draft) is under process fornotification.

The seed lots to be exported from Bangladesh may not be accepted by the importingcountry because it has to be conformed with the standard of ISTA certificate; there is noISTA accredited laboratory in the country. The importers urge that the imported seedconsignments are detained at different ports of entry by the concerned plant quarantineofficers for verification of seed quality. The importers have to pay demurrage to thecustoms authority due to detention of consignments in the port warehouses. The capacityand capability of plant quarantine need to be strengthened and the plant quarantine rulesneed to be modified to overcome this constraint.

5. 3. Seed health status and activities

Seeds, while growing, maturing and ripening in the fields are liable to infection byvarious pathogens. These pathogens produce various kinds of symptoms on or in theseeds. Propagules of different pathogens present in dusts/soil particles and infected cropdebris may also be mixed up with seeds in a given seed lot during harvesting, threshing,processing, packaging and storage. Thus, seeds can harbor/carry pathogens asconcomitant contamination. Quality seed must be completely free from pathogens or maycontain propagule(s) within maximum acceptable limit. Seed health is vitally importantfor seed quality. Field Standard and Seed Standard can not ensure quality of the seedsunless seed health is considered because there is every possibility of crop failure if seedscarry any harmful pathogen.

National Seed Board has fix the seed health standards for a number of dangerouspathogens/diseases of the notified crops. These standards have been arbitrarily fixed inthe line of the standards of the neighboring countries without the employment of researchand practical experiences of the eminent Plant Pathologists and Entomologists ofBangladesh. Therefore, these standards should be amended based on the opinion of theconcerned crop scientists particularly from the field of plant pathology and entomology.

The SCA or the seed producers conduct field inspection to assess the status ofincidence of diseases and insect-pests and conduct seed quality tests for issuing certificatebut seed health test is not considered. At present seed health test is not compulsory forseed certification programme. Seed health standard should be incorporated andmandatory for certification of all classes of seeds.

Attempts have been made to establish official seed health standard for seed bornediseases for a wide range of crops and diseases. The latest attempt was taken in 1987,


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where the NSB established tolerance levels for 17 pathogens and 28 diseases. Thesestandards were further revised in 1991 and 1995 with the addition of seed healthstandards for e.g. loose smut (Ustillago tritici) in wheat and stem rot (Macrophominaphaseolina) in jute. It may be noted here that, many of these tolerance levels/seedstandards needs to be modified again to make them usable.

There is a Central Seed Testing Laboratory under SCA in Bangladesh but it has notyet been accredited with the ISTA. There is no technical or physical facility for seedhealth testing in the SCA, seed health test is carried out in the Seed Pathology Centre(SPC) at BAU in Mymensingh on voluntary basis. Seed health laboratory facility is notavailable in any private seed organization or companies. Some public organizations havedeveloped minimum facility for conducting research in the field of seed pathology. Thepublic and private sector enterprises should come forward to improve their seed qualityby incorporating the seed health standards in the seed certification process.

Export and import of any planting materials including seeds are controlled byquarantine system of the country. The consignment of seeds intends to enters through anyports of Bangladesh are subjected to seed health inspection is carried out by the PlantQuarantine Officers of the Plant Protection Wing under the Department of AgriculturalExtension. Testing of imported (plants and plant products) and exportable goods,including germplasm, is carried out, in the glass house. With the fulfillment of allphytosanitary requirements, the consignment of seed is released.

The present list of plant quarantine organisms under the Destructive Insects and PestsRules includes 61 fungal of 26 hosts, 10 bacteria of 9 hosts, 27 viral pathogens of 25hosts and 6 nematodes of 5 hosts. The entry of these pathogens is prohibited inBangladesh. The existing plant quarantine regulation was reviewed by a technicalmission In 1991. The experts suggested a new PQ organism list containing 15 species ofinsects, 1 mite, 7 nematodes, 34 fungi, 17 bacteria, 38 viral and 11 weeds for a total of 31crops. However, this legislation has not yet been implemented. Lack of adequateequipments in different plant quarantine stations, trained manpower and up-datedregulatory framework the plant quarantine system in Bangladesh is not at theinternational standard.

Research in Bangladesh has made significant contribution in the field of seedpathology. The most of the destructive and widely distributed seed-borne are known. Theseed-borne diseases of rice includes (brown spot Bipolaris oryzae), blast (Pyreculariagrisea), sheath rot (Sarocladium oryzae), sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani), leaf scald(Microdochim oryzae), seed rot and seedling blight (B. oryzae, Sclerotium rolfsii andFusarium spp.) and grain spots (B. oryzae, Curvularia lunata, Nigrospora oryzae, Phomaglumarum & Cladosporium sp.), bacterial leaf blight (Xanthomonas compestris pv.oryzae), bacterial leaf streak X. campestris pv. oryzicola). The seed-borne diseases ofwheat are leaf blight (Bipolaris sorokiana), black point (Bipolaris sorokiana andAlternaria tenuis), yellow spot (Bipolaris tritici repentis) and loose smut (Ustilago tritici).Pulses suffer from Leaf spot (Cercospora canescens), foot and root rot (Sclerotiumrolfsii), yellow mosaic virus, anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum), seed rot(Fusarium oxysporum), bean common mosaic virus, mungbean golden mosaic virus,


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Seed Regulations and their Effectiveness

purple seed stain (Cercospora kikuchi). The seed borne diseases attacking vegetables inBangladesh are leaf spot/leaf blight (Alternaria brassicae) anthracnose (Colletotrichumspp.) seed rot (Collectotrichum dematium) and stem rot (Macrophomina phaseolina),early blight (Alternaria solani), fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici),late blight (Phytophthora infestans) and bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum), leaf curlvirus, mosaic virus, leaf root virus, fruit rot. Macrophomina phaseolina, Collectotrichumdematium and jute mosic virus are the important seed-borne pathogens of jute.

The seed-borne diseases of sugar cane are wilt (Cephalosporium sacchari), pineappledisease or sett rot (Ceratocystis paradoxa) and red rot (Colletotrichum falcatu) and leafmosaic. In potato, Phytophythora infestans causing late blight, Fusarium oxysporum(germination failure), black leg/soft rot caused by Erwinia carotovora var. atroseptica,potato leaf roll virus, potato virus X and Y are considered to be the major seed-bornepathogens. Onion health constraints in Bangladesh are reported to be caused byAlternaria porri. Banana grows almost everywhere in Bangladesh. Both the plant and thefruit are attacked by a number of pathogens. The major diseases in the country arePanama wilt disease ( Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense) which is soil-borne; bunchytop transmitted by the aphid Penalonia nigronvervosa; bacterial wilt of banana (caused byRalstonia solanacearum) and anthracnose (Colletotrichum musae).

Important storage fungi Asperigillus spp. (Asprgillus flavum, A, glaucas, A. niger A.clavatonanica and A. flaviceps), Penicillium spp., Epicoccum sp., Chaetomium spp.,Alternaria tenuis, Fusarium spp., Cladosporium spp., Curuvlaria spp., Rhizopus sp andDorotomyces. The contamination with mycotoxins of the foods and feeds examined theincidence of aflatoxin ranged from low (8% of rice collected from farmers’ stores) tohigh (67% of maize collected from farmers’ stores). However, the average total aflatoxincontents ( < 1.0 mug/kg) and the maximum aflatoxin Bangladesh-1 contents (less than orequal to 5.0 mug/kg) recorded for pulses, rice and its various products, and wheat werelow (5). On the other hand, the levels of contamination of maize, roasted and rawgroundnuts and poultry feed are considerably higher

6. SEED REGULATIONS AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS

The quality control mechanism, export and import management and marketing anddistribution system for seeds of the crops grown in Bangladesh are implemented by theseed related regulatory frameworks such as a) The Seed Ordinance, 1977; b) The Seeds(Amendment) Act, 1997; c) The Seeds (Amendment) Act, 2005); d) The National SeedPolicy, 1993; e) The Seed Rules, 1998; and f) The Destructive Insects & Pest Acts.

a) The Seed Ordinance 1977 made by the President of the People’s Republic ofBangladesh on the 13th July 1997, is hereby published for general information to providefor regulating the quality of certain seeds for sale and matters connected therewith. Itmentions the role and functions of the National Seed Board (NSB) and the SeedCertification Agency (SCA) and also clearly explains issues like seed dealer, seedlaboratory, fixation of standards, regulations for seed sale, import and export, seedcertification, seed analyst, seed inspectors etc.


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b) The Seeds (Amendment) Act, 1997 made by the Parliament of the People’sRepublic of Bangladesh on the 13th March 1997. Clause(s) of Section-2, Section-3,Section-6, Section-7, Section-14 and Section-19 of The Seeds Ordinance 1977 have beenamended by this act.

c) The Seeds (Amendment Act, 2005) made by the Parliament of the People’sRepublic of Bangladesh on the 22 September 2005. Clause(s) of Section-2, Section-3,Section-4, Section-6, Section-7, Section-8, Section-9 Section-14, Section-15, Section-17,Section-18, Section-19 of The Seeds Ordinance 1977 have been amended by the act.

d) The National Seed Policy, 1993 of Bangladesh was declared on the 08th March1993. The overall objectives of this policy is to make the best quality seeds of improvedvarieties of crops conveniently and efficiently available to farmers with a view toincreasing crop production, farmer's productivity, per capita farm income and exportearnings. The Specific Objectives are a) to breed, develop and maintain improved cropvarieties with special emphasis on those suitable for high-input and high outputagriculture; b) to multiply and distribute, on a timely basis, to all farmers sufficientquantities of quality seed of improved high yielding varieties that are resistant or tolerantto disease and insect pests; c) to promote farmer's acceptance and use of improvedvarieties of seeds; d) to promote, through education, training and financial supports,balanced development of public and private sector seed enterprises; e) to simplify theimportation, for research and commercial purposes, of high quality seeds and planningmaterials; f) to promote seed technology by providing training and technical supports toagricultural specialists and professionals, farmers and workers, and private seed growersand merchants in seed production, processing, storage and use of high quality seeds andg) to monitor control and regulate the quality and quantity of seeds produced as well asdevelopment and commercialization of the seed industry.

e) The Seed Rules, 1998 was circulated on the 13th July 1998 by a gazettenotification. It elaborates the role and function of the National Seed Board (NSB) and theprocedures for registration of seed dealers, registration of varieties and labeling of theseed offered for sale in sealed containers or packets. The functions of the SCA and itsseed inspectors are highlighted. The seed rules also describe in more detail the seedregulatory framework and stipulate the forms and procedures in relation to application forvariety registration, field inspection, seed certification and market control.

d) Plant Quarantine Act, 1966 was approved by the parliament of Pakistan in 1966and remained effective after liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. It was amended by theParliament of Bangladesh as “Destructive Insects and Pest Rules” in July, 1989. Theobjective the act is to prevent entry, establishment or spread of a foreign pest in thecountry through legal restriction on the movement of plant and plant products. Furtheramendment of the Destructive Insects and Pest Rules was drafted in 2005 and it is nowunder consideration of the government.


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6. 1. Regulation dealing with seed production, handling and distribution

The Section, Clauses or Sub-clauses of The Seed Ordinance 1977, The Seeds(Amendment) Act 1997, The Seeds (Amendment) Act 2005, The National Seed Policy1993, The Seed Rules 1998, and The Destructive Insects & Pest Acts 1966 relevant to theregulation dealing with seed production, handling and distribution are discussed below.

Seeds Ordinance and Acts

The government shall regulate the quality of seed of any kind or variety to be soldand used for the purposes of agriculture. The Government after consultation with theBoard (NSB) of opinion that it is necessary or expedient to regulate sale, distribution,battering or otherwise supplying, and import of seed of any kind or variety, it may, bynotification in the official Gazette, specify such kind or variety to be a notified kind orvariety for the purposes of this Ordinance and different kinds or varieties may be notifiedfor different areas.

New varieties of non-notified crops developed by public or private agencies will besubject to approval and certification by the Board before being released. New varieties ofnotified crops developed by public agencies will be subject to approval by, and beregistered with the Board before being released. Varieties of non-notified crops those areimported or locally developed by a private agency shall be registered with the Boardgiving prescribed cultivar description. In the event of a seed of any kind or variety isfound to be harmful or potentially harmful to agriculture in any way, the Board mayprohibit the sale, distribution, bartering, or otherwise supplying, import and use of thatvariety and may take any other action in the interest of agriculture. Any proposal forrelease of new varieties of notified crops shall be examined by a Technical Committeeheaded by the Executive Chairman, BARC and consisting of representative from NARS,SCA, DAE, BADC, private sector seed growers and farmers associations and makerecommendation to the Board. Proposal for release of new varieties of non-notified cropsdeveloped by any public agency shall be subject to examination by the TechnicalCommittee.

After consultation with the Board (NSB), the Government may, by notification in theofficial Gazette, specify the minimum limits of germination and purity with respect toany seed of any kind or variety; the mark or label to indicate that such seed conforms atleast to the minimum limits of germination and purity specified in the Gazette and theparticulars which such mark of label may contain.

No agency or certified seed grower or certified seller of seed carry on the business ofselling, keeping for sale, offering to sell, bartering or otherwise supplying any seed of anykind or variety, unless such kind or variety of seed is registered with the NSB; such seedconforms at least to the minimum limits of germination and purity and the container ofsuch seeds bears, in the prescribed manner, the mark of level containing the correctparticulars thereof specified in the Seeds Ordinance or Acts and complies with such otherrequirements as may be prescribed; and for the purpose of this Ordinance every seeddealer shall be registered with the NSB.


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The Seed Inspector may take samples of any seed of any kind or variety from anyperson selling such seed; or any person who is in the course of conveying, delivering orpreparing to deliver such seed to a purchaser or a consignee; or a purchaser or aconsignee after delivery of such seed to him. He may send such sample for analysis to theSeed Analyst for the area within which such sample has been taken. Where any sample ofany seed of any kind or variety is taken its cost, calculated at the rate at which such seedis usually sold to the public, shall be paid on demand to the person from whom it is taken.He may exercise such other power as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes ofthis Ordinance or any rule made there under.

The power conferred by the ordinance includes power to break open any container inwhich any seed of any kind or variety may be contained or to break open the door of anypremises where any such seed may be kept for sale, provided that the power to breakopen the door shall be exercised only after the owner or any other person in occupation ofthe premises, if he is present therein, refuses to open the door on being called open to doso.

Where the Seed Inspector takes any action he shall, as far as possible, call not lessthan two persons to be present at the time when such action is taken and take theirsignatures on a memorandum to be prepared in the prescribed form and manner. Theprovisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898) shall, so far as maybe, applied to any search or seizure made this section as they apply to any search orseizure made under the authority of a warrant issued under section 98 of the said Code.

Whenever a Seed Inspector intends to take sample of any seed of any kind or varietyfor analysis, he shall give notice in writing, then and there, of such intention to the personfrom whom he intends to take sample; except in special cases provided by rules madeunder the Ordinance, take three-representative samples in the prescribed manner andmark and seal or fasten up each sample in such manner as its nature permits. Whensamples of any seed of any kind or variety are taken the Seed Inspector shall deliver onesample to the person from whom it has been taken; send in the prescribed manner anothersample for analysis to the Seed Analyst for the area within which such sample has beentaken; and retain the remaining sample in the prescribed manner for production in caseany legal proceedings are taken or for analysis by the Seed Laboratory.

If the person from whom the sample have been taken refuses to accept one of thesamples, the Seed Inspector shall send intimation to the Seed Analyst of such refusal andthereupon the Seed Analyst receiving the sample for analysis shall divide it into two partsand shall seal or fasten up one of those parts and shall cause it, either upon receipt of thesample or when he delivers his report, to be delivered to the Seed Inspector who shallretain it for production in case legal proceedings are taken.

Where a Seed Inspector takes any action he shall use all dispatch in ascertainingwhether or not the seed contravenes any of the provisions and if it is ascertained that theseed does not so contravene, forthwith revoke the order passed, take such action as maybe necessary for the return of the stock of the seed seized; if he seized the stock of theseed, he shall, as soon as may be, inform a Magistrate and take his orders as to the


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custody thereof; without prejudice to the institution of any prosecution, if the allegedoffence is such that the defect may be removed by the processor of the seed, he shall, onbeing satisfied that the defect has been so removed, forthwith revoke the order passed anyrecord, register, document or any other material object he shall, as soon as may be,inform a Magistrate and take his orders as to the custody thereof.

The Seed Analyst shall, as soon as may be, after the receipt of sample analyze thesample in the Laboratory and deliver, in such form as may be prescribed, one copy: thereport of result of the analysis to the Seed Inspector and another copy thereof to theperson from whom the sample has been taken. After the institution of a prosecution underthis Ordinance the accused need, on payment of the prescribed fee, make and applicationto the court for sending any of the samples mentioned to the Seed Laboratory for itsreport and on receipt of the application, the court shall first ascertain that the mark andthe seal or fastening are intact and may then dispatch the sample under its own seal to theSeed Laboratory which shall thereupon send its report to the court in the prescribed formwithin one month from the date of receipt of the sample, specifying the result of theanalysis. The report sent by the seed laboratory shall supersede the report given by theseed analyst. Where the report sent by the seed laboratory is produced in anyproceedings, it shall not be necessary to produce in such proceedings any sample or partthereof taken for analysis.

Not withstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (ActNo. V of 1898), no court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under thisOrdinance except upon a complaint in writing, made by a Seed Inspector. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act No. V of1898)an offence punishable under this Ordinance may be tried at any place within thelocal jurisdiction of the metropolitan magistrate or of the magistrate of the first class

If any person contravenes any provision of this Ordinance or any rule made thereunder, or prevents a Seed Inspector from taken sample under this Ordinance or preventshim from exercising any other power conferred on him by or under the Ordinance, heshall, on conviction, be punishable (a) for the first offence, with imprisonment for a termnot exceeding thirty days or with fine which may extend to Taka five thousand, and (b) inthe event of such person having been previously convicted of any offence under thissection, with imprisonment for a term not exceeding ninety days or with fine which mayextend to Taka twenty thousand.

Not withstanding anything contained in Section 32 of the Code of CriminalProcedure, 1898 (Act No. V of 1898), it shall be lawful for any metropolitan magistrateor magistrate of the first class to pass a sentence of fine under this Ordinance exceedingTk ten thousand.

When any person has been convicted under this Ordinance for the contravention ofany of the provisions of this Ordinance or the rules made there under, the seed in respectof which he contravention has been committed may, if the court so orders, be forfeited tothe Government.


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Where an offence under this Ordinance has been committed by a company, everyperson who at the time the offence was committed was in charge of, and was responsibleto, the company for the conduct of the business of the company as well as the companyshall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against andpunished accordingly; provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall renderany such person liable to any punishment under this Ordinance if he proves that theoffence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence toprevent the commission of such offence.

Not withstanding anything contained in the ordinance where an offence under thisOrdinance has been committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has beencommitted with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the partof, any director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, such director,manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence shallbe liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

National Seed Policy

The strategy for seed development are to strengthen the institutional capability of thepublic and private sector entities engaged in the seed industry; to evolve and/or adaptseed technology to meet the needs of high-input and high-output agriculture; to promotebalanced development of the seed sector by providing equitable opportunities to thepublic and private sector at all stages of the seed industry from breeding to marketing ofseeds; to simplify procedures for import of high quality seeds and planting materials, bothby the public and private sectors; to enable farmers to have access to the best qualityplanting materials available in the world; to strengthen seed certification, quality controland testing facilities to ensure availability of quality seeds to farmers; and to simplifyprocedures for effective observance of plant quarantine.

Development and promotion of improved seed varieties includes variety developmentprogramme as a matter of priority, be focused on generation of high-input and highoutput technologies. The NARS will continue to pursue plant breeding programs for allcrops of national importance. However, special efforts will be made to evolve improvedvarieties for pulses, oil seeds, tuber crops, vegetables, fruits and spices. Improvedvarieties of seeds and planting materials should be procured and introduced in the countryby allowing their import, especially through private seed entrepreneurs. For this purpose,business contracts, including joint ventures, are to be encouraged between privateenterprises and foreign seed companies. Private persons, companies and other agencieswill be encouraged to undertake plant breeding programs and will be allowed to importbreeder/foundation seeds of notified crops for variety development and promotionpurposes.

The regulations for approval and registration of varieties are i) New varieties ofwheat, rice, jute, potato and sugarcane developed by private or public agencies will besubject to notification by the National Seed Board; ii) Varieties of all other cropsdeveloped by public research agencies will be subjected to an internal review and


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approval by each respective agency and must be registered with NSB before beingreleased; iii) Varieties of crops, other than rice, wheat, jute, potato and sugarcane that areimported or locally developed by a private person, company or agency must be registeredwith the NSB giving prescribed cultivar descriptions, but will not be subject to any otherrestrictions; iv) In the event a variety of seed is found to be harmful or potentiallyharmful to the country's agriculture, the NSB will prohibit the sale of that variety.

The variety release and variety notification function will be separated. The NSB shallnotify varieties of seeds under the provisions of the Seeds Ordinance. The release ofvarieties of controlled crops such as rice, wheat, jute, potato and sugarcane or thoseadded by NSB, shall vest in a Technical Committee headed by Executive Vice-Chairman,BARC and consisting of representatives of major research institutions (BARI, BRRI,BJRI, SRTI), SCA, DAE, BADC, private sector Seed Growers and Farmers Association.

Any variety, whether imported or developed in Bangladesh, must be registered withthe National Seed Board. The registration will require the characteristics and attributes ofthe variety to be described. Registration will be a relatively easy process designed tofacilitate legitimate identification. Except for controlled or notified crops, registrationwill not involve testing or any other procedure.

Maintenance breeding and breeder seed multiplication is to be improved andstrengthened at the NARS. For this purpose, required facilities, equipment, trainedpersonnel etc, shall be provided at the respective research centres and stations. Breederand Foundation seed, of all varieties will be made available through negotiation to dulyregistered seed producers both in the private and public sector. BADC will concentrateprimarily on producing foundation seeds of rice, wheat, jute, potato and sugarcane on itsown farms. BADC will use farmers to multiply seeds on a contract basis and willgradually cease to grow certified seed on its own seed farms. BADC and NARS will berequired to maintain small stocks of improved varieties of rice, wheat and jute seeds sothat when natural disasters occur, and seed supplies in an area are lost, seed of superiorquality will be available for distribution. The amount of seed to be stored will be subjectto further assessment and budgetary considerations.

The NSB shall designate kinds and varieties of crops that are to be notified. Initially,rice, wheat, jute, potato and sugarcane will be the only controlled/notified crops. Releaseof the varieties of notified crops will be subject to evaluation and testing by the TechnicalCommittee on Seeds. Varieties of all other crops will have to be registered prior to beingsold, but there will be no requirement for prior testing and approval.

The Seed Wing will be given management and operational responsibility for seedsecurity stocks with budget allocation for this purpose. The BADC Seed Wing will beauthorized to purify and maintain local varieties for which there is substantial and steadydemand. Purification and maintenance will be done on the seed farms. BADC's role willbe reoriented to promote development of the private sector seed industry by: (a) advisingand training private seed producers to produce, process, store and market quality seeds;(b) advise private seed entrepreneurs to manage and finance their seed companies; (c)custom process, test and store, if convenient, seed of private entrepreneurs at BADC's


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facilities; (d) negotiate with private sector seed enterprises for potential take-over ofBADC's Contract Growers Scheme; (e) providing seed-testing facilities to private seedentrepreneurs.

Any individual, company or agency that wishes to import seed, develop and registernew seed varieties, or package seed in labeled containers must first be registered with theNational Seed Board. Registration will be automatic by paying the prescribed fees.

Anyone packaging seed in labeled containers must do so in accordance withrequirements prescribed under the seeds rules. The labeling requirements will specifyvariety of crop, lot number or batch identification, net weight or count, minimumgermination percentage, physical purity, name and address of the company packaging theseed and the date of packaging.

Seed certification will be a service provided to private individuals, companies orpublic agencies who wish to assure their farmer-customers that their seeds are of highquality. Although seed certification will be voluntary, public sector breeder/foundationseeds will be certified as a matter of policy.

Seed quality will be ensured by requiring seeds in labeled containers/packages tomeet the standards specified on the level. Seed dealers who develop a good reputationwill be protected by making it illegal for anyone to sell seeds in a labeled container thatcopies the name or trademark of any registered seed dealer.

The business of seed breeding, multiplication, production Processing, Import &Marketing should be declared as an agro-based industry under the Industrial InvestmentSchedule to make such companies eligible for various incentives, supports andconcessions. Individuals, companies or agencies engaged in the seed business should beallowed easy access to institutional credit at preferential rates of interest.

The Seed Rules, 1998

The Seed Rules, 1998 elaborated the role and function of the National Seed Board(NSB) and the procedures for registration of seed dealers, registration of varieties andlabeling of the seed offered for sale in sealed containers or packets. The functions of theSCA and its seed inspectors are highlighted. The seed rules also describe in more detailthe seed regulatory framework and stipulate the forms and procedures in relation toapplication for variety registration, field inspection, seed certification and market control.

In addition to the functions entrusted to the Seed Laboratory by the Ordinance, theSeed Laboratory shall initiate testing programmes in collaboration with other seedLaboratories designed to promote uniformity in results between them and shall maintainrecords and samples in respect of seed of any notified kind or variety; train personnelconcerned with the methods of seed testing; collect data continually on the quality ofseeds found from other sources and make these data available to the Board; analyze seedsamples by following the procedures or methods as may be specified by the Board; andcarry out other functions as may be assigned to it by the Government from time to time


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Any Seed Dealer requiring registration of notified kind or variety shall apply to theBoard in prescribed form; On receipt of an application the NSB shall cause to test thekind or variety by an agency or authority empowered by it; On receipt of the test reportthe Board may, if it deems fit, cause a checking of the correctness of the report and givedecision on the application under intimation to the applicant; and Where the Board grantthe application, it shall issue a certificate of registration.

The application for registration of Seed Dealer shall be made in prescribed form; Onreceipt of an application, the Board may cause checking the correctness of theinformation provided in the application and give decision on the application underintimation to the application; and Where the Board grants the application, it shall issue acertificate of registration.

Every application for the grant of a certificate shall be made in the prescribed form;and Every application shall be accompanied by a treasury receipt for a sum of Taka onehundred. Every certificate shall be made in the prescribed form and shall be granted bythe Seed Certification Agency, after making enquiries and satisfying itself on theconditions namely, the Seed Dealer to whom the certificate is granted shall attach acertification tag to every container of the certified seed and that certification tag shallcontain the followings, namely: name and address of the Certification Agency; the nameof the kind and variety of seeds; lot number or other mark of the seeds; name and addressof the registered Seed Dealer; date of issue of the certificate and of its date of validity; anappropriate sign to designate certified seeds; an appropriate word denoting the classdesignation of the seeds (breeder, foundation and certified); the period during which theseeds shall be used for sowing or planting; whether treated or not; if treated marking asfollows should be given: "Do not use as food, feed or oil".

The use of seeds after the expire of the validity period by any person is entirely at hisrisk and the holder of the certificate shall not be responsible for any damage to the buyerof the seeds; that no one should purchase the seeds if the seal or the certification tag hasbeen tampered with; the colour of the certification tag shall be green for breeder seed,white for foundation seed, blue for certified seed and yellow for truthfully labelled seed;the container of the certified seeds shall carry a seal of such material and in such form asthe Certification Agency may determine and no container carrying a certification tag shallbe sold by the person if the tag or seal has either been tempered with or removed.

The holder of the certificate shall keep record of the details of each lot of the seedwhich is issued for sale in such form as to be available for inspection and to be easilyidentified by reference to the number of the lot as shown in the certification tag of eachcontainer and such record shall be retained in the case of seeds for which the date ofexpiry is fixed for a period of two years from the expiry of such date; the holder of thecertificate shall allow any Seed Inspector, authorised in writing by the CertificationAgency in that behalf, to enter with or without prior notice the premises, where the seedsare grown, processed and sold and to inspect promises, plant and the process ofprocessing at all reasonable hours.


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The holder of the certificate shall allow the Seed Inspector, authorised in writing bythe Certification Agency, to inspect all registers and records maintained under these rulesand to take samples of the seeds and shall supply to the Seed Inspector such informationas he may require for the purposes of ascertaining whether the conditions subject towhich the certificate has been granted have been complied with; the holder of thecertificate shall on request furnish to the Certification Agency from every lot of the seedsor from such lot or lots as the Certification Agency may from time to time specify, asample of such quantity as the Agency may consider adequate for any examinationrequired to be made; the holder of the certificate shall not, if the Certification Agency sodirects, sell or offer for sale any lot in respect of which a sample is furnished to theAgency under clause (vii) until the Agency authorizes the sale of such lot; the holder ofthe certificate shall, on being directed by the Certification Agency that any part of a lothas been found by the Agency not to conform to the standards of quality or purityspecified by or under the Ordinance, withdraw the remainder of that lot from sale and sofar as may, in the particular circumstances of the case, be practicable, recall all issuealready made from that lot; and the holder of the certificate shall comply with theprovisions of the Ordinance and these rules and with the directions given after not lessthan one month's notice by the Certification Agency to such holder.

There shall be following four classes of seed of any kind or variety, namely: theBreeder Seeds, which provides the source of the first and the recurring increase offoundation seed; the Foundation Seeds shall be the progeny of Breeder Seeds or beproduced from foundation seed which can be clearly traced to Breeder Seed; the CertifiedSeeds shall be the progeny of Foundation Seeds that is so handled as to maintain geneticidentity and purity according to standards specified for the particular crop being certified;the Truthfully Labeled Seeds shall be progeny of Foundation, certified, labeled or anyother seed to be specified from time to time, the, container of which has a label indicatingas to its quality in a way as prescribed. When the NSB considers necessary to maintainadequate seeds supplies, the certified seeds may be the progeny of certified seedsprovided this reproduction may not exceed three generations and that the genetic identityand purity are not significantly altered.

On receipt of an application, the Seed Certification Agency shall, through inspectionof the seed plots with respect to the field standards specified by the NSB, and givedecision on the application under intimation to the applicant by serving notice in theprescribed form in the case of acceptance or in the prescribed form in the case ofrejection.

When seeds of any kind or variety are offered for sale in sealed containers or packets,each container or packets shall be marked or labeled in the manner hereinafter specifiedin these rules. There shall be specified on every mark or label as the name of the kind andvariety; reference number of the seed lot; percentages of germination and purity and anyother quality aspects; a correct statement of the net content in terms of weight andexpressed in the metric system or seed counts; date of testing; date of expiry; if the Seedin the container has been treated; a statement indicating that the seed has been treated; thecommonly accepted chemical or abbreviated chemical (generic) name of the applied


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substance; if the substance of the chemical used for treatment and present with the Seedis harmful to human being or vertebrate animal, a caution statement such as "Do not useas food, feed, or oil", and the caution for mercurials and toxic substances shall be theword "poison" which shall be in type size prominently displayed on the label in red; thename and address of the person who offers for sale, sells or otherwise supplies the seedand who is responsible for its quality.

The mark or label containing the particulars of the seed shall appear on the containerof seed, or on a tag or mark or label attached to the container in which the seed is packedin a conspicuous place and on every other covering in which that container is packed andshall be legible. Not withstanding anything containing in sub-rule (1), any transparentcover or any wrapper, case or other covering used solely for the purpose of packing,transport or delivery need not be marked or labeled. Where by a provision of these rules,any particulars are required to be displayed on a label on the container, such particularsmay, instead of being displayed on a label, be attached, painted or otherwise indeliblymarked on the container. The mark or label shall not contain any statement, claim,design, device, fancy name or abbreviation which is false or misleading in any particularsconcerning the Seed contained in the container. Mark or label not to contain reference tothe Ordinance or rules contradictory in required particulars. The mark or label shall notcontain any reference to the Ordinance or any of these rules or any comment on, orreference to, or explanation of, any particulars or declaration required by the Ordinanceor any of these rules which directly or by implication contradicts, qualifies or modifiessuch particulars or declaration. Nothing shall appear on the mark or label or in anyadvertisement pertaining to any Seeds of any notified kind or variety, which shall denyresponsibility for the statement required by or under the Ordinance to appear on suchmark, label or advertisement.

No Seed Dealer shall sell, keep for sale, offer to sell, barter or otherwise supply anyseed of any notified kind or variety after the date of expiry marked on the container; NoSeed Dealer shall after, obliterate or deface any mark or label attached to the container ofany seed; The Seed Dealer shall keep a complete records of each lot of Seeds sold byhim, for a period not less than two years after the entire Seed of a specific lot is disposedof, in such a form as to be available for inspection and easy identification by reference toSeed lot number as shown on the label or certification tag and the sample of Seeds keptas part of the complete record shall be of such quantity as may be fixed by the Boardfrom time to time; No Seed Dealer shall sell Seeds in such labeled condition that copiesthe name or trademark of another registered Seed Dealer or name of a registered variety;A Seed Dealer shall allow the Seed Inspector, authorized in writing by the CertificationAgency, to take samples and collect information relevant to their assignment for postcontrol activities and advise accordingly.

The Seed Analyst shall ascertain, on receipt of a sample for analysis, that the markand the seal or fastening are intact; analyze the sample according to the provisions of theOrdinance and these rules; deliver the report of the result of the analysis to theCertification Agency with copy to the person, firms or agencies from whom the samplesof seeds have been taken; forward to the Certification Agency, monthly and annual


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reports giving the results of analytical work done by him for onward transmission of thesame to the NSB; inform the result of sub-standards seed lot or lots by telegraphicmassage or through messenger to the person from whom samples of seeds have beentaken, where the period between the analysis and the distribution is marginal of thatparticular seeds.

In addition to the duties specified by the Ordinance, the Seed Inspector shall inspect,as frequently as may be required by the Certification Agency, all places used for growing,proce3ssing, storage or sale of any seed of any kind or variety under certificationprocedure; satisfy himself that the conditions of the certificate are being observed;procure and send for analysis, if necessary, samples of any classes of Seeds which he hasreason to suspect are being produced, stocked or sold or exhibited for sale incontravention of the provisions of the Ordinance or these rules; investigate any complaintwhich may be made to him in writing in respect of any contravention of the provisions ofthe Ordinance or these rules; maintain a record of all inspections made and actions takenby him in the performance of his duties including the taking of samples and the seizure ofstocks and submit copies of much records to the Certification Agency and persons, orfirms as may be directed in this behalf; when so authorized by the Government detainimported container which he has reason to suspect contain seeds, import of which isprohibited except and in accordance with the provisions of he Ordinance or these rules;institute prosecutions in respect of breaches of the Ordinance or these rules; and performsuch other duties as may be entrusted to him by the Government and the Board.

Samples of any classes of seed of any kind or variety for the purpose of analysis shallbe taken, as specified by the Board, in a clean dry container which shall be closedsufficiently, tight to prevent leakage and entrance of moisture and shall be carefullysealed. All containers containing samples for analysis shall be properly labeled and theparcels shall be properly addressed. The label on any samples of seed sent for analysisshall bear serial number; name of the sender with official designation; name of the personfrom whom the sample has been taken; date and place of taking the sample; kind andvariety of the seeds for analysis; quantity of seed; and nature and quantity of preservative,if any, added to the sample.

All samples of seeds sent for analysis shall be packed, fastened and sealed in thefollowing manner: the stopper shall first be securely fastened so as to prevent leakage ofthe container in transit; the container shall then be completely wrapped in fairly strongthick paper. The ends of the paper shall be neatly folder in and affixed by means of gumor other adhesive; the paper cover shall be further secured by means of strong twine orthread both above and across the container, and the twine or thread shall then be fastenedon the paper cover by means of sealing wax on which there shall be at least four distinctand clear impressions of the seal of the sender of which one shall be at the top of thepacket, one at the bottom and the other two on the body of the packet. The knots or thetwine or thread shall be covered by means of sealing was bearing the impression of theseal of the sender.

The container of sample for analysis shall be send to the Seed Analyst by registeredpost or by hand in a sealed packet enclosed together with a memorandum in prescribedform in an outer cover addressed to the Seed Analyst. Any Inspector taking a sample of


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seed for the purpose of analysis under the Ordinance may add a preservative as may bespecified form time to time to the sample for the purpose of maintaining it in a conditionsuitable for analysis. Whenever any preservative is added to a sample, the nature andquantity of the preservative added shall be clearly noted on the label to be affixed to thecontainer. On receipt of the packet it shall be opened either by the Seed Analyst or by anofficer authorized in writing in that behalf by the Seed Analyst, who shall record thecondition of the seal on the packet.

The sample of any seed shall be retained under a cool and dry environment toeliminate the loss of viability and insect proof or rat proof container. The container shallbe dusted with suitable insecticides and the storage room fumigated to avoid infestationof samples by insects. The sample shall be packed in good quality containers of uniformshape and size before storage.

Plant Quarantine Regulation (PQR)

Bangladesh is a member country of the International Plant Protection Commission(IPPC) since 1974, Asia and the Pacific Plant Protection Commission (APPPC) since1978 and the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1995. The country has thecommitment to formulate plant quarantine regulations in the line of these organizationsfor safe movement of the planting materials (seeds) throughout the world.

No person shall import any plant or “plant products” which may be a source ormedium of infection or infestation by diseases and plant pests destructive to agricultureor medium for the introduction of noxious weeds, except under a valid import permitobtained prior to such importation in the prescribed form issued by the Director or theDeputy Director (Plant Quarantine) and except through the prescribed ports or points ofentry.

Plants and plant products likely to carry any new pest or disease may be imported forresearch or propagation purpose in limited quantities on special consideration by a permitissued by the Director in the prescribed form. Importation of plants and plant productsshall be made only through Chittagong Port, Port of Mongla, Zia International Airport,Dhaka, Chittagong Airport or Benapole Land border checkpost and shall be subject tosuch condition as may be specified in the permit with regard to such importation and postentry quarantine.

For the purpose of import of any plant or plant products the importer shall, prior toentering into any contract with supplier and opening of letter of Credit submit anapplication in “Form” to the Director or Deputy Director (Quarantine) for an importpermit”. All such applications shall be signed by the person who intends to import theplant or 1 “plant products” or his duly authorized agent and shall specify: the kind andquantity of plant or plant products, the country and locality of origin, destination, thename and address of the consigner and the consignee, means of transport, the prescribedport or point of entry and purpose for which the plant or “plant products” is proposed tobe imported e.g. consumption, propagation or processing.


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The importer shall inform the Director or the Plant Quarantine Officer of theprobable date of arrival of the plant or “plant products” at the prescribed port or point ofentry and shall on arrival of the plant or “plant products” notify to the Director thenumber of the permit, name of ship or vessel, date of arrival, country of origin andlocality where grown, and the character and quantity of the plant or “plant products”

A permit to import plant or plant products” may be revoked if, in the opinion of theDirector or the “Deputy Director (Plant Quarantine)”, the importer has willfullycontravened any provision of these rules or there is reason to believe that the plant or“plant products” will be imported in violation of the provisions of these rules.

All plants and plant products shall be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificatefrom the country of origin. Persons who import any plant or plant products shall submitthe Phytosanitary certificate of the country of origin to the Plant Quarantine Officer forhis perusal and record but this will not preclude inspection by the Plant QuarantineOfficer, if such inspection is deemed necessary. Any consignment arriving at anyprescribed port or point of entry accompanied by a valid Phytosanitary certificate,fulfilling plant quarantine requirements of Bangladesh in respect of specific commoditybut without import permit may be released at the Director’s discretion after post-entryquarantine examination and issuance of a special order in the prescribed form.

Plants and plant products imported under a valid import permit from the Director butwithout Phytosanitary certificate shall either be released at the Director’s discretion afternecessary fumigation or treatment, or returned to the Shipper or confiscated anddestroyed at the expenses of the consignee. Small consignments of plants and plantproducts, namely cut flower, flower bouquet, small quantities of fruits, fresh or dried, andvegetable carried by passengers as accompanied baggage for personal consumption,accompanied or unaccompanied with Phytosanitary certificate and import permit, shall,after realization of prescribed fees and treatment charges, where treatment is necessary,be released, if, on examination by plant Quarantine Officer on duty, they appear to besubstantially free from injurious pests and diseases. Consignments arriving withoutnecessary additional declaration, where such declaration is required in the Phytosanitarycertificate from the competent authority of the country of origin and without ImportPermit from the Director or Deputy Director (Plant Quarantine) shall be confiscated anddestroyed after making an order in the prescribed form.

All Imported plants and plant products shall be free from sand, soil, sawdust or earthand plant roots, rhizomes and tubers shall be washed thoroughly and repacked in suchsand, soil saw dust or other planting media as shall be certified as additional declarationin the Phytosanitary certificate by the duly authorized officer of plant Quarantine Serviceof the exporting country to have been sterilized and rendered safe or disinfected.

Packing material, for example, hay, straw, chaff, wooden plank or pit employed inthe importation of nursery stock and other plants, including any material of plant or plantorigin or any commodities other than plant origin, shall not be used for packing purposesunless they are rendered free from pests and diseases by appropriate treatment andcertified accordingly in the phytosanitary certificate by the authorized officer of plantQuarantine service of the country of origin as to their safety for such use.


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Import of plants and plant products through post parcel shall be made in accordancewith the provisions of the Plant Quarantine Regulations. On arrival of plants and plantproducts at the foreign post office the postal authority shall inform and hand over suchparcel to the Director or Plant Quarantine Officer concerned who shall conduct necessaryexamination, render appropriate treatments, if required, and issue a release order in theprescribed form after realizing necessary fees. No such parcel shall be released by thepostal authority without a release order from the Director or plant Quarantine Officer, asthe case may be, Plants and plant products imported through parcel in violation of theserules shall be handled in accordance with rule 8 and decision for disposal thereof shall beintimated to the foreign post office and the consignee.

Where on inspection, any imported plant or plant products is found to be infested orinfected with any plant pests or diseases the plant or 3[“plants products”] and containersthere of shall be destroyed in the presence of the plant Quarantine Officer or returned tothe shipper after treatment, at the discretion of the Director, and where any carrier isfound to be infested with any pests or is suspected to be so infested, it shall be treated tothe extent and in the manner deemed necessary by the Plant Quarantine Officer. Whenany such action is necessary due notice shall be given to the owner or his agent and anyrisks associated with such treatment shall be the responsibility of the owner.

No person shall obstruct an Officer of the Department in the due discharge of hisduties; and no person shall refuse to permit the making of any examination requiredunder these rules or refuse to carry out the instructions of an Officer relative to theeffective control of any insect pests and diseases.

Potatoes shall not be imported into “Bangladesh”] by any means from any country,where the three serious pests, namely, Black wart (Synchytrium endobioticum), GoldenNematode (“Globodera rostochiensis), have either been prevalent or reported to haveoccurred unless they are accompanied by “Phytosanitary certificate” from the country oforigin declaring that the crop from which the consignment is derived was not grown inthe vicinity of unhealthy potato crops and was inspected by a duly authorized official ofphytopathological service of the country of origin and found free from all injuriousinsects pests and diseases and that “no case of occurrence of the insect” and diseasesmentioned above was recorded within 5“kilometers” radius of the place where the potatocrop was grown during the past twelve months.

In order to guard against the importation of the pests and diseases the Director (PlantQuarantine) shall take the following precautions, namely:- as far as possible, import ofseed potatoes resistant to wart disease shall be permitted; the importation of seed potatoesshall be permitted from those countries where the aforesaid pests and diseases are notpresent; permit import of seed potatoes certified by phytopathological service of theexporting country to have been produced in areas within the country free from all pestsand diseases; seed consignments should be free from shoots, leaves, roots and soilsticking to tubers; import of potato seeds should be restricted only to certified seed freefrom virus diseases except virus x, and import of shoots, roots, leaves and green parts ofpotato shall not be imported.


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The importation of any plants or plant products, seed budwood, budded stump of thegenus Hevea from a country where Phytophthora botryosa is knwon to occur isprohibited unless in addition to the fulfillment of the quarantine requirements. Theaccompanying Phytosanitary certificate declares that the propagating materials have beencollected from areas or plantations or nurseries which had been regularly inspected byduly authorized officials of the Phytopathological service of the country and were foundfree from Phytophthora botryosa. Importation of sugarcane or sugarcane setts andsugarcane seed is prohibited from the areas where the enlisted diseases are known tooccur

Provided that such importation in small quantities may be allowed by the Director foruses scientific purpose; that the imported planting material is grown at a post entryquarantine station for an adequate period before release for large scale planting; and thatthe phytosanitary certificate shall bear an additional declaration to the effect that theplanting material was inspected in the field and was found free from aforesaid diseasesthat the sugarcane setts shall be subject to such disinfection treatment as may beprescribed by the Director before shipment.

The import of coffee propagating material is restricted to coffee seeds only, limited tosmall quantities not exceeding one kilogram in one consignment for scientific purpose.The import of coffee seeds or beans may be made from countries where coffee rust(Hemileia vastatrixdo not exist and the seeds are accompanied by a phytosanitarycertificate. The import of coffee seeds from Central and South America and the Carribeanis prohibited due to the presence of American Leaf spot caused by Mycena citricolor(Omphalia flavida).

Import of vegetable planting material of banana from Central and South America andthe Carribean and from South India is strictly prohibited due to the presence of Mokodisease (Pseudomonas solanacearum) in it. Banana vegetable planting material may beimported from other countries in small quantities for scientific purpose only under validphytosanitary certificate stating that the planting material is free from root nematode(Radophilus simils) and black leaf streak (Mycosphaerella fijiensis). While importing, theouter corm tissues shall be removed until clean tissues are exposed. This plantingmaterial shall be treated in not water at 550 C for 20 minutes before its mandatory growthin post-entry quarantine. Import of large quantities of planting material shall not beallowed”.

Importation of groundnut seed from western hemisphere Africa, Australia, USSR,and China and such other groundnut growing counties of Asia as may be specified by theDirector, from time to time, is prohibited to prevent the introduction of groundnut rustcaused by Puccinia arachidis. Importation of decorticated seeds may be allowed underpermit, from countries the importation of groundnut seeds from which is not prohibited ifthe decorticated seeds are accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate stating that theseeds had been collected from areas where the groundnut rust (Puccinia arachidis), scab(Sphaceloma arachidis) and groundnut leaf mosaic virus did not exist.

Importation of maize seeds from North, Centra and South America as well asContinental Europe, USSR and China is prohibited due to the presence of Bacterial wilt,Bacterial Leaf blight or Stewart’s disease caused by Euwinia stewartii. Seed material


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from countries other than those mentioned above may be allowed if accompanied by aphytosanitary certificate stating that the crop was not infected with Downy Mildewpathogen(s) Sclerospora philippensis; Sclerospora sacchari; Sclerospora maydis;Sclerophthora rayssiae var zeae. Each consignment of maize seeds shall be subject toinspection, fumigation, treatment and post entry quarantine before release. Import ofmaize plant and seedlings is prohibited.

The importation of tea vegetative materials is prohibited from any country or areawhere the phloem necrosis virus disease exists. Tea seeds may be imported only underpermit and shall be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate stating that the seeds havebeen collected from areas where phloem necrosis virus is not known to occur.

Seeds of – Allium spp. that is Onion (Allium ceape), Shallot. Leek (A.ampelopreasum var perrum), Gay chive (A. schoenoprasum) and Garlic (A. sativum) maybe imported if accompained by phytosanitary certificate stating that the seeds are freefrom onion smut caused by Urocystis cepulae and stem nematode (Ditylenchus dispsaci).The plant and bulbs of onion, garlic, shallot, leek and gay chive shall not imported unlessthey are certified by the competent authority in the country f origin to be free from leaftip die back (Mycosphaerella schoenoprasi) and stem nematodes (Ditylenchus dipsaci).

Cotton seed.- Cotton seed shall not be imported from western hemisphere and Africaexcept for experimental purposes by appropriate authority under a valid permit from theDirector. The seeds shall be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate and shall not beimported in quantities exceeding 500 grams in weight in any one consignment and shallbe examined and fumigated. The accompanying phytosanitary certificate shall, inaddition, declare that the seed and its container have been treated in such a way as todestroy all insect life.

Importation of purl millet, the Phytosanitary certificate shall declare that the seedswere collected form an area where the following diseases were not known to occur: (i)Downy mildew (Selerospora graminicola) (ii) Rust (Puccinia substriatia) (iii) Ergot(Claviceps fusiformis). Each consignment of seed shall be subject to inspectionfumigation and treatment and post-entry quarantine before release.

Importation of rice seed form Mexico, USA, British Honduras, Cuba, Costa Rica,Guatemala, Panama, El-Salvador, Colombia, Surinam and Venezuela is prohibited. Smallquantities of rice seed shall be allowed to be imported exclusively for scientific purposeonly subject to treatment and observation for one growing season in post-entryquarantine. Such seed sample shall carry phytosanitary certificate stating that the HozaBlanka disease or the occurrence of that disease had not been noticed in the fields fromwhere the seeds were collected. Importation of rice in bulk quantities for consumptionshall be made in the same manner and in accordance with the provision of rules 5 and 8.

Small quantity of sorghum seed may be imported under a phytosanitary certificatestating that they were collected from fields which had been regularly inspected duringgrowing season and were found to be free from infection of bacterial blight caused byPseudomonas andropogonis and bacterial streak caused by Xanthomonas holcicola. The


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seeds shall be subjected to inspection, fumigation and treatment and post entry quarantinebefore release. Importation of wheat seed in bulk from countries where the followingdiseases or any other disease of obscure origin are known to occur is prohibited.

Provided that importation of wheat seed from such countries may be allowed for seedpurposes under import permit granted by the Director, subject to the fulfillment of thefollowing conditions, namely the field where the crop is grown and from which the seedsare collected shall be regularly inspected by Plant Quarantine Officer of Bangladesh incollaboration with phytopathological service and seed certification agency of thesupplying country throughout the entire growing period till harvest of the crop.

Seeds shall be procured only from the fields where no incidence of above diseaseshas been observed; Screening cleaning, grading and other relevant tests of the seeds likemoisture content and viability shall be conducted in presence of Plant Quarantine Officerof Bangladesh and shall be certified by National Seed Certification Agency and also byplant quarantine service of the country of origin stating that the seeds are free from allinjurious pests and diseases including the above.

The seeds, if in the opinion of Plant Quarantine Officer need to be fumigated ordisinfected, shall be fumigated or disinfected in the presence of Plant Quarantine Officerbefore shipment; before loading, the ship’s holds shall be thoroughly cleaned andfumigated, if required, in presence of Plant Quarantine Officer who shall, after loading,finally seal the hatches. The ship carrying seed consignment shall not be allowed to carryany other merchandise which, in the opinion of Plant Quarantine Officer, might harbourstorage pest.

All traveling expenses of Plant Quarantine Officers, including the expenditure duringthe period of their stay abroad, such as, food, board and medical expenses shall bearranged either by importer, shipper or financier.

The phytosanitary certificate accompanying the sunflower seeds shall declare that theseeds are free from Downy mildew caused by Plasmopara halstedii and mosaic virusdisease, The Phytosanitary certificate shall further state that the seeds were collectedfrom fields where no incidence of Downy mildew and Mosaic virus was recorded duringthe last growing season. The consignment shall be subjected to post entry quarantinebefore release.

Seeds of forest trees may be imported in limited quantities for the purpose of researchor propagation by Forest Research Authorities accompanied by a phytosanitary certificatestating that the seeds were free from insect pest and diseases. The seeds shall be free fromextraneous materials and shall be fumigated or treated with appropriate fungicide beforeshipment. The consignment shall be subjected to post entry quarantine observation.

6. 2. Regulation for IPR and use of GMO/GMS

Bangladesh has signed on an agreement with the World Trade Organization (WTO)regarding trade related aspects like Plant Variety Protection (PVP), Intellectual PropertyRights (IPR) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and


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Agriculture including Farmers’ Rights, and Breeders’ Rights. Bangladesh is therefore,committed to implement the obligations of these agreements or any requirementsconcerning maintenance of the variety into national law. Bangladesh has prepared a draftof the new Act on Plant Variety Protection and Farmers’ Right Protection in 2003. It wasthe culmination of a continuous formulation process which has been initiated in 1997 bythe Seed Wing, Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of the Law and Justice ofBangladesh. The Act has still not been finalized and endorsed by the Government ofBangladesh.

Genetically Modified Seed (GMS)

There is no separate legislation dealing with introduction of genetically modifiedseeds (GMS) or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). But Laboratories/Divisions/Departments of a number of institutions and universities are concerned withthese issues. These organizations have already initiated the preliminary works on GMSidentification and detection and preparing a draft for the overall national bio-safetyframework. It is urged by public and private sectors to enact regulatory framework onGMOs..

Intellectual property rights

Any person requiring registration of a variety of a notified crop must apply to theNational Seed Board (NSB) of MoA. The new variety of notified crops is approved bythe NSB with the recommendations of the Technical Committee after followingnecessary technical procedures like DUS test multi location trials for performance testing(VCU tests) being carried out by the Seed Certification Agency. To market seeds ofnotified crops, the varieties of these crops are to be on the national list of varietiesthrough notification in the official gazette. The fourth edition approved crop variety listwas printed in June, 2007 with the support from SID/DNIDA and includes 448 varietiesof 95 different crops. Rice, with 89 varieties, is the most represented crop on the list. Fornon-notified crops: new varieties of these crops can freely be marketed in Bangladeshafter the acquirement of a registration number, which is issued without testing by theNSB of MOA. Bangladesh maintains a list of released varieties. Newly released varietiesare added to this list. There is no fee to keep the variety on the list of released varieties.

The Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights Protection Act (draft 2005)

The main objective of the Plant Variety and Farmer’s Rights Protection Act (draft2005) is to provide protection to the plant varieties for agricultural development,sustainable food security and conservation of biodiversity in the country The specificobjectives are to establish breeders and farmers right on plant varieties, encourageresearch, investment and technology transfer and to promote agricultural development,food security and agro-biodiversity conservation.


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The draft act includes all kind of provisions necessary for the protection of breedersright on the new plant varieties as well as protection of farmers’ customary rights overthe varieties. A number of provisions have also been made to allow farmers’ free andeasy access to the seeds of new plant varieties. It covers all plant type and varietiesincluding both new as well as farmers’ plant varieties. Registration of the plant variety,and granting of ownership right to the breeder for new plant varieties and to farmers fortheir right to use and multiply plant varieties developed in Bangladesh Registrationcriteria for new plant varieties include: Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS).GMO plant varieties require submission of associated information and report of bio-safety analysis.

Breeders’ Right

Plant breeders have to give exclusive breeders’ right over their new plant varieties.Upon registration of the new plant varieties, breeders automatically receive right ofownership for a specified period. The following provisions have been made in the draftact to protect Breeders’ Rights on new plant varieties. Authorization of the breeder isrequired for production, reproduction, conditioning for the purpose of propagation,marketing, distribution, import and export of the seeds of a variety. In case of introducedvarieties, these rights will also be applied where the breeder also has right over the parentmaterials. Breeders will have right to transfer/sale their rights over the plant varieties fora specified period.

There are exceptional provisions in the draft act for breeders to allow and promotethe use of the protected plant varieties for purposes of production and marketing of theseeds of such varieties. According to these exceptions, the use of the seeds of new plantsvarieties will not require authorization from the concerned breeders for private and non-commercial, academic and research and training purposes, and for breeding to develop anew plant variety.

Breeders’ right is applicable on such a variety developed from the protected plantvarieties except when the protected variety used is not a introduced variety. The breeders’right allows the breeders to get benefits from the protection of their IPR on new plantvarieties, and also provide space for further innovation (research and development) andsafeguards interest and customary rights of the farmers.

Farmers’ Right

Adequate provisions have been considered to provide Farmers’ Rights for anunconditional access to the seeds of protected plant varieties for their own and non-commercial use, without violating the conditions of the Breeders’ Right. The followingprovisions have been made as Farmers’ Right over the use of seeds of new plant varieties,

Farmers’ Rights- to use, save, re-use, exchange and sale the seeds of protected plantvarieties. This provision allow farmers’ traditional practices of seed management in theinformal seed systems. The farmers are using, producing, saving, exchanging and selling


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seeds within their communities. The provision is also very important to ensure seedsecurity of small and poor farmers. Their access to commercial seeds is limited developedmarkets but also due very limited purchasing power. This provision plays key role inestablishing the proposed PVP & FR Bill as an effective sui generic system of IPRprotection.

Right to claim compensation or claim ownership or cancel ownership when a breederis found to develop new plant variety without and benefit sharing agreements or withoutdisclosing source location and community, and parent materials used for breeding newvariety. Right of claim compensation for losses due to bad quality seeds or wronginformation about the use seeds of protected plant varieties

Rights to have access to seeds protected varieties if the supply of these seeds islimited by ill-intention or with intention to create monopoly. Two types of farmers’varieties, namely farmers’ registered plant varieties and farmers’ existing plant varieties,lying in public domain, have been recognized. The provisions of farmers’ right over theseplant varieties, as stated in the Bill include:

Right to IPR protection on farmers’ varieties. This is a provision with for theregistration of farmers’ varieties DUS criteria and obtaining right of ownership on theseeds of such varieties provision. Right to use farmers’ existing varieties in publicdomain.

Right to claim or participate in benefit sharing arising from the use of such varieties,including right to claim compensation. Rights to information for each use of suchvarieties in the variety development process or in the process of bio-prospecting. Farmershave been exempted from the registration and annual fee for farmers’ varieties.

Biosafety guidelines of Bangladesh

In accordance with the precautionary approach contained in Principle 15 of the RioDeclaration on Environment and Development, the objective of this Guideline is tocontribute to ensuring an adequate level of protection in the laboratory, field trial, safetransfer, handling, use and trans boundary movement of GMOs/LMOs as part of modernbiotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use ofbiological diversity, taking also into account risks to human and animal health.

Risk assessment should be carried out in a scientifically sound and transparentmanner and can take into account expert advice of and guidelines developed by relevantinternational organizations. Lack of scientific knowledge or scientific consensus shouldnot necessarily be interpreted as indicating a particular level of risk, an absence of risk oran acceptable risk. Risks associated with GMOs/LMOs or products there of, namely,processed materials that are of genetically/living modified organism origin, containingdetectable novel combinations of replicable genetic material obtained through the use ofmodern biotechnology should be considered. Context of the risks posed by the non-modified recipients or parental organisms in the likely potential receiving environment.Risk assessment should be carried out on a case-by –case basis. The required information


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may very in nature and level of detail from case to case depending on the GMO/LMOconcerned, its intended use and the likely potential receiving environment.

Principles of good laboratory practice is concerned with the organizational processand the conditions under which laboratory studies are planned, performed, monitored,recorded and reported. Ensure that qualified personnel, appropriate facilities, equipmentand materials are available. Maintenance of records of the qualifications training,experience and job description for each professional and technical individual. Ensure thathealth and safety precautions are applied according to national and or internationalregulations. Risk assessment should be dependent on and be according to the risk groupfor the GMO/LMO being used.

In all cases involving microorganisms, plants and animals the considerations are a)Vector- host specificity and stability b) Potential for vector leakage into unintended hostsin the environment c) Nature and case of possible recombination and spread of suchvectors, d) The characteristics of the areas and other organisms that might be affected, e)Ensure that the introduction of GMO/LMO does not interfere with the protection ofgenetic resources and biological diversity.

Sound scientific principles should be applied to adequately measure the effects of theintroduced organisms on human and the environment. Anticipation that in most casesthere will be low environmental risk after modification of an organism by altering,deleting or adding a few genes and its re-introduction into its natural habitat. Plants withunfamiliar phenotypes should be subject to oversight until their behaviour is predictableand shown to be non-detrimental to the environment. Ecological uncertainties regardingmicroorganisms can be addressed scientifically regarding their genetic and phenotypiccharacteristics.

GMO that are considered harmless in one region might be potentially harmful inanother region with different environmental conditions. Particular stress has to be givento the fact that extreme climatic conditions are prevalent in our country. Thereforeadequate field-testing under criteria given above is essential.

Should consider safe operational procedure such as good occupational hygiene andgood microbiological techniques for industrial use of GMO. Operation and equipmenthas to be designed to protect the personnel and the immediate processing facility fromexposure to microorganisms. Facilities to protect the external laboratory or factoryenvironment from exposure to microorganisms should be available.

Field test and release GMOs/LMOs or use such organisms for large scale productionwill need to apply for a separate permit for each individual organism from NCB throughthe IBC. Application for a permit of proposed release of GMOs/LMOs into theenvironment duly endorsed by the IBC should be submitted to the NCB 90 days inadvance of the planned release. NCB will grant a permit if warranted. If an application isdenied appropriate explanation will be given. All persons who are granted permit torelease GMOs/LMOs or use such organisms are required to submit periodic reports to theIBC.


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If any LMO/GMO intended for field release needs to be imported the NCB will issuean import permit for each individual organism and inform the relevant authorities at theport of entry. The import permit will be separate from the permit to field releaseindividual organisms. NCB through IBC has to ensure that transgenic organismsimported from outside be grown in a clearly marked, confined space specifically preparedfor this purpose; entry to such confined space will be restricted to personnel trained inBiosofety measures. For institutions who have developed their own transgenic plants,within the country, these needed to be tested in an appropriate confined space (notnecessarily or controlled temperature glass house), where pollen escape can be prevented.The transgenic plants produced within the country should be maintained in a designatedconfined space especially prepared for this purpose.

NCB through IBC has to ensure that a minimum isolation distance is maintained allaround the transgenic plants and that a non-compatible crop be grown in the isolationdistance. IBC will ensure that the seed progeny from the plants used as pollen trap beanalyzed to assess the extent of pollen escape from the transgenic lines to compatibleborder row plants and to advise redustgning of the Foundation deed production in case ofinfillration of pollen into border line plants. IBC will ensure a minimum of two yearsfield trials in small plots (away from physical biological proximity to human and othersignificant biota) indication stability and persistence of the character(s) of interest andother important agronomic characters as well as well-defined genetic markers in thereleased transgenic variety/varieties.

NCB will grant a permit if warranted. If an application is denied/appropriateexplanation will be given. All organization/companies that are granted permit to releaseproducts produced from GMOs/LMOs into the market are required to keep records andsubmit periodic reports to NCB regarding outcome of release or any allergic or adverseeffect of released product.

Nomenclature and detailed characteristics of donor, recipient and vector organismsmust be furnished including a detailed description of the molecular biology, anticipatedgenetic material in morphological or structural characteristics, physiological activitiesand processes, number of copies inserted in the genetic material: the physical state of thismaterial inside the recipient organism products and secretions and growth characteristics.

A detailed description of the processes, procedures and safeguards that have beenused or will be used in the country of origin and in Bangladesh to prevent contamination,release and dissemination in the production of the donor organism, recipient organism,vector or vector agent, regulated materials and a constituent of each regulated materialwhich is a product.

No GMO shall be imported and introduced unless, specified guidelines on packagingand container requirement including marking and identification requirements are fullydeveloped/complied with. Any movement of regulated material shall be accompanied byrelevant permit issued by NCB. All movements of hazardous organisms of GMOs/LMOsshall include an advanced agreement between the participating countries, laboratories andthe IBC or BSO. All the guidelines for movement shall be applied in the domestictransport within and between institutions.


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A failure by the designated authority to acknowledge receipt of a notification shallnot imply its consent to an intentional trans boundary movement. The designatedauthority shall, within 90 days informs the notifier, in writing, weather the intentionaltrans boundary movement may proceed. A failure by the designated authority tocommunicate its decision within two hundred and seventy days of the date of receipt ofthe notification shall not imply its consent to an intentional trans-boundary movement.Lack of scientific certainty due to insufficient relevant scientific information andknowledge regarding the extent of the potential adverse effects of a GMO on theconservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in the country, taking also risks tohuman health into account, shall not prevent the country from taking a decision, asappropriate, with regard in the import of the living modified organism in question, inorder to avoid or minimize such potential adverse effects.

In order to avoid adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biologicaldiversity, taking also into account risks to human health, the government shall requirethat GMOs/LMOs organisms that are subject to international trans-boundary movementare handled, packaged and transported under conditions of safety, taking intoconsideration relevant international rules and standards. Bangladesh shall take measuresto require that documentation accompanying GMOs/LMOs that are intended for directuse as food or feed, or for processing, clearly identifies that they may containGMOS/LMOs and are not intended for intentional introduction into the environment, aswell as a contact point for further information GMOs/LMOs that are destined forcontained use clearly identifies them as GMOs/LMOs and specifies any requirements forthe safe handling, storage, transport and use, the contact point for further information,including the name and address of the individual and institution to whom theGMOs/LMOs are consigned and GMOs/LMOs that are intended for intentionalintroduction into the environment of the country and any other GMOs/LMOs clearlyidentifies them as such, specifies the identity and relevant traits and/or characteristics,any requirements for the safe dandling, storage, transport and use the contact point forfurther information and as appropriate, the name and address of the importer and exporterand contains a declaration that the movement is in conformity with these requirements.

In addition to the revocation of the project approval any violation of the provisions ofthis guideline or the concealment or withholding by the proponent of any informationnecessary to evaluate risks to human health or the environment shall be penalized by theconcerned ministry by stopping the work immediately and forfeiting the governmentgrants/funds. Further, any incentives that may have been granted the proponent orinstitution for contributing to advanced scientific or technological research anddevelopment will be withheld. These penalties are exclusive of any other penaltiestenable by existing law. It means that until and unless, specific acts and rules pertainingto Biosafety of GMO/LMO is in place any activity undertaken in violation of Biolsafetyguidelines shall also be treated under the penal provisions of existing law, including, butnot limited to, civil, criminal and administrative liabilities for gross negligence. The NCBwill inform the government (MOEF) on all issues pertaining to violations of theseguidelines by any organization. The Ministry will, if necessary issue public statement onany such violation to caution other organizations.


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Variety developed by terminator technology is eligible for registration in Bangladesh.Registration of GMO seeds requires disclosure information and report of bio-safetyanalysis. There is provision of compulsory licensing to discourage monopoly. Theauthority can issue compulsory license to the third party for the production and marketingof seeds of protected plant varieties if the owner of such varieties do not supply seeds inadequate quantity within three years of registration or do not supply seeds in competitiveprice. The duration of protection is specified currently as 15 years for annual and 18 yearsfor perennial specifically vine and tree plant varieties.

The regulations in the proposed act will have direct implication on the production andmarketing of seeds. The Seed Act and Seeds ordinance have to comply with theprovisions of the PVP & FR in order to protect the rights of breeders and farmers’ overthe seeds of the notified crops. These acts ordinance therefore, needs to be harmonizingin order to facilitate production and marketing of quality seeds by safeguarding the rightsof the breeders and the farmers.

6. 3. Exchange of genetic material and seeds

Genetic materials particularly seeds of different genotypes are exchanged betweenthe research organizations of Bangladesh and other countries of the world. TheInternational Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Bangladesh Rice Research Institute(BRRI) has been collaborating each other from very beginning of the research activities.The seeds and germplasms of rice are exchanged between the two organizations fordevelopment of modern or high yielding varieties. At present some collaborating researchprojects between BRRI and IRRI include integrated crop management in rice-wheatsystem, managing rice landscape in marginal uplands, development and dissemination ofwater saving technologies and long-term experiment on alternative tillage and cropestablishment. A local IRRI office has been established at Dhaka for rapidcommunications, execution and monitoring the activities of the projects. Danish SeedHealth Centre (DHC) has been collaborating with Seed Pathology Centre (SPC) since1990. Seeds of different crops have been exchanging between DHC and SPC for researchpurposes.

International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) has beencollaborating with Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute in the field of research onpulse and oil seed crops. Exchange of the seed and genetic materials of the abovementioned crops are made through these two organizations. International Crop ResearchInstitute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has been collaborating with Bangladeshcounterparts for the last two decades. The seeds and germplasms of pulses, oil crop andbeans are exchanged mutually. Seeds are exchanged mutually between Seed pathologyCentre (SPC) of Bangladesh and Asian Seed Health Centre (ASHC) of India forcollaborative research in the field of seed pathology and seed technology between the twocentres.


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Farmer Seed Management Practices

7. FARMER SEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

The Informal seed supply system mostly operating though farmer to farmer seedexchange and the most important process of seed production and supply. In general, only18% of seed requirements are met by the formal sector, the remaking 90% of seeddemand is supplied by the informal and on-farm sources. As much as 60 to 90% of theirseed is saved on-farm, while only 2% is obtained from public and private companies. Theremaining 10 to 40% is obtained from informal or local sources. With the increasingsupport of GOs and NGOs and the involvement of private enterprises in the seed sector,the scenario has changed now and is believed to be improved.

7.1. Farmer seed practices by crops

Seed exchange from formal/informal sectors and local seed merchants make the seedsupply system and local crop development more dynamic. In the local system farmersselect and maintain local crop diversity that address their needs and therefore, conservepotential genetic resources for future use the seeds of a large proportion of modern wheat,rice and maize varieties are maintained on-farm. National seed strategy should find waysto strengthen the informal seed system along with the formal system for sustainable seedsupply in the country.

Some big farmers do not hesitate to visit nearby research organization to collect seedof improved varieties of crops of their interest. They grow the crop in their own field anddemonstrate the performance to their neighbour. They harvest the crops theirconsumption best a portion of it are sold to their neighbours a little high price.

7.2. Extent of farmer-to-farmer exchange of seed

The marginal seed small farmers produce seeds of their crops and store in theirhouses for few months of use as planting material in the next season.

Seed flow in rice crop occurs mainly through exchange followed by purchase.Farmers own seed and exchange of seed with members of the community are importantsource innovative farmers. There are a few wilt other farmers who are playing asignificant role in the flow of genetic materials. Some of the key individuals have linkingoutside the village bringing in new genetic materials, thus deploying new varietaldiversity within the village.

Seed exchange from formal/informal sectors and local seed merchants make the seedsupply system and local crop development more dynamic. In the local system farmersselect and maintain local crop diversity that address their needs and therefore, conservepotential genetic resources for future use of seeds of a large proportion of modern wheat,rice and maize varieties are maintained on-farm. National seed strategy should find waysto strengthen the informal seed system along with the formal system for sustainable seedsupply in the country.

Some big farmers do not hesitate to visit nearby research organization to collect seedof improved varieties of crops of their interest. They grow the crop in their own field and


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Human Resource Development

demonstrate the performance to their neighbors. They harvest the crops mainly for theirconsumption and small portion is sold to their neighbors at comparatively a premiumprice.

7.3. Farmer seed selection and procurement behavior

Majority of small farmers select seeds from their own crops. They grow crops fortheir own consumption. They select the good crop area in their field and preservedportion of harvested crop for future use as planting material. Farmers usually do not growany seed crop and take special care. The better crop is selected from traditionally growncrop fields. The crop fields of some of the farmers are also selected by the other farmersof the locality based on the crop performance at maturity stage. So, they purchase theseeds from their neighbor. The producer sometimes do not sell their seeds immediateafter harvest, they preserve and sell the seeds during the next sowing time to get higherprice.

Seed selection from the crop field by farmers from their own crop is commonpractice in Bangladesh. Farmer’s seed selection is the critical part of the informal seedsystem for maintaining and improving local or adopted varieties. Women are alsoinvolved in seed selection particularly during processing and storage activities. Healthyand true-to-type crop is selected on the basis of the visual characteristics of the standingcrops best looking ears and heads are kept separately for seed after harvesting, followedby careful threshing and storage. During harvesting, a particular field or part of the fieldthat performs well is selected and is harvested separately for seed. Individual plants areselected just before harvesting of the whole field. Marking of healthy and good lookingindividual plants during the season and harvested separately.

7.4. Farmer’s knowledge about varieties and seed system

Farmer’s knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system is very poor inBangladesh. There is knowledge gap to the farmers due to lack of education andawareness on the importance and use of quality seeds. Poverty, small holdings, irrigation,fertilizer, credit, and transportation are limiting factors for the farmers. Farmers seedproducer groups are converting slowly in to co-operatives with upgraded institutionalcapacity, physical facilities and organized seed marketing system. Private seedenterprises are growing with the provision of government policy of private sector in seedbusiness/industry particularly involved in vegetable and high value crop seeds. Trainingto farmers and strengthening seed program by the support services of public sector withuser friendly seed polices will improve the commercialized seed industry and sustainableseed supply at domestic and international level.

8. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

There are five Universities under the Ministry of Education in Bangladesh. They are(i) Bangladesh Agricultural University, (ii) Patuakhali Science and TechnologyUniversity, (iii) Hazi Danesh Science and Technology University, (iv) Bangabandhu


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Sheik Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, and (v) Sher-e-Bangla AgriculturalUniversity. Due to fund limitation, the universities had to focus more on teaching than onresearch. Seed science and technology did not get emphasis but at present attention hasbeen attached on the seed technology through introduction of seed technology courses forunder and post graduate levels at the universities.

8. 1. Involvement of research and academic institutions

The Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) is situated at Mymensingh, consistsof six faculties and 41 departments. The Faculty of Agriculture offers two credits inundergraduate courses on ‘Seed Science and Technology’ and ‘Practical Seed Scienceand Technology’. At M Sc level it offers a course on ‘Seed Technology’. A course on“Seed Testing and Quality Control” has been developed but not running due to lack offunds. According to the NSP, the Seed Pathology Centre (SPC) at BAU is the NationalLaboratory on seed health. SPC in involved in research, training and teaching on seedhealth and seed technology. However, the research activities on Seed health can’tstrengthened in SPC because of discontinuation of funding support from DGISP (nowDSHC) since 2002.

Seed Pathology Centre (SPC) at BAU is recognized as the only national seed healthlaboratory in Bangladesh and is responsible for training as well as transfer of knowledgeon seed health to farmers through the extension system. This center was established withthe support from DGISP (now DSHC) during the period of 1987 and 2000. The SPC has450 m2 of physical facilities and basic equipment for mycological work. The up-gradation of status of the laboratory under BAU is currently under active consideration.The Centre would be up-graded into Seed Science and Technology-a consortium amongseveral Departments, where the SPC would be one of the entities. The staffs in SPC arequalified for working on seed mycology, bacteriology, and virology. The SPC is able tooffer post-graduate certificate courses on seed technology. However, with thediscontinuation of support from DGISP since 2002, the seed health research andextension has become limited and restricted to only seed mycology in SPC.

Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) is locatedat Salna, Gazipur, about 10 km northwest of the Gazipur district headquarters and about40 km north of Dhaka capital city. Research programmes at BSMRAU focuses mainly onlocal problems under the national agricultural research system (NARS). With the supportfrom SID, the BSMRAU has established the first in-country M Sc and PhD courses onseed technology. SID provided technical support and funds for equipment, books,journals and brochures for students. The Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) inDhaka is also becoming more aware of seed health and has made investment in basicfacilities for e.g. seed health studies and training programmes for B Sc and M Sc degrees.The Seed Unit at BSMRAU in Gazipur has basic facilities and experts for seedmycology, including some experience and facilities with molecular work. The Unit iscurrently implementing several research projects related to seed health and quality. TheUnit implements comprehensive training programmes on seed technology.


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The Seed Pathology Unit at Ser-E-Bangla Agricultural University, Ser-E-BanglaNagar, Dhaka has some basic facilities for seed mycology but limited staff with seedpathological experience/training. The Unit intends to expand their seed health work infuture.

The Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) is the largest and mostdiversified of the crops research institutes. BARI has some facilities which could be usedfor seed mycology-presently only limited activities related to seed health are carried out.Recently Plant Pathology Division has been strengthened with equipment to conductresearch in all areas of Seed Pathology.

Plant Pathology Division and Seed and genetic resource Division of Bangladesh RiceResearch Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur has trained man power and adequate facilities forseed te3chnology and seed pathology, including facilities for PCR and other molecularwork. The Divisions are currently implementing several applied and basic researchprojects.

The Plant Pathology Division of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka, hasfacilities for seed mycology, and has carried out a number of investigations, includingwork to determine tolerance levels and control strategies for seed-borne fungi in jute.This work has been translated into practical recommendation in jute seed production.

The Seed Division of BADC has no facility for seed pathological work. Seed healthis addressed through field inspection and occasionally by having samples analysed by theSeed Pathology Centre, Mymensingh. It has a good laboratory at Dhaka having goodfacilities for seed quality tests.

Seed Certification Agency (SCA): The Seed Certification Agency (SCA) is furnishedwith seed quality testing laboratory at Gazipur mini laboratories at different places of thecountry but has no facility for seed health assessment and no staff trained in seedpathology. The SCA has an agreement with the SPC in case of need for seed healthtesting.

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has done insignificant rural extensionactivities on seed health issues. This is primarily caused by lack of qualified manpower,lack of transmission and lack of incentives for the extension workers to visit and trainfarmers. There have been several initiatives in the donor supported seed programmes.

The Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogra implements considerableoutreach activities in the areas of plant and seed health and production of quality farmers’seed. The RDA is active in female farmers’ seed production schemes with the supportfrom SID/DANIDA. The RDA has been carried out investigations on production and postharvest issues of seed health, including the use of garlic, neem, formaledehyde and “BishKatali (Polyanthia hydropiper)” to protect seed during storage. Only rudimentaryfacilities/HR for seed pathological work is available. RDA has a small programme“Village plant health clinic” with collaboration of CABI.


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Conclusions and Recommendations

8. 2. Training for farmers and extension workers

DAE is the main public provider of extension services in Bangladesh with more than24.000 employees and the biggest of organization under the Ministry of Agriculture. Itsmission is to provide needs based extension services to all categories of farmers andenable them to optimize their use of resources in order to promote sustainable agriculturaland socio-economic development. One of the objectives of DAE includes humanresource development and technology transfer. DAE works with the goal to increase cropproduction and help the country attain self sufficiency in food.

8.3. Areas for skill and capacity building

Remarkable number of private seed organizations has been developed in the countryduring the two last decades. These organizations have limitation in infrastructure facilityfor processing and preservation of quality seeds. Shortage of skilled man power isanother acute problem of the seed industries. Lack of dissemination and adoption oftechnical know-how for use and production of quality seeds hinder the development andmarket promotion of the companies.

Training for the technical staff in all divisions such as production, processing,preservation and marketing of the seed organizations and also for the seed dealers,merchants and farmers as top-bottom chain is very essential for upgrading the system ofquality seed supply either at the private or public sector.

Almost all private seed organizations are lacking of a seed quality laboratory, someof them have moisture meter either not in use or not working, no oven to determinemoisture content, no electric balance for purity analysis, germination test is conductingwithout appropriate environment, no germinator, no air-cooler to maintain temperaturefor germination test in the lab, no microscope and no facility at all for seed health test.The hygiene of the store house is not suitable for preservation of quality seeds. Creationof these infrastructural facilities along with the equipments is of prime need for thesustainable seed system in Bangladesh.

9. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Easy and economic access of the farmers to the availability good seed is of immenseconsideration to meet the growing needs of the nation’s food security. It is important tomake good seed available to the farmers even at the remote rural areas of Bangladesh.Vegetable seeds supply is import dependant. Public and private sector seed organizationscan be encouraged and be strengthened to enhance production and supply of quality seedat local level in affordable price, at right time. Based on study followingrecommendations are drawn for further improvement of over all seed sector in thecountry:

1. Seed quality control and variety release procedure of the notified crops arerecommended to equally apply in the seed supply mechanism of the other importantcrops like vegetables and pulses.


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2. Seed replacement rate can be increased through production and supply of qualityseed by strengthening farmers’ seed management practices with proper motivation andplanning.

3. Structure, capacity and functioning of the formal and informal seed sectors needadequate technical support services and facilities for seed processing, storage andmarketing system.

4. Internal quality control mechanism of the private seed companies need to bemonitored through investigation of the facilities for production, processing andpreservation of the seeds. Private sector need to come forward in seed business withstrong internal quality control actions through perfect utilization of seed legislation andappointment of trained man-powers.

5. Public Research Organizations can be the sole authority for production andmultiplication of Breeder Seed and Public seed organizations such as BADC beresponsible for production and maintenance of Foundation Seeds while Certified andTLS production can be done by the private sector. Private Research Organizations can beallowed to produce Breeder or Foundation Seeds with certain terms and conditions.

6. Establishment and strengthening of seed laboratories with modern equipment andfacilities are required. Human Resource Development on GMO testing, DNA finger printanalysis, seed health etc. are of immediate need.

7. Bank loan on easy terms and conditions can be allotted to the private seedproducer for investment in infrastructures development, equipments, and technology(R&D) development.

8. Strengthening vegetable breeding to enhance production of desirable variety by thepublic and private seed industry for minimizing import dependence of seed supply chainand certification system should be imposed for vegetable seed as soon as possible

9. Sustainable supply of quality seeds needs strong and effective quarantine facilitiesin the boarders and strong post-entry monitoring and regulation systems.

10. Concept of seed village or seed club can be explained to the farmers andimplemented through subsidy of the in-puts to encourage production and use of qualityseeds.

11. Immediate effort is needed to fix the seed health standard and seed healthstandard based on the research data, experiments and experience of the crop scientists ofthe country.

12. Necessary steps need to undertake for approval and implementation oflegislations for intellectual property rights, biosafty regulations and updating plantquarantine regulation of the country as soon as possible for protection of farmers’ andbreeders’ right and harmonization of different seed related act, regulations, PVP/FR actand Plant quarantine acts among and between SAARC countries.


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Tables

13. Establishment of plant variety protection authority at central and local level tomanage efficient registration of plant varieties. Provision for farmers’ group andorganizations for the implementation of PVP & FR.

10. Tables

Table 1: Climate of Bangladesh

Factors Minimum Maximum

Temperature 13.90C 32.60C

Rainfall 44 mm 1733mm

Humidity 73% 86%

Table 2. Duration of different seasons for rice cultivation

Season Duration

Aus April to July

Broad cast Aman April-December

Transplanted Aman June-December

Boro December-May

Winter October-March

Summer April to September

Table 3: Area and land uses in Bangladesh

Total agricultural land :14.84 million ha

Total cultivable land : 9.09 million ha

Cropping intensity : 197%

Manpower engaged in agriculture : 51.7%

Land in the rural area 136953 sq km

Land in the urban area 10617 sq.km

Divisions 06

Districts (Zila) 64

Upazila 508

Thana 599

Village 87362


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Tables

Table 4. Male and female population in the country (Census 2001)

Gender Enumerated Adjusted

Male 64091508 67731320

Female 60263755 62791278

Total 124355263 130522598

Table 5. Household in the rural and urban area (Census 2001)

Household Number

Urban 6035144

Rural 19455678

Total 25490822

Table 6. Area (in lac hectare) under major crops

Crop 2006-2007 2007- 2008

Rice: Aus 11.15 11.58

Rice: Amon 58.20 55.09

Rice: Boro 43.67 46.75

Rice (total) 113.02 113.38

Wheat 3.72 3.70

Potato 3.77 5.20

Jute 4.71 4.73

Table 7. Area coverage by rice varieties

2006-2007 2007- 2008

Season Local HYV Hybrid Local HYV Hybrid

Aus 37.49% 62.51% -- 32.84% 67.16% -

Aman 34.47% 65.53% -- 32.13% 67.87%

Boro 3.71% 87.27% 9.02% 2.70% 75.67% 21.63%


64

Tables

Table 8. Area (in lac hectare) under other crops

Crop 2006-2007 2007- 2008

Pulses 6.46 5.89

Oilseeds 5.69 7.52

Spices 4.41 4.57

Vegetables 6.63 6.51

Maize 2.22 3.82

Sugarcane (Non-Millszones)

0.74 0.74

Table 9. Contribution to Gross domestic product

Contribution of crops to GDP

Contribution of agriculture to GDP : 21.10%

Contribution of crops to GDP : 11.70%

Rate of increase of GDP : 6.51%

Rate of increase of agril GDP : 3.61%

Per capita income (US $) : 520

Table 10. Total production (in lac MT) of major crops

Crop 2006-2007 2007- 2008

Aus 22.22 22.93

Aman 128.39 110.06

Boro 159.90 186.76

Rice total 310.51 319.75

Wheat 7.65 9.56

Potato 52.76 92.37

Jute 49.16* 47.29*

* Production in number of bales


65

Tables

Table 11 Trends in yield of rice (MoA)

2006-07 Yield (MT/Ha) 2007-08 Yield (MT/Ha)Variety/Hybrid

Aus Aman Boro Average Aus Aman Boro Average

Hybrid - - 4.70 4.70 - - 4.75 4.75

HYV 2.43 2.60 3.64 2.89 2.38 2.38 3.85 2.87

LIV 1.24 1.58 1.76 1.53 1.19 1.20 1.85 1.41

Table 12. Total production (in Lac MT) of other crops (MoA)

Crop 2006-2007 2007- 2008

Pulses 5.82 5.37

Oilseeds 6.18 9.24

Spices 19.63 23.09

Vegetables 93.05 89.10

Maize 12.68 23.61

Sugarcane (Non-Mills zones) 35.67 35.66

Table 13. Seed replacement rate of different crops

YearCrop

2006 2007 2008 2010

Rice 25.31 32.19 38.61 47.39

Wheat 26.90 55.15 55.36 57.76

Maize 64.66 88.5 99.4 1.56

Jute 45.15 71.62 72.87 85.75

Pulse 11.46 75.43 13.13 16.84

Oil 26.53 66.53 98.46 16.36

Vegetable 30.42 30.46 35.76 55.30

Spices 7.81 1.63 2.80 3.62

Potato 2.37 0.33 66.14 04.91


66

Tables

Table 14. Requirement and supply of quality seeds in metric ton (MoA)

Name o fcrop

2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010*

Requirement Supply Requirement Supply Requirement Supply

Aus 37500 4690 37000 4885 36500 4885

Aman 168000 36600 168000 40700 167875 40700

Boro 101340 77210 102400 72400 99500 77400

Sub-Total(rice)

306840 118500

(38.61%)

307400 117985

(38.38%)

303875 122985

Wheat 70800 39200 70200 41050 69600 40950

Maize 5000 4970 5780 5770 6800 6800

Pulse 21370 2808 20965 3103 20965 3280

Oilseeds 15000 1477 14450 1748 14450 1982

Vegetableseed

2600 930 2620 1093 2620 1438

Jute 4000 2915 3775 2965 3910 3310

Potato 600000 39686 600000 22500 600000 28000

Spices 137000 384 144362 454 153462 496

Sub-Totalother crop

855770 92370 862152 78683 871807 88256

Total 1162610 210870(18.14%)

1169552 196668

(16.82%)

1175682 211241

(17.97%)

Projected

Table 15. Cotton seed (ton) produced by Cotton Development Board

Year Breeder Foundation Certified Hill cotton Total

2004-05 4 42 137 15 198

2005-06 3 29 129 0.50 161.5

2006-07 4 28 155 5 192

2007-08 6 49 125 23 203

2008-09 5 69 184 30 288


67

References

Table 16. Seed Imported (MT) in Bangladesh

Crop 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Rice 1489.1 5336.2 5600.9 8150.6

Wheat 2212.0 0.01 20.0 142.5

Maize 3885.0 3134.8 4507.1 5400.9

Jute 2161.3 2344.9 2628.5 1928.0

Potato 1910.7 5717.5 3741.4 4673.6

Vegetables° 1086.0 1367.8 3113.6 731.5

Onion seed 12.00 20.7 0.66 75.01

Lawn Grass - 178.13 235.64 178.12

Coriander - 23.670 284.350 190.06

Flower seed 101.4* - 24.7* 4.1

Piper - - - 29.6

Oil crop - - - 15.0

Sorghum 125.0

* includes sunflower °Includes water melon

11. References

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) 1999. Statistical Pocketbook of Bangladesh, 1997.Ministry of Planning, Government of the Peiople’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka

BARC 2000. Bangladesh NARS-2020. A vision for agricultural research. The BangladeshAgricultural Research Council, 48 pp.

BRAC, 2005. BRAC Annual report 2005, 102 pp.

DANIDA 2003. Seed Industry Development Component. Second Report of the Seed SectorAnalyst-Bangladesh. 99 pp.

Dawlatana M, Coker RD, Nagler MJ, Wild CP, Hassain MS & Blunden G. 2002. The occurrenceof mycotoxins in key commodities in Bangladesh: surveillance results from 1993 to 1995.Journal of Natural Toxins 11: 379-386

Fakir GA, Islam M & Sultana K 2006. Report on finding threshold level of seed borneMacrophomina phaseolina in Jute. SID/Danida. 68 pp.

Fakir GA 2004. Quality of farmer-saved rich seed in Bangladesh. Seed Pathology Centre.Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. 53 pp.


68

References

Fakir GA 2001. List of seed borne diseases of important crops occurring in Bangladesh.Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 20 pp

Fakir GA 1999. A report on measures required to strengthen plant quarantine in Bangladesh. SeedPathology Laboratory. Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University,Mymensingh.

Fakir GA 1998. Health status of farmer’s rice seed. First International Workshop on SeedPathology. Seed Pathology Laboratory. Department of Plant pathology, BangladeshAgricultural University, Mymensingh. 10 pp.

Fakir GA 1993. Progress in Plant Pathology. Proceeding of the Fifth Bienal Conference of theBangladesh Phytopathological Society held during 27-28 June, 1993. 85 pp.

Fakir GA 1988. Seed Pathology teaching, training and research in developing countries – areview. Seed Pathology, Department of Plant Pathology. Bangladesh AgriculturalUniversity, Mymensingh. 28 pp.

Fakir GA. 1980. Estimate of crop losses due to seed-borne diseases in Bangladesh. BangladeshAgricultural University, Mymensingh.

FAO 1999. Nutrient Country Profile –Bangladesh, FAO Rome.

Government of Bangladesh 2005. Unlocking the Potential. National Strategy for AcceleratedPoverty Reduction. 209 pp.

Hossain SMM 2005. Production of healthy wheat Seed by environment friendly managementpractices. Ph.D. synopsis, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University.

Hossain QT & M. Faruque 1999. Plant quarantine requirement and services for seed import.National seminar on seed industry development. Proceeding. 145-153. Ministry ofAgriculture, Dhaka Bangladesh.

Huda MN 2005. National seed system – status and outlook. The Biennial Conference of theAgronomy Society of Bangladesh, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University.

Huda MN 2001. Why Quality Seed? – reality and Vision GTZ office, Dhaka.

Mia MAT 1993. Status of research on seed in Bangladesh and future need. Proceeding of the FifthBiennial conference of the Bangladhe Phytopathological Society, 44-67.

Krishibid SA 2006. Seed Industry in Bangladesh, in Certificate Distribution to Seed Dealers onTechnology Popularisation Program, Seed Federation of Bangladesh.

Rahman S. & Hossain MDZ 2003. Pesticide demand in hybrid seed production technology. FoodAgriculture & Environment 1, 174-179.

Rahman M & Mia MAT 1998. Studies on the health status of farmers stored seed of rice.Bangladesh J. Plant Pathology 14,37-40.

Rashid AQM, Fakir GA & SB Mathur 2000. Bipolaris leaf blight of wheat. Technical Bulletin.Seed Pathology Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh AgriculturalUniversity, Mymensingh. 11 pp.

Rashid AQM, Fakir GA, Mia MAT, K. S. Uddin 1995. Seed health studies and crop production inBangladesh Journal of Sustainable Agriculture 6, 93-121.

World Bank 2005. Revitalizing the Agricultural Technology System in Bangladesh. BangladeshDevelopment Series – paper no 7. The World Bank Office, Dhaka.

World Bank 1989. Bangladesh Action Plan for Flood Control. The World Bank, Washington DC.

69

Quality Seed in Bhutan

70


71

QUALITY SEED IN BHUTANPRODUCTION, PROCESSING, LEGAL AND

QUALITY CONTROL AND MARKETING SYSTEM

Mr. Sangay DorjiSeed Coordinator

Department of AgricultureMinistry of Agriculture

Thimpu, Bhutan

December 2009


72

Content

C o n t e n t Topic Page1. Introduction 732. Agriculture and Seed Scenario 74

2.1 Agrarian structure and land use 742.2 Trends in crop yields 752.3 Seed replacement rate by crop 762.4 Seed requirement by crop 782.5 Trends in seed trade 78

3. Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Public Seed System 793.1 Public seed agencies and their infrastructure facilities 793.2 Organization of seed activities and various seed operations 813.3 Crop covered and size of operations, seed sales etc. 81

4. Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Private Seed Sector 834.1 Private seed agencies and their infrastructure facilities 834.2 Organization of seed activities and various seed operations 83

5. Quality assurance mechanism 845.1 Descriptions of the mechanism and main weakness 845.2 Measures to strengthen the quality assurance mechanism 845.3 Seed health status, activities and facilities 85

6. Seed Regulations and their Effectiveness 866.1 Regulations to deal with seed production, handling and distribution 866.2 Regulations for IPR and use of GMS 896.3 Exchange of genetic material and seed through International 90

Centers and through local centers or institutions in SAARC and other countries7. Farmer Seed Management Practices 90

7.1 Farmer seed practices by crops 907.2 Extent of farmer - to - farmer exchange of seed 907.3 Farmer seed selection and procurement behavior 917.4 Farmers’ knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system 92

8. Human Resource Development and Capacity Building 928.1 Involvement of academic and research institutions for 92

HRD through curriculum development and project support8.2 Training of farmers and extension workers through the initiatives of public, 93

private or donor agencies8.3 Areas for skills and capacity building 93

9. Conclusions and Recommendations 9410. References 9511. Acronyms and Abbreviations 96


73

Introduction

1. INTRODUCTION

Background and Objectives

Seed is the basic and the most important input in agricultural development andproduction. Increase in agricultural production is the key to all – over economic growth.The pace of progress in crop production will largely depend upon the availability ofquality seeds and planting materials of superior varieties multiplied and made available tofarmers. Availability of quality seed is one of the most important aspects to ensuremaximum and sustainable agricultural production in a country in order to obtain foodsecurity.

In Bhutan, about 98% of the total seed requirement is covered by farmers ownproduction or through informal sources. The supply of quality seeds remained always lowbecause of technical and infrastructure constraints. The scenario has changed with theexpansion of agricultural research systems, development of different seed industries orcompanies in the private and public seed sector. There is also increasing trend in thenumbers of farmers group, nursery growers and individual farmers involving in seedproduction and supplies. A National coordinated seed production programme in thecountry began in 1984 with the establishment of National Seed and Plant ProductionProgramme (NASEPP). The first documented government sponsored interventions inthe seed sector development for agriculture and horticulture crops started in the 1960s.

Farmers avail seeds through two main supply systems – formal and informal. Formalseed system consists of government (research, extension, projects) and private and semi –private agencies (Druk Seed Corporation) and private agency like Bhutan Alpine SeedCompany who normally supply certified seeds to farmers. In the rural communities isnormally met by the informal seed supply systems whereby farmers saves part of theharvest or exchange or trade seed with the farmers within the community. Informal seed:seed produced by the farmers, used by the producers, or traded between farmers orthrough traders without formal involvement by government organizations and withoutdocumentation on quality. In Bhutan, most of the seed used by the farmers are producedthrough in – formal seed production. Formal seed: seed produced through government orregistered seed growers (registered with National Seed Board or BAFRA) withsystematic quality control and documentation (certification).

In order to have quality seed in Bhutan, it is critical and essential to look at theproduction, processing, legal, quality control and marketing system of seeds in Bhutan.

To address the quality seed in Bhutan, the following objectives need to be addressed.

1. To document the trends in availability of quality seed and seed replacement ratein Bhutan by crops

2. To study the structure of seed system in Bhutan, particularly organization of seedactivities by seed agencies, infrastructural facilities under public, private andfarmers’ seed management practices.

3. To study the seed quality control system including seed health and need forcapacity development to improve its effectiveness and possibility ofharmonization.


74


4. To examine regulations for development, testing and releases of new cropvarieties, and protection of intellectual property right.

5. To investigate the implication of plant quarantine act with its strength orweakness and highlighting the drawbacks behind it to suggest the possibleimprovement.

6. To suggest good regulatory practices for seed system development, includingthose governing development and use of Genetically Modified Organisms(GMO) and Management of Intellectual Property Right (IPR).


2.1 Agrarian structure and land use

Bhutan is situated in the eastern Himalayas and is mostly mountainous, it one of themost rugged countries in the world. The elevation ranges from about 200 m in the southto almost 8000 m in the north. Over 60% of the country is above 2000 m.

The climate in Bhutan is dominated by monsoons, which bring rain from the Bay ofBengal during the summer months. Most of the rain falls on the southern foothills, whichreceives 3-5 m of precipitation in a year. The inner valleys in the rain shadow receive 0.6– 1 m only. Temperature decreases with altitude at rates of 0.5 – 0.6 degree per 100 mchange in elevation. The winter season is generally dry. In addition, both rainfall andtemperature are strongly influenced by slope gradient and aspects.

The diverse agro – ecological zones and rainfall pattern in Bhutan results in a widevariety of different environments, supporting a rich diversity on vegetation. Agriculture ispracticed across a wide range of conditions, some of which are marginal due to highelevation, steep slopes, poor soils or absence of water. Bhutanese farmers have devisedproduction methods adapted to such conditions providing the base for the society tothrive in the often hostile mountain environment. The southern foothills are mostlycovered by deciduous forest. In Bhutan, due to mountainous topography, only a smallpercentage of land is suitable for agriculture (Table 1). 75% cereals dominate the dietcomposition of Bhutanese people, and non-cereals including livestock products accountsfor 25%. Traditionally nine food crops are recognized in the Bhutanese agriculturesystems known as "the dru-na gu". These are rice, maize, wheat, barley, buckwheat,millets, amaranth, mustard and pulses.

Food crop production is generally based on a low level of purchased inputs. Soilfertility is maintained mainly through use of organic manure. Despite increases in theproduction over the years, the domestic production of rice has not been able to meet theincreasing requirement. The deficit is met through imports. Rice is the most preferredfood and the demand continues to rise.

Present food grains self sufficiency through domestic production stands at around65% against the Plan target of 70%. The food grain gap of 35% is met through the importof mainly rice. Present rice self sufficiency through domestic production stands at around50%. Per capita food availability is quite comfortable at around 2500 kcal.


75


About 80% of the domestic cereal production comes from maize and ricecontributing 40% each. Wheat and other minor cereals make the remaining contribution.The present production of maize is considered adequate to meet the domesticrequirement. Increase in maize production has started generating marketable surpluses.The export earning from sale of cash crops covers the cost of import of basic foodcommodities like rice and edible oils.

Support services are provided to enhance production of apple, potato, mandarin,cardamom, and several vegetables. Promotion of potential new crops is in progress.Seeds and seedlings of new crop varieties of vegetables and fruits like walnuts, mangoes,chestnuts, peach, pear, plums, apricots, and oranges. Export of horticultural products hasincreased consistently despite the challenges posed by adverse climatic conditionsleading to crop damages and disruption of road transportation. Apart from the challengesof hostile environments, the agriculture production in Bhutan has been always limiteddue to wild life damages, pest and diseases and other natural calamities.

Table 1: Land use statistics (Source: MoA 1997)

Land Use Area (‘000 ha)% of

country

Forest 2904.50 72.5

Lowland rice 38.8 1.0

Upland agriculture (maize, wheat, barley, buckwheat) 181.70 4.5

Shifting cultivation (tseri and panshing) 88.30 2.2

Horticulture (apples, oranges, cardamom) 5.8 0.1

Natural grassland 155.30 3.90

Improved pasture 1.1 <0.1

Total Land area 4007.70 100

2.2 Trends in crop yields

The figures below shows the trends in various crops yield for the year 2005 to 2007.


76


Trend in crop yield from 2005 - 2007

0200400600800

100012001400

Paddy

Maize

Whe

at

Barley

Foxtail M

illet

Fing

er M

illet

Sweet B

uck whe

at

Bitter

Buc

k W

heat

Crop type

Yie

ld (

kg

/ac)

2005

2006

2007

Trend in vegetable yield 2005 - 2007

01000200030004000500060007000

Cabba

ge

Caulifl

ower

Carro

t

Radish

Turnip

Tomat

o

Green

Lea

ves

Brocc

oli

Vegetable type

Yie

ld (

kg/a

c)

2005

2006

2007

Figure 1: Cereals Figure 2: Vegetables

Trend in legume yield 2005 - 2007

0

500

1000

1500

2000

RajmaBean

SoyaBean

Beans Peas Mustard

Legume type

Yie

ld (

kg

/ac

)

2005

2006

2007

Trend in spice yield 2005 - 2007

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

Garlic Ginger Cardamom

Spice type

Yie

ld (

kg

/ac

)

2005

2006

2007

Figure 3: Legumes and Oil Seed Figure 4: Spices

2.3 Seed replacement rate by crop

The extension services have consistently recommended farmers to replace theirseeds. In spite of the recommendations and substantial investments and high subsidies inthe seed sector, the seed replacement among the Bhutanese farming communities couldnot pick up. Farmers’ decision for replacing seed was often based on market price andavailability of subsidies from the government. Another incentive for farmers to replacetheir seed was often the introduction of new varieties through the intervention of thegovernment through demonstrations and crop promotional programmes by freedistribution to the community.

The main governing reasons for slow seed replacement in Bhutan and not purchasingseed provided by the government system are related to cost, quality and availability. Theformal seed are too expensive, cash problem, poor quality and difficult to get whenneeded by the farmers.

Good quality “seed” means seeds or propagation materials possessing genetic purity,good germination, good seedling vigour, and freedom from diseases and pests. A largeincrease in production can be achieved by replacing farmers’ seeds with certified seeds ofimproved varieties on a regular basis. Besides the impact of added inputs like fertilisers,herbicides, irrigation and plant protection measures will be much higher when farmersuse good quality certified seeds of improved varieties.

The quality aspect is more critical in crops in which vegetative materials are used asplanting materials, as in cases of potato or grafted fruit plants. Farmers are aware of the


77


importance of the quality seeds since ages as they used to select good ear-heads orpanicles from the standing crops and preserve them as seeds. However, the ratio offarmers who follow such practice has always remained low. In fact it has become theinnate characteristic of less developed agriculture. A small percentage of Bhutanesefarmers use certified seeds of improved varieties annually. It is estimated that only about5-7% farmers use certified seeds of improved varieties annually, which means the SeedReplacement Rate (SRR) in Bhutanese agriculture is around 6% for cereals. In casepotato it is around 10% (assessed by RNR RC-East).

In potato many Bhutanese farmers are using their own seeds ever since they startedgrowing potato. It is in potato the fact is established that the yield potential of the seedpotato can come down as much as by 40% with deterioration in seed quality due todiseases. In potato the seed tubers must be free from virus diseases of potato to exploitthe full genetic potential of the respective varieties.

One of the basic pre-requisites of efficient and economic crop production is plantingof genetically pure, physically good quality seeds in order to ensure uniform and vigorousplant growth ultimately contributing towards optimum production. A large number ofimproved varieties have been released of which the potential productivity is high but inreality the average productivity is low. For instance, the maize variety Yangtsepapopularly grown in the East has potential yield of over 5 MT per acre but the averageproductivity stands around 1-2 MT per acre. It is because the Yangtsepa varietycontinuously cross-pollinates with local varieties, which is still grown by a large numberof farmers. Thus, due to low adoption of improved varieties and low seed replacementrate, continuous degeneration of genetic characters of improved varieties of crosspollinated crops occurs in the farmers fields as a result potential productivity is neverrealised.

For a sustained growth of agriculture a strong seed programme linked to a high seedreplacement rate of around 25% in required. So long these two remain weak and low,production increase will remain small and sustainability fragile.

Among other parameters, there is a necessity to stimulate and maintain a highdemand for certified seeds of improved varieties raising the seed replacement rate to adesired level, to bring about expected growth in agriculture. However, to win theconfidence of the farmers, the improvement in the seed programme is inevitable to ensurethe quality, quantity and timely delivery of seeds.

In agriculture, keeping the hybrids aside, most crops belong to 3 categories: self-pollinated, often cross-pollinated, and cross-pollinated. The genetic deterioration in thefarmers’ fields is rapid in cross-pollinated groups and hence their seeds need to bereplaced every 2-3 years. With little care, the farmers can save seeds of often cross-pollinated crops for 3-4 years and self-pollinated crops for 5-6 years.

In potato particularly below 2500 m asl, farmers must replace their seed potato in aninterval not exceeding 5 years to maintain a high level of production. In market orientedagriculture, farmers losses heavily if the anticipated response is not obtained for costlyinputs (fertilisers, herbicides, ects) due to the use of poor quality uncertified seeds of un-known lineage. Seeds with inherent genetic advantages and physical quality respond to


78


fertilisers, other inputs and climatic stress conditions in an expected manner and increaseagricultural productivity. Therefore, it is necessary that farmers should consistently usegood quality certified seeds of improved varieties, which are true-to-type genetically andposses desired qualities such as high yield potential, resistance to environmental stresses,seedling vigour, freedom from mixtures, weed seeds and diseases.

2.4 Seed requirement by crop

The seed quantities required for in – country production depend on the annualreplacement rates. Although the extension service has consistently recommendedreplacement of seeds every 2 – 4 years, the seed used has been low. The highest level ofseed replacement was reached in the late 80s with over 30% of seed required originatingfrom government system. Since then the seed replacement rate has declined and reachedthe lowest levels in the last 3 years with replacement rates under 2%.

Farmers’ decision for replacing seed was often based on the market price in theparticular year and the availability of subsidies. In a year was auction yard or marketprices are high farmers tend to keep less quantities of seed and tend to buy through thegovernment and other agencies. In Bhutanese scenario the seed requirement depends onthe availability of subsidies and market prices.

2.5 Trends in seed trade

The table below reflects the trend of seed trade within and outside the country. Thefigure just reflects the seeds and planting materials traded through private, public seedagencies and seeds through auction yard which is coordinated by the Food Corporation ofBhutan. The seeds and planting materials traded through informal system are notreflected.

Table 2: Year wise sale of seeds and planting materials

YearCommodity

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Cereals 104.191 98.334 63.256 105.54 203.199

Fertilizers 2848.845 3114.08 2951.458 3205.58 3226.795

Herbicides 251.85 264.62 254.81 266.02 290.84

Potato 520.202 397.05 386.25 458.07 276.33

Oil seed & legumes 7.0415 8.976 7.893 5.465 6.225

Planting materials 183178 202866 234651 236716 237516

Vegetable seeds 9.27342 12.36962 5.42291 14.47169 4.39306

Insecticides 13074 2509 2981 4426 4297

Source: Druk Seed Corporation, Paro


79


Table 3: Year wise Auction details of the Agriculture commodities

YearCommodities

2004 2005 2006 2007

Potato 22834.77 23766.54 20622.21 24449.62

Apple 147.30 0.37 452.53 202.27

Orange 2218.07 1.92 1863.61 5615.81

Other fruits 1.88 0.00 0.31 1.07

Pulse/spices 384.95 0.45 592.29 647.30

Vegetables 1994.34 1.89 1487.93 1438.66

Source: AMS, MoA compiled from FCBs of Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Sarpang, SamdrupJongkhar and Samtse the main outlets.

Table 4: Year wise Agriculture commodities exported (MT)

YearCommodities

2005 2006 2007

Apple 4743.464 3838.730 3097.70

Orange 18577.667 13142.75 23945.11

Mushroom 2.7326 1.674 2.97

Cardamom 310.96 640.00

Red Rice 89.72 94.04

Source: Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA), MoA


3.1 Public seed agencies and their infrastructure facilities

Druk Seed Corporation (DSC):

National Seed and Plant Programme (NASEPP) was formed in the year 1983 with theobjective to supply high quality seeds and planting materials of superior varieties forincreasing the farm productivity, production of crops, per – capita income and possiblyexport earnings. In 1995, the erstwhile NASEPP was changed into a corporation underthe name Druk Seed Corporation (DSC). Prior to 1995, NASEPP was a central programunder the Crop and Livestock Service Division.

Management of Druk Seed Corporation:

The organization structure of the DSC is in Figure 1. The Corporate Policy (1995)and Financial Manual (1998) of the DSC provide guidelines for its operation andmanagement. The DSC has three levels of management: the Management Board (MB),Managing Director (MD), and Regional Managers (RMs). While the MB functions as the


80


apex decision making body, the MD as an executive officer exercises the administrativepower delegated to him.

The Corporation is headed by the Managing Director, the Managing Director of DSCacts as Chief Execution Officer. The CEO is responsible for the execution of the policiesand plans to achieve corporation’s goals. Also, fully responsible for the overallperformance and is assisted by the heads of Production, Marketing and Finance andAdministrative besides Officers from Regional centers.

The DSC has three RMs based at Bajo, Bhur and Chinary. The seed and plantproduction farms of the concerned regions are placed under the management of the RMs.At the regional level, the RMs are responsible for production as well as for marketing.Producing certified seeds through RSGs, is also the responsibility of the RMs.

Infrastructure Facilities:

The DSC has well established production, processing and storing facilities. Facilitiesin Paro (DSC Headquarter) includes well equipped tissue culture laboratory, glasshouses, green houses, seed quality laboratory, processing facilities (including packaging)and storing facilities. Processing, quality testing and storing facilities are also available inBajo and Chenery farms (regional farms). Prior to well established infrastructure, DrukSeed Corporation has 305.35 areas of land in the different parts of the country. The farmsare strategically located at altitudes varying from 200 masl to 3000 masl. They alsovaried in size from 6.40 acres to 99.80 acres.

Table 5: Areas under Druk Seed Farm

Farm Altitude (masl) Area (ac) Land Value in Nu.

Phobjikha 3000 66.29 119322.00

Nagsiphel 2800 10.00 17370.00

Jeuphu 2500 21.82 39276.00

Paro (HQ) 2400 22.90 43020.00

Bondey 2200 16.20 29160.00

Yangtse 1910 41.37 72073.00

Bajo 1200 13.70 87680.00

Chinery 800 6.40 11520.00

Pangbang 400 6.87 43968.00

Bhur 200 99.80 632960.00

TOTAL 305.35 1096349.00


81


Table 6: Druk Seed farm utilization scenario

Usage (%) Importance todayFarms

Yearestablished

Size2005 2006 Seed Others

Bajo 1985 13.7 20 <5 Nil

Bhur 70.5 <5 <5 Citrus, tropical fruits

Bondey 1966 16 0 0 Nil

Jeuphu 1986 21.8 70 70 Temperate fruit plants

Chenery 1968 4 30 30 Nil Stores forsuppliesto East

Nasphel 1966 40 0 0 Nil

Phobjikha 1978 66.3 50 50 Potato

Trashiyangtse 1968 40.3 0 0 Nil

Many of the DSC activities have been build around existing assets, but these aregenerally poorly used especially the land resources with <5% used and the existingequipments and other facilities under utilized and poorly maintained or no maintenance.

3.2 Organization of seed activities and various seed operations

In Druk Seed Corporation (DSC), there is no systematic work plan to produce seedsof crops especially cereals. The company representatives or the production manager goaround the farms of those growing relatively better crops from certified seeds boughtfrom Druk Seed/Commission agents. In some parts of the country, the DSC has contractseeds growers were they get seeds. In general, crops were monitored for obvious qualityrequirements and harvests were brought to seed conditioning and processing plants.These seeds were treated with chemicals and bagged for sales.

The seedlings of planting materials are raised at the Druk Seed Farms. The majoractivity is confined to production of mandarin orange seedlings at Bhur farm of DrukSeed. The temperate fruit plants are also raised in Druk Seed Headquarters, Paro. Majorseed potato is produced at Phobjikha farm. The Druk Seed Corporation also importsmany hybrid vegetable seeds like Brocolli, Cabbage and Cauliflower and marketedthrough the country.

3.3 Crop covered and size of operations, seed sales etc.

The Druk Seed Corporations deals in wide range of seeds, planting materials andother inputs like fertilizers and Plant Protection Chemicals. The DSC deals with morethan 80 varieties of different crops to meet the in-country demand of the certified seeds


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and plants. The DSC maintains and multiplies the basic and foundation seeds for furtherproduction of certified seeds mainly through RSGs. The DSC is allowed to produce seedsof non-released crop varieties for export purposes. The information on types of seeds andplants produced by the DSC at different locations is given in Table 7, while theinformation on the quantity of seeds and plants produced is in Table 8.

The fruit plants are either produced in the DSC’s nurseries or imported from India.The DSC has two farms concentrating on fruit plants production: the Jeuphu farm at Paroand Bhur farm in Sarpang dzongkhags. The Jeuphu farm produces temperate fruit plantsand Bhur farm produces sub-tropical fruit plants. The DSC has remained weak in its bio-assets in terms mother plants’ orchards of elite varieties, diversity of improved varieties,and nursery facilities.

Table 7: Seeds and plants produced at different locations

Locations/Regions

Type of crops

RSGs

Bajo Seeds: paddy, wheat, mustards, seed potato, onion, other vegetables

Chenery Seeds: Maize, mustards, soybeans, sub-tropical vegetables

Paro Seeds: Peas, Beans, Chilli, carrot, other temperate vegetables

Bhur Seed: Paddy, Wheat, tomato, sub-tropical vegetablesPlants: Cardamom

DSC Farms

Bajo Seeds: Paddy, wheat, mustards, carrot, onion, other vegetablesPlants: Asparagus, Peach

Bhur Seeds: paddy, wheat, tomato, other vegetables,Plants: Orange, mango, avocado, banana, litchi, areca nut.

Bondey Seeds: radish, cabbage, lettuce, carrot, tomato, other vegetablesPlants: Asparagus, Peach, persimmon, walnut, almond, other fruits

Chenery Seeds: Maize, Cauliflower, other vegetablesPlants: Walnut (seedling), Mango, other sub-tropical fruit plants

Jeuphu Seeds:Plants: Apple, Cherry, apricot, pear, persimmon, hazelnut, chestnut

Phubjikha Seeds: Seed potatoPlants:

Yangtse Seeds: Maize, soybean, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, othervegetablesPlants: Walnut, pear, persimmon


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Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Private Seed Sector

Table 8: Seeds and plants produced by the DSC in last five years

Years wise production (in Mt)Seeds and Plants

Units 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Seeds MT 366.567 426.725 508.389 472.062 411.912

Asparagus plants Nos 50,224 66,987 2,17,911 2,28,046 56,423

Fruit Plants Nos 49,774 59,662 66,436 66,014 67,832

The RSGs are the DSC’s crucial partners, because DSC cannot produce all the seedsand plants in its farms that would meet the in-country demand. At present the DSC hasmore than 500 RSGs spread across the country. To effectively provide technical supportto the RSGs and thereby enhance its efficiency, the DSC has initiated the “seed villageschemes” by organising RSGs into clusters within the framework of farmers’ groups andco-operatives. The current seed stock position is in annex 1.

4. STRUCTURE, CAPACITY AND FUNCTIONING OF PRIVATE SEEDSECTOR

4.1 Private seed agencies and their infrastructure facilities

Bhutan Alpine Seed Company:

The Bhutan Alpine Seed Company was established in 2001. The company startedwith renting 10 acres of farm land near the Paro International Airport to produce seeds ofbunchy onion and cabbage. They also own their own land of about 3 acres where theyhave set up modest processing and storage facilities. The Bhutan Alpine Seed Companyis basically a family own enterprise.

4.2 Organization of seed activities and various seed operations

The key elements of operation within the Bhutan Alpine Seed Company are asfollow;

Broadening of their seed products base to include several vegetable crops

Establishment of contact with seed companies abroad for supply of productivegenotypes of vegetables for testing as well as sale

Initiatives to locally produce seeds as much as possible and supplementrequirements by importation if necessary

Strengthening of relationship with Registered Seed Growers for long termbusiness relationship

Monitoring of quality seeds at various stages of seed production

Prompt payment to Registered Seed Growers as a strategy to attract and retainthem

Exploration of opportunities for contract seed production for export


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5.1 Descriptions of the mechanism and main weakness

The Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) was establishedon August 5, 2000. The agency was institutionalized by the Ministry of Agriculture as aperpetual, public-sector instrument to promote the quality and safety of goods andproducts related to the Ministry of Agriculture. It also coordinates and liaises with othernational, regional and international agencies that are related to regulation of quality andsafety of agricultural products including foods. The quality assurance mechanism is donethrough the implementation of the Seeds Act of Bhutan 2000, implementation of the SeedRules and Regulations of Bhutan 2006 and implementation of the Plant Quarantine Actand its rules.

BAFRA carries out inspection and certification of agricultural goods and productsincluding foods in order to facilitate trade and increase market access. For the movementof plants materials within the country, an in-country movement permit must be obtainedfrom the concerned Regulatory and Quarantine Inspector posted at the various entrypoints, regions, Dzongkhags and major towns in Bhutan.

The following are the major official entry and exit points for import and exportinspection and certification that are manned by Regulatory and Quarantine Inspectors.The five main entry and exist points in Bhutan are Paro International Airport, Gelephu,Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar and Samtse.

The main weakness of the quality assurance mechanisms are as follows:

Inadequate technical know-how of seed inspectors

Inadequate infrastructure and capacity for the testing of seed quality

Lack of sampling tools in the field

Standards of Seed Rules and Regulations unclear at times, Variety list incomplete

Absence or lack of registered seed growers – the seed companies buy seeds fromfarmers directly at the end of the season. Seed health tests can be conducted onlyon the samples collected from the companies before the sowing season.

5.2 Measures to strengthen the quality assurance mechanism

In order to strengthen the quality assurance mechanism, the Ministry of Agriculturehas established Bhutan Agricultural and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) in thecountry. BAFRA is responsible for assuring quality seed and planting materials flow inthe country with other responsibilities. In order to assure quality, the BAFRA has wellestablished seed certification, inspection and sampling procedures in place. It has SeedInspectors placed in all the entry and exist points. The Seed Inspectors are public officialfor the purpose of implementing Seed Rules and Regulations and they are officiallysubordinate to BAFRA. The Seed Inspectors have a minimum qualification of Diplomain Seed Science or equivalent to be a Seed Inspector.

In pursuance of Section 21.2 of the Seed Act of Bhutan, the Ministry of Agriculturehas strict offenses and penalty procedures in order to assure quality materials in the


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country. The offenses and penalty applies under the Offenses and Penalties applies todomestic sale, import of seed, export of seed, seed certification, seed inspection andgeneral violation of Rules or Acts. In order to strengthen the quality assurancemechanisms BAFRA has taken the following steps in implementation of the abovementioned rules:

Providing training to the seed inspectors on the implementations of the SeedRules and Regulations of Bhutan, 2006

Has been creating public awareness on the Seed Rules and Regulations ofBhutan, 2006

The managements of Druk Seed Corporation and Bhutan Alpine Seeds pertainingto inspection, sampling and monitoring seeds and seed production and marketingpractices.

All commercial and public nurseries have been registered with BAFRA

BAFRA Inspectors have been instructed to monitor and sample all commercialseeds in all parts of the country

Seed samples have been sent by the BAFRA inspectors to the National QualityControl Laboratory for analysis pertaining to seed health and quality, andanalysis are being conducted regularly

Although regulation of domestic seed sale involves testing of the seed for as perthe Seed Regulation of Bhutan 2006, the inspectors additionally monitor all theseed production procedures of the registered seed growers of Druk SeedCorporation and Bhutan Alpine Seed.

Due to the nature of duration of production of a seed crop the full results of theimplementation of the Seed Rules and Regulations of Bhutan may be visible onlyby 2010 – 2011.

5.3 Seed health status, activities and facilities

The Ministry of Agriculture under the powers conferred by Section 12 of Seed Act ofBhutan, 2000 has declared BAFRA’s Seed Testing Laboratory at Yusipang as the CentralSeed Testing Laboratory. This has been established with the recommendation of theNational Seed Board (NSB) under the Ministry of Agriculture.

To assure seed health status, the National Seed Board (NSB) shall identify any of theSeed Testing Laboratory in the neighboring country, which is accredited to InternationalSeed Testing Association (ISTA) as a referee laboratory. The Central Seed TestingLaboratory of BAFRA performs analysis of seeds in standard procedures for the purposeof certification to ensure that the prescribed minimum standards are met. The proceduresof seed testing should comply with the standards recommended by ISTA.

Seed health assurance in Bhutan is at its initial stage due to lack of trained manpowerand also lack of adequate infrastructure and other facilities. Seed health quality checkreally needs to be taken up at a greater scale than has been conducted so far. Based onrequirements made by the field staff, 2009 will see a more equipped team conductingsampling and testing of seeds sold in the market. Seed health reports will be generated


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from 2009 after which analysis can be done on the status of seed health. The NationalQuality Control Laboratory (NQCL) lacks capacity in terms of seed health testingpathologist (bacteriologist/virologist). However NQCL closely works with National PlantProtection Centre (NPPC) and receives training from NQCL whenever possible.

The Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture is establishingNational Referral Seed Testing Laboratory in Renewable Natural Resources ResearchCentre (RNRRC) Bajo with the support of Government of India. This laboratory willserve as a referral laboratory for BAFRA and other Seed Agencies. Besides, thislaboratory will also serve as a referral for testing in case of disputes of laboratory resultsfrom BAFRA and other seed agencies.


6.1 Regulations to deal with seed production, handling and distribution

The seed production, handling and distribution inside the country and any importsfrom outside have to be within the frame work of the “Seed Rules and Regulations ofBhutan, 2006”. The Ministry of Agriculture shall facilitate timely availability and ensurehigh quality seeds and planting materials of superior varieties of crops with a view toincreasing the production of crops, farmers’ productivity, per capita farm incomes andexport earnings.

To ensure the quality seeds in the country, the overall management will be done bythe “National Seed Board (NSB)”. The Ministry of Agriculture has established aNational Seed Board (NSB) to advise on matters arising out of the administration of theAct and to carry out the functions. The NSB has set rules of procedures and the varietyrelease committee.

Functions of National Seed Board (NSB):

Advise the Ministry of Agriculture regarding notification of such kinds/varietiesfor which it thinks it has become necessary or expedient to regulate the quality ofseeds

Recommend procedures and standards for certification, tests and analysis ofseeds

Advice the MoA on the minimum standards of germination and purity of seedsfor those kinds/varieties brought under the purview of the Seeds Act.

Recommend to the MoA the suitability of any Seed Certification Agencyestablished in any foreign country for the purpose of the Seeds Act

Approve the rate of fee to be charged for analysis of samples by the Central SeedTesting Laboratory and for certification by the Seed Certifying Agency

Advise the MoA regarding the suitability of seed testing laboratories Ensure that proper records of all released, registered, and notified varieties/kinds

of seeds are maintained Ensure that all private seed companies interested in seed enterprise and variety

development are registered


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Carry out such other pertinent functions that are supplemental, or consequentialto any of the functions conferred by the Seeds Act of Bhutan, 2000.

Functions of Variety Release Committee (VRC):

As provisioned in the Seeds Act of Bhutan, 2000, Chapter II, Section 3.4, the NSBshall constitute a Variety Release Committee (VRC) for the purpose of assessing newvarieties, and recommending notification of varieties.

The specific functions of the Variety Release Committee (VRC):

Establish and adopt standard procedures for release of a variety The VRC will scrutinize variety release proposals and formally accept for release

or reject proposals Propose all the released varieties for notification to the National Seed Board Facilitate Bhutan Agriculture Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) to enlist and

update as and when necessary a comprehensive list/records of released andnotified varieties in the country

Propose de – notification of obsolete varieties from national list so that theirmaintenance and seed multiplication is no longer required, but ensure that thegermplasm is maintained in the national gene bank of National BiodiversityCenter (NBC)

Establish guidelines for considering varieties introduced from public and privateprogrammes, and determine whether to release them as per existing varietyrelease guidelines.

Regulation of Seed Sale:

Domestic seed sale and supply:

Notwithstanding the possession of trade license to carry on seed business, any personeither by himself or by any other person on his behalf shall not carry on the businesspertaining to seed of notified kind or variety except under the circumstances mentionedbelow:

a. The seed is identifiable to its kind or varietyb. The seed conforms to the seed standards including the minimum limits of

germination and purity as prescribed in the Minimum Standards for Seed andPlanting Materials guidelines

c. The label on the container of such seed shall bear in writing; i. The kind or variety to which the seed belongs ii. Purity percentage iii. Germination percentage iv. Viability Period of seed v. Date of Packaging vi. Seed treatment, if any


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d. The seed for commercial purpose should be registered with BAFRA

e. Seeds of identified varieties which are applied for variety protection shall followthe provisions of Chapter III (Sui Generis System) of The Biodiversity Act ofBhutan, 2003

f. This regulation shall not apply to farmers engaged in small scale exchange andlocal sale of their traditional varieties, unless notification is applied.

Import of Seeds and Planting materials:

In accordance with the power vested upon Ministry of Agriculture by Seed Act of Bhutan2000, Chapter, Section 21.1, the following rules and regulations has been established toregulate import of seeds.

(a) Subject to the provisions specified in sub – section b, c, d, e & f below, theimport of seed shall be allowed for;

i. Commercial purpose ii. Private growers iii. Research Purpose iv. For multiplication and re – export

Provided, it meets the requirement of Plant Quarantine Act of Bhutan, 1993, PlantQuarantine Rules and Regulations, 2003, The Biodiversity Act of Bhutan, 2003 and otherapplicable laws.

(b) Import of seeds will require a permit granted by BAFRA(c) Import of genetically modified seeds has to comply with the National Regulatory

Frame Work on Biosafety(d) No limitation will be imposed on the quantity of seeds that is imported into the

country provided the consignment complies with the following i. Name and main characteristics of the kind or species/varieties ii. Name and address of exporter with country, place or origin, and agency

responsible for certification iii. The name and address of importer iv. Intended purpose of the imported seeds meet all the requirements referred

in Plant Quarantine Act 1993 and Plant Quarantine Rules and Regulationsof Bhutan 2003.

v. Except for research purposes, import of seeds of non – notified kinds orvarieties shall be prohibited

vi. Seeds of non – notified variety imported for multiplication and re – exportwill require approval from VRC prior to importation of such seeds

vii. Seeds imported and multiplied for re – export cannot be sold locally viii. Seeds of notified kind or variety, if imported for direct sale into the country

should meet the Minimum standards for Seed and Planting Materials forCertification.


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(e) Import of seeds/planting materials of forestry materials of forestry tree andornamental plant species listed in Annexure VI and VII, respectively, shall beallowed provided it meets all the requirement specified in II (a, b, c, d) above.

(f) Import of forestry tree and ornamental species not listed in Annexure VI and VIIshall be considered case by case

Export of Seed and Planting materials:

The export of seeds and planting materials out of the country has to adhere thefollowing regulations;

a. After the arrival of consignments at the approved point of entry, samples will besubjected to quarantine inspection as per the Plant Quarantine Act 1993 and PlantQuarantine Rules and Regulations

b. All varieties shall be allowed to be exported provided it meets the minimum seedstandards of the importing country subjects to sub – sections c, d, e, f and gbelow

c. Export of seeds will require a phytosanitary certificates granted by BAFRAd. All varieties or kinds for export have to undergo testing and certification

procedurese. Export of local, indigenous genetic resources will be governed by the

Biodiversity Act of Bhutan 2003.f. Export of seed for which plant variety protection is granted under the Chapter 3

(Sui Generis System) of the Biodiversity Act 2003, shall be subjected to the rightsconferred to the breeder under Section 16 and 17 of the Biodiversity Act, 2003.

g. No Seed shall be imported to or exported from Bhutan, except through theofficial points of entry designated under the Plant Quarantine Rules andRegulations, 2003.

6.2 Regulations for IPR and use of GMS

The regulation for Intellectual Property Right (IPR) is done by the Department ofTrade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The protections of intellectual propertyrights are stipulated in the Industrial Property Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2001, andthe Copyright Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2001. The Intellectual Property Division,Department of Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs is responsible forimplementing intellectual property policies.

The Genetic Material Standard (GMS) is done and covered under the BiodiversityAct of Bhutan, 2003. The Biodiversity Act of Bhutan, 2003, has the following purposeand objective;

To ensure national sovereignty of the RGOB over genetic resources inaccordance with relevant National and International Law.

To ensure the conservation and sustainable use of the biochemical and geneticresources.

To promote the equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of geneticresources.


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To promote technology transfer and capacity building at the national and locallevels, including the building of scientific and technological capacity relevant tothe conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

To recognize and protect Traditional Knowledge, innovation and practices oflocal communities associated with biodiversity.

To regulate and facilitate the process by which collectors may legally obtaingenetic resources.

To prevent illegal access to genetic and biochemical resources and associatedTraditional Knowledge.

To recognize and protect the farmers’ and breeder’s rights. To make plant varieties subject to property rights. Ensure that plant breeders are able to recover the cost from useful improvements

and innovations, and continue to do so. Provide legal recognition of varieties which are not protectable under the

internationally existing patent and/or plant breeders rights laws and therebyrecognize farmers’ plant variety improvements and innovations and provide ameans of sharing benefits derived from the use of farmers’ or traditional varietiesas breeding material for commercial purposes.

To promote access to foreign sources of improved plant varieties to Bhutanesefarmers.

6.3 Exchange of genetic material and seed through International Centers andthrough local centers or institutions in SAARC as well as other countries

In case of cereals, the genetic materials are mainly exchanged through IRRI for riceand CYMMIT for maize. Vegetables are mainly done through AVERDC. In case ofpotato, Bhutan Potato Development Programme has strong link with the CIP. CIP is notonly the best source for new varieties but also for expertise and information. CPRI inIndia, because of its large pool of human resources and regional expertise, is anotherinstitute with key importance for future potato development in Bhutan.


7.1 Farmer seed practices by crops

In Bhutan, majority of the farmers produce their own seeds. Farmers select and savepart of their harvest as a seed. However, when the market prices are very high, they tendto sale their harvest and buy seed from the market. Also, farmers exchange seed withinthe community and neighbors. In case of hybrid vegetable seeds, farmers buy from thecommission agents and sometimes seeds are availed through the government agenciesthrough crop promotional programs.

7.2 Extent of farmer – to - farmer exchange of seed

The farmer – to – farmers’ exchange of seed in Bhutan is not a new concept, it is anage old tradition and it is the most common and popular way of getting seeds within thecommunity. Most Bhutanese farmers the in – formal seed system is going to be the mainsource of seed and planting materials, except for the fruit plants. The main advantage


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and popularity of the informal seed system is availability within the locality. Otheraspects includes, no cash transaction involved, less risk of getting poor quality material orspreading diseases, cheap production of high quality seeds and maximum benefit forproducers and consumers (non commission costs or other transaction costs).

In case of the informal seed system, seed are in the hands of farmers and thecommunities. Farmers select and store part of their harvest for future planting, exchangewith relatives, neighbors and also to trade in the local markets. In Bhutan, the informalseed system is the predominant source of seed, where often more than 90% of thequantity is met through this system especially major field crop seeds. In the remotest partof the country, probably the informal seed system is the only option. The three key areasof informal seed system in the rural communities is farmers’ seed selection, on – farmseed production and local diffusion.

One of the entailing features of informal seed system in Bhutan is the lesser buyingcapacity among the rural communities and the high cost of the seeds from the formal seedsources. Accessibility is another added problem to the farming communities for seedprocurement. In some cases the availability of the required quantities and distributionproblems adds to the problem.

7.3 Farmer seed selection and procurement behavior

In Bhutan, most of the seed selections, procurement are through informal system.Majority of the Bhutanese farmers save part of their year’s harvest for the next plantingseason. In some cases, farmers exchange seeds within the community and few cases theybuy within the community.

Although the informal seed system is very popular among the Bhutanese farmers’,seeds are also procured through formal systems. The formal seed system in Bhutanesecontext includes the seeds procured through research, projects, extension, private, public,nursery growers and seeds through commission agents or the seed sale representatives.

The Druk Seed Corporation a semi public seed agency is solely responsible for theprocurement and distribution of seeds and planting materials within the country.Presently there are also some private seed companies’ emerging like the Bhutan AlpineSeed Company which is fairly new.

There are many stakeholders involved in the procurement and distribution of seeds.The Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector through the respective geog extension agents collectsseeds and planting materials demand from the communities, compile and send to therespective District Agriculture Officer for onward submission to the Druk SeedCorporation. The Druk Seed Corporation supplies the seeds to the Dzongkhags andGeogs, farmers avails the seeds through the respective geog extension agents.

Farmers also do direct purchase from the DSC, especially the farmers near by theseed outlet. In some of the Dzongkhags or districts there are also agriculture commissionagents or the sale representative appointed by the Druk Seed Corporation or the Ministryof Agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture pays commission of 10% to the salerepresentatives of agriculture commission agents for their services or as an incentive. Thecommission agents and the sales representatives basically order seeds from DSC on cash


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Human Resource Development and Capacity Building

basis and sell to farmers. They do not have much role in developing understanding aboutproducts (seeds and planting materials) and advising farmers on production issues.Historically, the commission agents were selected by the Dzongkhag or DistrictAgricultural Officers to help them in developmental activities like providing seeds andother inputs to farmers. This system of seed procurement is also changing among theBhutanese communities. The buying capacity of the Bhutanese farming is increasingleading to more demand of improved seeds and planting materials.

7.4 Farmers’ knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system

The agriculture system in Bhutan is still small – scale subsistence and most of thefarmers are marginal farmers. The farmers depend mostly on the traditional indigenousvarieties. The traditional system of keeping their own seeds and continuous use of thesame seed has led to emergence of many diseases due to break down of the geneticresistance.

Most of the small marginal farmers do not have access to quality seeds because it isnot available in their when they need it or because it is too expensive. The limitedaccessibility to quality seeds is mainly due to poor infrastructure, also farmers have tocover long distances between seed outlets, poor road conditions which add to cost whileat the same time seed quality suffers. Also, in the past limited government support andinterventions both in extension services and seed services resulting in limited exposure tonew varieties and for better seed quality. Lack of appropriate policy for the developmentof the agriculture sector including a viable seed industry, high agricultural input prices,lack of rural credit, weak seed retailing systems and weak marketing opportunities foragriculture products. This has led to downfall in production as well.

The farmers’ knowledge about new varieties and commercial system are increasing.This is mainly due to intervention from many stakeholders. Also, due to increasingaccessibility of the communities to the market outlets, compared in the past. Apart fromthe farmers, even the private and public seed companies had less knowledge about newvarieties in the past.

8. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING

8.1 Involvement of academic and research institutions for HRD throughcurriculum development and project support

In Bhutan, all the agriculture extension staffs are trained from the College of NaturalResources (CNR) under the Royal University of Bhutan. This is the only agricultureinstitute which caters to all the Dzongkhags. During the two years diploma courses, thetrainees are taught basics of seed technology, production and management aspects. Thisis the tailored made courses to all the extension staff.

In Bhutan, there are four regional Renewable Natural Resources Research Centers(RNRRCs) and their sub centers. All the research centers are under the umbrella ofCouncil of RNR research and extension to improve the focus of RNR research andextension support. The research centers have the mandate to come up with promising


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varieties and technologies to be disseminate to the farmers. The research centers trainfarmers and the extension personnel.

Research centers have the mandate to take responsibility to develop appropriatevarieties adapted to the particular agro – climatic conditions, along with other supportingtechnologies (cultural practices) for optimum return.

Seed and Input supply unit has been newly established in the Department ofagriculture. The unit has been established to ensure quality seeds and planting materialsavailable to the farming communities. Also, the unit will play lead role in thecoordination of all other inputs needed for the farming communities. The need of thedevelopment of areas of intervention in the field of capacity development all thestakeholders including farmers, extension, private and public seed companies.

8.2 Training of farmers and extension workers through the initiatives of public,private or donor agencies

A national coordinated seed production programme in Bhutan began with theestablishment of National Seed and Plant Production Programme (NASEPP) in 1984.NASEPP was converted into a Corporation (Druk Seed Corporation) in July 1995 withthe objective of making the institution economically self – sustaining, while at the sametime fulfilling the requirement of quality seeds.

DSC is the only public sector operational in Bhutan till date, the organization is notable to financially self sustain and provide effective services for the agriculturedevelopment. Bhutan Alpine Seed Company a private seed company instituted in 2001which is a new firm in its initial stage of seed production and distribution.

The training services to the farmers and extension workers through the public andprivate seed sectors in Bhutan do not exist at the moment. The private and the publicsector being in their initial stages do not have the capacity and resources to train thefarmers and extension workers. However, some basic hands on training are imparted totheir contract seed growers. Most of the small seed companies do not have contacts andresources to arrange training programmes for their staff. It would be a strong incentive toinvolve them in training programmes organized by the government and donor agencies.

The major trainings are given by government intervention through research centers,agencies and other relevant stakeholders through government funding or funding throughthe donor projects. Recently, Seed Unit is established under the Department ofAgriculture. The Seed Unit coordinates trainings, workshop and any other interventionsrequired for supplying quality seeds and other inputs to the farmers.

8.3 Areas for skills and capacity building

Considering the present seed industry scenario in Bhutan, it is crucial to developeconomically viable options and approaches are needed to strengthen the competence ofthe farmers, breeders and other seeds sector agencies to select better varieties andlandraces from local and external genetic material and to produce seed of more reliablephysiological and technical quality. In order to achieve this, it is of immense importanceto intervene in the areas of skills and capacity development of all the stakeholdersinvolved in promoting the seed industry in Bhutan.


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Initially it is crucial to understand the farmers’ capacities and knowledge concerninglocal seed production and traditional mechanisms of seed exchange. It is essential toteach and train farmers in the improved methodologies of seed production.

The intervention areas for skills and capacity development; Research and Development Seed production and marketing aspects Seed certification Training to the agriculture extension agents Training to sales and services representatives or the commission agents


The best way to ensure that farmers start their new cropping season with the highestpotential for success is obviously the good quality seeds and plants. For agriculturedevelopment it is imperative that the seeds and plants are not the just the plantingmaterials but the carriers of genetic potential and therefore the means to exploit themaximum efficiency of all inputs.

The supply of quality seeds remained always low because of technical andinfrastructure constraints. The scenario has changed with the expansion of agriculturalresearch systems, development of different seed industries or companies in the privateand public seed sector. There is also increasing trend in the numbers of farmers group,nursery growers and individual farmers involving in seed production and supplies.

The seed sector in Bhutan is still at its infancy stage, attempts were made indeveloping when a network of agriculture stations was established across the country.The following recommendations are made for enabling Quality Seed in Bhutan:Production, Processing, Legal and Quality Control, and Marketing System.

The overall coordination in production of quality seeds and planting material isvery crucial. This is important to make best use of resources (this includes thetime of the producers) and reduce confusion at the farmers’ level. The NationalSeed Board (NSB) or another body has to assess the need and the opportunitiesfor coordination, optimal use of resources in the seed sector and monitoring theimplementation objectives (provide quality planting materials, enhance privateenterprise, and optimize benefits from export.

BAFRA should concentrate its resources for quality control on the formal seedsystem, seed exported and planting material imported.

There is a need to make approaches towards decentralization. Support andfacilitate decentralized production in informal system were feasible. This willrequire the involvement of relevant stakeholders with technical support from theministry of agriculture.

Further, there is requirement of giving maximum opportunities to the privatesector and nurture growth of private seed and nursery initiatives. Considerproviding supports like subsidy in the form of training, transport, breeders’ seedetc.


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References

Subsidies need to be used judiciously with clear objectives. Most importantsubsidies may be used for production of quality planting materials, risk guaranteefor nursery operators/seed producers, financing long term investments and inputsinto formal seed system.

There is need to regulate the cost of seed and planting material before it goes outof proportion. Even if it is not regulated, use of systematic approach to seedcosting is assumed to ensure favorable price to the consumers.

Policy and legal support for the informal seed system especially for communitygroups, seed growers association, farmer’s cooperatives. Within the extensionprogram, farmer - to - farmer exchange of seed and planting materials can berecognized and supported.

Proper Rules and Regulations for seed and input retailer to adopted.

There is a need to constitute strong seed sector programme.

There is a need to establish strong linkages between the SAARC Membercountries

10. References

Agriculture Statistics, 2004. Volume I, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture,Bhutan




Biodiversity Act of Bhutan, 2003, Ministry of Agriculture, Bhutan

Caudhary, DN, 2007. Strengthening National Seed Programme for Food Security and PovertyAlleviation

Chettri GB., Gurung, TR., & Roder, W, 2006. A Review of Seed Sector Development

Industrial Property Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2001

Roder W., Nidup, K., & Chettri, GB, 2008. The Potato in Bhutan

Seed Rules and Regulations of Bhutan, 2006, Ministry of Agriculture, Bhutan

Strategic options for the Druk Seed Corporation, 2002, A working group report

The Seed Act of Bhutan, 2000, Ministry of Agriculture, Bhutan


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Acronyms and Abbreviations

11. Acronyms and Abbreviations

AMS Agriculture Marketing ServicesBAFRA Bhutan Agriculture Food Regulatory AuthorityBAS Bhutan Alpine SeedCA Commission AgentsCEO Chief Execution OfficerCoRRB Council of Renewable Natural Resources Research of BhutanDoA Department of AgricultureDSC Druk Seed CorporationDzongkhag DistrictEA Extension AgentsFCB Food Corporation of BhutanGewog Sub DistrictGMO Genetically Modified OrganismGMS Genetic Material StandardIPR Intellectual Property RightsISTA International Seed Testing AssociationMB Managing BoardMD Managing DirectorMoA Ministry of AgricultureNASEPP National Seed and Plant ProgrammeNPPC National Plant Protection CentreNQCL National Quality Control LaboratoryNSB National Seed BoardRMs Regional ManagersRNR Renewable Natural ResearchRNRRC Renewable Natural Resource Research CentersRSGs Registered Seed GrowersVRC Variety Release Committee

Quality Seed in India

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QUALITY SEED IN INDIAPRODUCTION, PROCESSING, LEGAL AND QUALITY

CONTROL AND MARKETING SYSTEM

Dr. Malavika DadlaniHead and Nodal Officer (Seed)

Division of Seed Science and TechnologyIndian Agricultural Research Institute

New Delhi-110012, India

December 2009


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C o n t e n t

Topic Page1. Introduction 1012. Agricultural and Seed Scenario 103

2.1 Food Grain Production 1032.2 The Seed Scenario 1062.3 Seed Replacement Rate by Crop 1072.4 Future Trends 116

3. Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Public Seed System 1214. Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Private Seed Sector 1255. Quality Assurance Mechanism 128

5.1 Seed Health Status in India 1305.2 The Policy Issue 1315.3 Weakness of Quality Assurance Mechanism 132

6. Seed Regulations 1326.1 Challenges Posed by the Present Regulatory Framework 1336.2 Major Regulatory Steps in approval of Transgenic Crops 1356.3 Steps of Promote the Growth of Indian Seed Industry 1366.4 Exchange of Germplasm 138

7. Farmer Seed Management Practices 1397.1 Farmer seed practices by crops 1397.2 Extent of farmer - to - farmer exchange of seed 1407.3 Farmer’s variety selection and procurement behavior 1417.4 Farmers’ knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system 141

8. Human Resource Development and Capacity Building 1428.1 Training of farmers and extension workers through 143

the initiatives of public, private or donor agencies8.2 Areas and opportunities for skill and capacity building 144

9. Conclusions 14510. References 146


101

Introduction

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background

Agriculture continues to be the mainstay of India’s large and growing population forits sustained food security. Agriculture (including the allied activities) accounted for 17.8per cent of the Gross Domestic Product GDP-at constant prices) in 2007-08 as comparedto 21.7per cent in 2003-04 and contributed 12.2 per cent of national exports in 2007-08. Itprovides employment to 57% of the country's work force and livelihood security to morethan 650 million people. Therefore, its performance is central in India’s policy andplanning. Presently, agriculture in India faces serious challenges particularly on accountof climate change, global warming and high price of food grains. Regular assessment ofagriculture performance is needed for achieving food and nutrition security and foralleviation of poverty and unemployment on a sustainable basis in view of the fact thatagricultural growth is still predominantly weather – dependent and hence, vulnerable tothe nature’s vagaries. Sustained increase in agricultural production and productivity islargely dependent on development of new improved varieties/hybrids of crops and anefficient system for timely supply of essential inputs, particularly the quality seeds, to thefarmers for cultivation under diverse agro-climatic conditions and intensive croppingsystem.

As regards the seed supply system in India, though the supply of breeder seeds ofnotified varieties by the ICAR institutes and SAUs is well organized and sufficient tomeet the country’s seed demand, its multiplication to foundation and certified seed arenot realized fully. This throws light on the fact that the recommended generations of seedmultiplication have not been followed strictly, resulting in lower certified/quality seedproduction with ultimate impact on the seed replacement rate (SRR). Currently theorganized seed sector accounts for only about 25 per cent quality seeds distributed in thecountry. The seeds produced by the unorganized seed sector and use of farm saved seedsby the farmers account for the remaining.

Diversity of plant genetic resources and a systematic plant breeding strategy,combining conventional approaches and biotechnological tools are effectively used forthe development of new improved varieties/hybrids, which have been instrumental instimulating agricultural growth in India. Another significant development that took placeafter India became the signatory to World Trade Organization [WTO] in 1995, is theenforcement of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 to provide anappropriate climate for safeguarding the interest of the Indian farmers as well as tosupport the seed industry.

The GOI has submitted a New Seeds Bill [2004], amalgamating and overcoming theshortcomings of the provisions in the Seeds Act [1966], Seed Control Order [1983], andNew Seed Policy [1988], ensuring an effective regulatory system, which encompasses aquality assurance mechanism coupled with facilitation of a vibrant and responsible SeedIndustry. The Bill has been examined by various committees and is expected to obtain theapproval soon. In order to achieve a growth rate of 9-10 per cent during the 11th planperiod the Government of India has accorded the highest priority to input sectors,particularly investment on seed, which is very much needed to attain sustained andinclusive higher growth in agriculture sector.


102

Introduction

1.2. Rationale

Use of quality seeds alone can significantly increase the crop yield up to an extent of15 to 20 per cent, which can be raised further with efficient management of other inputs.The national average productivity of major agriculture crops is comparatively lower thanthe global average, which reveals the tremendous scope that exists to improve theproductivity of crops. Increasing the present Seed Replacement Rate [SRR] in major fieldcrops can contribute significantly towards this. Another critical aspect, closely linked toSRR is the introduction and adoption of improved crop varieties, which are beingdeveloped continuously through the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), inorder to ensure higher productivity under a wide range of environments and growingconditions. Hence, Variety Replacement Rate (VRR) is as important as the SRR. Theeconomic reforms introduced by the Indian government have encouraged a number ofprivate companies, including MNCs, into the area of seed business. However, the focusof the private sector is mainly on low cost, high value seeds, which offers bettereconomic returns. The public seed sector is primarily responsible for supply of low cost,high volume seeds to a large proportion of farmers. There is a need to improveavailability and supply of high quality seeds in a number of crops including vegetables,pulses and oilseeds.

Recent research and development in seed technology has wider application in seedproduction, seed quality, seed testing, seed storage, seed processing, distribution andmarketing, to increase the value of seeds supplied to the farmers. In addition, recentdevelopments such as implementation of IPR and introduction of GM crops, demandordered regulatory framework and stringent measures to ensure the availability of highquality seeds and check the sale of spurious seeds.

1.3. Objectives

Against this backdrop, the country report on “Seed Sector in India” is prepared withthe following objectives:

To document the trends in availability of quality seed and seed replacement rateby crops.

To study the organization of seed activities by seed agencies, infrastructuralfacilities under public and private sectors and farmers’ seed managementpractices.

To study the seed quality control system, and need for capacity development toimprove its effectiveness and possibility of its harmonization.

To examine the regulations for development, testing and release of new cropvarieties and protection of intellectual property rights.

To examine the implications of plant quarantine act with its strength orweaknesses and to suggest possible improvements.

To suggest good regulatory practices for seed system development, includingthose governing development and use of genetically modified organisms andmanagement of intellectual property rights.


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Agricultural and Seed Scenario

To examine farmers’ seed production practices and options for skilldevelopment.

2. AGRICULTURAL AND SEED SCENARIO

2.1. Food Grain Production

For three consecutive years (2005-06 to 2007-08), food grain production recorded anaverage annual increase of over 10 million tonnes. Even though with marginal increase inarea under cultivation, the food grain production and productivity increased to 14.7 and12.3 per cent, respectively from 2000 -01 to 2007-08 (Table1). The total food grainproduction in 2007-08 was estimated at 230.7 million tonnes as against 217.3 milliontonnes in 2006-07 and 208.6 million tonnes in 2005-06. As per the fourth advanceestimate (July, 2009), production of food grains in 2008-09 is estimated to be 233.88million tonnes, which is a marginal improvement of 4.03 million tonnes over the thirdadvance estimates of 229.85 million tonnes for 2008-09. This is 3.1 million tonnes higherthan the final estimates of 230.78 million tonnes for 2007-08.

Table 1. An overview in food grain production and land utilizationin India from 2000-01 to 2007-08.

YearArea

(millionhectare)

Production(million tonnes)

Yield(kg/hectare)

% Coverageunder

Irrigation

2000-01 121.05 196.81 1626 43.4

2001-02 122.78 212.85 1734 43

2002-03 113.86 174.77 1535 42.8

2003-04 123.45 213.19 1727 42.2

2004-05 120.08 198.36 1652 44.2

2005-06 121.6 208.6 1715 45.5

2006-07 123.71 217.28 1756 NA

2007-08 124.44 230.67 1854 NA

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India.

Cereal Production

The overall production of cereals in 2008-09 of 215.67 million tonnes has shown adecline of 0.2 per cent over 2007-08 and a shortfall of 0.8 per cent over target for theyear. While rice production in 2008-09 exceeded both target for the year and the level in2007-08, wheat production was marginally below the target for the year and productionlevel achieved in 2007-08. In the case of coarse cereals, there has been a large shortfallboth with reference to the targeted production as also the level achieved in the previousyear (Table 2).


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Rice

As per the third advance estimates, the production of rice was 99.37 million tonnes in2008- 09, an increase of about 2.8 per cent over 2007-08 levels and 2.4 per cent over thetarget for 2008-09. The increase in the production of rice during the year was mainly onaccount of the kharif season output which was 3.4 per cent higher than the level achievedin corresponding period of 2007-08 and 3.0 per cent over the target for the year. Rabirice, on the other hand, is expected to be lower by, about 0.9 per cent over the 2007-08production levels and by 0.6 per cent over targeted production for 2008-09.

Table 2. Compound growth rates of area, production and yield

Crop Year

Growth Rates 1980-81to

19 89-90

1990-91to

1999 -2000

2000-01to

2007-08

Rice

Area 0.4 0.7 -0.1

production 3.6 2.0 1.9

Yield 3.2 1.3 2.0

Wheat

Area 0.5 1.7 1.3


Yield 3.1 1.8 0.1

Coarse cereals

Area -1.3 -2.1 -0.4

production 0.4 00 3.3

Yield 1.6 1.8 4.3

Pulses

Area -0.1 -0.6 1.9


Yield 1.6 0.9 1.7

Sugarcane

Area 1.4 -0.1 1.9


Yield 1.2 1.1 0.3

Cotton

Area -1.3 2.7 1.5


105


Crop Year

Growth Rates 1980-81to

19 89-90

1990-91to

1999 -2000

2000-01to

2007-08


Yield 4.1 -0.4 15.8

Major nine oilseeds

Area 2.5 0.2 3.4


Yield 2.5 1.4 3.7

Wheat

Wheat production is estimated at 77.63 million tonnes in 2008-09 against the targetof 78.50 million tonnes. The production in 2008-09 is expected to be 1.2 per cent lowerthan the 2007-08 production level.

Coarse cereals

Total production of coarse cereals are expected to decline to 38.67 million tonnesagainst production of 40.76 million tonnes in 2007-08 and the 2008-09 target of 42million tonnes. The kharif production is estimated at 28.31 million tonnes which is 11.2per cent lower than the kharif production in 2007-08 and 13.2 per cent lower than thetarget for 2008-09. The decline in production in 2008-09 vis-a-vis last year’s productionis spread across jowar, bajra, maize, ragi and small millets. However production of barleyshows an increase of 29.2 per cent over that of 2007-08.

Pulses

Total production of pulses is estimated at 14.18 million tonnes in2008-09, which is 3.9 per cent lower than the production in 2007-08 and 8.5 per centlower than the targeted production for 2008-09. The decline over the previous year issignificant for the kharif season, which was only partially neutralized by the increase inproduction in the Rabi crop.

Oilseeds

Total production of the nine major oilseeds is estimated at 28.13 lakh tonnes, whichis about 5.5 per cent lower than the production in 2007-08 and about 11.4 per cent lowerthan the targeted production for 2008-09. As compared to the previous year, there is adecline of 12.3 per cent in kharif oilseed production while in the Rabi oilseed production;there is an increase of about 10.1 per cent.


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Sugarcane

The production of sugarcane during 2008-09 is estimated at 289.2 million tonneswhich is lower than the production of 348.2 million tonnes during 2007-08. Thisrepresents a decline of 16.9 per cent over previous year and of 14.9 per cent vis-a-vis thetarget for 2008-09.

Cotton

The production of cotton, estimated at 23.27 million bales, is short of the finalestimates of 25.88 million bales in 2007-08 by 10.1 per cent and as compared to thetarget by 10.5 per cent.

Jute and Mesta

The production of jute and mesta, estimated at 10.33 million bales in 2008-09, islower than the targeted production of 11.0 million bales by 6.1 per cent.

2.2 THE SEED SCENARIO

Among the various factors that influence agricultural production viz., irrigation,fertilizer use, pest and disease management, quality seed registers the most significantcontribution to the crop yield, (up to an extent of 15 – 20%). Thus, the role of qualityseed is prominent in boosting agricultural productivity and production of the country.

In spite of 40 years of systematic progress made in seed sector, there are significantgaps in the seed requirement and availability. The National Seed Plan (2005) projectedthe annual seed requirement of field crops to be 25 million quintals. Present availabilityof quality seed is estimated at ~19 million quintals (2006 -2007). Currently, usage ofquality seeds is high in rice, ragi, bajra, blackgram, cotton and sunflower but very low ingroundnut. Besides in crops such as sorghum, maize, redgram, blackgram etc. seedsupply still needs further improvement. The required SRR is 25% for self pollinatedcrops, 35% for cross pollinated crops and 100 % for the hybrids. However, the currentaverage Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) is estimated to be only about 20-25%, leaving restof 75-80% seed requirement to be met by farm saved seeds, which are not qualityassured. If the current SRR can lead to an annual agricultural production of ~230 milliontonnes, the increase in SRR to the required levels is expected to increase the productionby 15 – 20 per cent.

The seed supply chain in India follows a three to four tier system of multiplication,i.e., BS FS FS/CS CS. The supply of breeder seeds of notified varieties by theSAUs and ICAR institutes is well organized, but its multiplication to foundation andcertified seed is not realized fully. This shows that the recommended generations of seedmultiplication has not been followed strictly, resulting in lowercertified/quality seed production with ultimate impact on the seed replacement rate(SRR). Another critical aspect, closely linked to SRR is slow introduction and adoptionof newly improved crop varieties, being developed continuously by the NationalAgricultural Research System (NARS). Hence, SRR must be linked to VarietyReplacement Rate (VRR).


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With a New Seeds Bill (2004) in the offing, Protection of Plant Varieties & Farmers’Rights Act 2001 in place and an atmosphere encouraging public- private partnerships, theIndian seed industry is set to roll on a path of development. An attempt has been made inthis report to propose a logical and achievable seed plan and to suggest necessary policyinterventions with the overall objective of increasing agricultural productivity with theconcomitant improvement in the agrarian income and livelihood.

2.3 Seed Replacement Rate by Crop: Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) is defined asthe percentage of area sown by using certified/quality seeds out of the total cultivatedarea under a crop in a season. The SRR is estimated by considering factors viz., areaunder the crop, seed rate per unit area, quantity of the breeder seed indented and suppliedevery year and total quantity of quality seed supplied during the year. The last of thesefactors is based on various sources of information and hence, difficult to validate.

The deterioration in the quality of seed results in loss in productivity per unit area.Therefore, the need for seed replacement necessarily arises from its economics, that is,the net incremental returns from its regular use. Now the question arises, how often theseed needs to be replaced? Seed may be replaced when the deterioration in the quality ofseed results in the loss of productivity, such that the loss in value terms is higher than theincremental cost of using the fresh seed. Such level of deterioration in quality seed maybe noticed in F2 generation in case of hybrids. In case of open pollinated varieties of self-and cross- pollinated crops, the deterioration reaches the break – even level in the third orfourth year generations respectively, depending on the ability of the farmer to maintainseed quality criteria. Hence, the seed replacement becomes due once in two to three yearsin the case of cross pollinated crops, once in three to four years for self pollinated cropsand every year in the case of hybrids. In the event of an outbreak of seed transmitteddisease, such replacement is recommended in the next sowing itself, irrespective of theyear. Similarly, seed replacement may be sooner than the third or fourth year (for crossand self pollinated crops), in order to replace an existing variety with a newer, improvedvariety having more desirable traits.

Basis of fixing recommended SRR: In self pollinated crops, genetic deteriorationmay be expected to reach a significant proportion by the 4th generation onwards. Thisimplies that in self pollinated crops, if a farmer sows certified/labeled quality seeds of animproved variety for Year I he can re-sow the resultant farm saved seeds for anotherthree years, provided he has taken due care to maintain the varietal and physical purity,seed health, high germination and vigour during storage. Thus, if certified/labeled seedare supplied for 25 % of total area (of a particular state), those farmers should/may usethe resultant farm saved seeds for the next three generations/years. In the subsequentthree years i.e., Year II, III and IV, rest of the 75 % area can covered with quality seeds.At the end of fourth year, it will be time for the farmers who received the quality seeds inYear I; to replace the farm saved seed again with quality certified/labelled seed of arecommended, improved variety. This practice explains that SRR for self pollinated crops@ 25 % (Figure 1) is achievable and adequate. However, in the event of a disease outbreak or occurrence of natural calamity (abiotic or biotic) 100% SRR would be desired.

Similarly, cross pollinated crops can be re-sown with farm saved seeds for twogenerations without any significant genetic deterioration, if due care is taken to maintain


108

Cross pollinated crops

35% 35%

35%

Year I

Year II

Year III

Self Pollinated Crops

25%

25%25%

25%

Year I

Year II

Year III

Year IV


varietal purity by eliminating sources of contamination following proper isolation,removal of off-types and avoidance of physical admixture. Thus, if certified/labelled seedare supplied for 35 % of total area (of a particular state) under a particular

Figure 1 Basis for recommended SRR for cross and self pollinated crops

crop, those farmers should/may use the resultant farm saved seeds for the next twogenerations/years. In the subsequent two years i.e., Year II and III, rest of the area can becovered with certified/quality seeds of either the same or a new variety. At the end ofthird year, it will be time for the farmers who received the quality seeds in Year I, toreplace the farm saved seed with quality certified/labelled seed. The practice explains thatSRR for cross-pollinated crops is 35%.

However, in the case of hybrids, which involve separate male and female parents, theresultant F1 seeds cannot be re-sown, since they will segregate resulting in heterogeneouspopulation and lower productivity. Therefore, each and every time, a farmer has topurchase the F1 hybrid seed implying that the SRR should be 100 % for hybrids.

Though the availability of quality seeds has increased substantially over the years butin major cereals and pulses, about 75-80 % of the seed used is still farm saved seed.Therefore, there is a need to not only increase production of quality seed in the formalsector but also to enhance the quality of the farm-saved seeds to enhance the horizontalspread of good quality seeds and hence improve the productivity and production.

Efficacy of the SRR also depends on increasing the timely availability of qualityseed of new improved varieties to the farmers both by the public and private sectors, insufficient quantities and at affordable prices. Agriculture in the country is governed bythe major polices and regulations applicable at national level, as well as severalregulations and instruments of the State governments. Hence, the agriculturedevelopment, marketing and economical situations vary significantly from state to state.As a result, seed availability, prices, quality and access to seeds of improved cropsvarieties and related technologies show considerable differences across different states inIndia. The gap between the desirable and the existing Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) in


109


different field crops are presented in Table 3, encompassing the state-to-state differences.It may be noted that the introduction of hybrids has a positive influence in the SRR of acrop. Thus, the SRR is higher in crops viz. sunflower, pearlmillet, maize, cotton, paddyetc., where hybrids are well accepted. However, the multi-pronged efforts are being madeto achieve SRR of 25% for self pollinated crops, 35 % for cross pollinated crops and 100% to meet the growth targets of agricultural sector. Targeted SRR has been achieved forsome of the field crops during 2007 –2008, whereas in others much needs to be done(Table 4).

Table 3. Seed replacement rate of certified/quality seeds of various crops

Crop SRR (%)(2004 – 2005)

SRR (%)(2005 – 2006)

SRR (%)(2006 – 2007)

Sunflower 60.15 67.67 69.17

Rapseed and mustard 58.48 55.36 56.25

Pearl millet 44.90 55.36 56.12

Castor 30.60 37.31 38.81

Maize 31.50 35.39 36.23

Soybean 27.00 28.88 32.34

Jute 26.03 26.03 26.03

Paddy 23.28 24.35 25.10

Cotton 20.73 21.78 22.27

Sorghum 19.28 19.03 16.12

Wheat 16.48 17.64 18.03

Black gram 17.24 15.70 16.21

Sesame 13.64 15.91 15.91

Safflower 15.69 15.69 15.69

Lentil 14.73 12.75 13.03

Green gram 12.34 12.50 12.82

Peas 9.02 12.13 12.43

Pigeon pea 9.80 10.48 10.88

Barley 8.89 10.61 10.6

Chick pea 9.87 9.41 9.54

Groundnut 7.11 6.89 7.03

Potato 1.40 1.41 1.53

Linseed 0.68 0.68 1.35

Source: DAC, GOI and www.seednet.gov.in


110


Table 4. Achievement of SRR of certified/quality seedsof various crops during 2007 – 2008

Sl. No. Crop SRR (%)

1 Wheat 25.23

2 Paddy 36.77

3 Maize 44.24

4 Bajra 48.47

5 Ragi 30.34

6 Rape and Mustard 76.34

7 Til 25.00

8 Sunflower 69.17

9 Soybean 33.39

10 Jute 32.88

However, SRR has not been achieved in thefollowing crops

11 Jowar 19.87

12 Barley 16.84

13 Gram 18.35

14 Lentil 15.86

15 Peas 16.27

16 Urd 23.89

17 Moong 21.75

18 Arhar 16.05

19 Groundnut 14.29

20 Linseed 01.34

21 Castor 31.34

22 Safflower 15.69

23 Cotton 15.30

24 Potato 01.49

Source: DAC, Govt. of India

The low productivity in various crops is also ascribed to the use of old varieties bythe farmers over the years, some times exceeding 15 to 20 years of continuous use. Manyof the varieties in different crops being grown by the farmers are released a decade ago(Table 4a). While in some cases old varieties are preferred due to their continuous and


111


steady superiority of performance, mostly the repeated use of such variety is due to lackof awareness, as well as access to the seeds of new improved varieties of crop plants bythe farmers. To promote new and suitable crop varieties, the central and state agriculturedepartments hold regular consultations with the breeders and crop scientists from theNational Agricultural Research System (NARS), prior to the two main cropping seasons(monsoon and winter) every year. Through these meetings, ProjectDirectors/Coordinators and breeders provide information about newly released varietiesand ensure availability of breeder seed. The Agriculture Departments place indents forfulfilling the farmers need, whereas seed producing agencies undertake multiplication ofBreeder Seed to Foundation Seed and Certified Seed.

Table 4a: Percentage of seeds of 10 year old varieties indented in 2008

Sl. No. Crops Percentage indented

1 Cereals 10.87 to 74.76

2 Pulses 40.70 to 100.00

3 Oil seeds 27.77 to 95.17

4 Fibre 15.26 to 90.48

Source: DAC, GOI

The National Seed Plan (NSP) 2005 projected the requirement of quality seed in thecountry at 25.4 million quintals. This estimation is based on desirable Seed ReplacementRates (SRR) of 25% for self- pollinated crops, 35% for cross pollinated crops and 100%for hybrids by the end of 11th Plan period. The requirement of certified seeds projected inthe National Seed Plan 2005 and the availability of quality seeds in 2006-07 for cereals,pulses, oilseeds and fibre crops are 13.4 and 18.5 million quintals; 1.34 and 2.33 millionquintals; 3.85 and 4.16 million quintals and 0.36 and 0.44 million quintals respectively,which exhibit a gap of 7.38 million quintal in certified seed availability (Table 5).

Table 5. Certified seed availability, requirements andgap as in 2006 – 2007 (in million qtls.)

CropsRequirement

(as per NSP 2005)Production(2006-07)

Gap (certifiedseed production)

CEREALS

Paddy 9.437 5.354 (-)4.083

Wheat 6.875 6.699 (-)0.176

Maize 0.963 0.553 (-)0.410

Other cereals 1.202 0.792 (-)0.410

All cereals 18.477 13.398 (-)5.079


112


CropsRequirement

(as per NSP 2005)Production(2006-07)

Gap (certifiedseed production)

PULSES

Arhar 0.116 0.167 (+)0.051

Urd bean 0.180 0.179 (-)0.001

Moong 0.175 0.169 (-)0.006

Gram 1.593 0.608 (-)0.985

Lentil 0.090 0.062 (-)0.028

Peas 0.112 0.115 (+)0.003

Other pulses 0.060 0.041 (-)0.019

All pulses 2.326 1.341 (-)1.042

OILSEEDS

Groundnut 2.812 1.762 (-)1.050

Soybean 0.968 1.691 (+)0.723

Rape and Mustard 0.108 0.196 (+)0.088

Sunflower 0.146 0.111 (-)0.035

Sesame 0.021 0.020 (-)0.001

Safflower 0.016 0.009 (-)0.007

Castor 0.089 0.056 (-)0.033

All Oilseeds 4.160 3.845 (-)1.126

FIBRE CROPS

Cotton 0.387 0.261 (-)0.126

Jute 0.036 0.080 (+)0.044

Mesta 0.008 0.018 (+)0.010

Sunhemp 0.005 0.000 (-)0.005

All Fibre crops 0.436 0.359 (-)0.131

All Crops 25.399 18.943 (-)7.378

Source : DAC, Govt. of India

Achieving the target of seed production in the next five years is a big task before thenational seed system, which is a combination of informal and formal components. TheNational Development Council in its meeting held on 29th May, 2007 called upon allstake holders to double the seed production in the country within next 4-5 years. Asignificant increase has been recorded in breeder seed production of field crops,particularly in cereals (Figure 2a & 2b).


113

Fig.2b. Trend in Breeder seed production from 2004- 05 to 2008- 09

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Indent [ inLakh Qtls.]

Prod [ inLakh Qtls.]







2004 -05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-2008

Va

lue

s i

n l

ak

h q

uin

tals

Cereals Pulses Oil Seeds


Figure 2a: Breeder Seed Production for the year 2007-2008

22.33

28.25

0.69

8.82

21.56

0.071

0.8

20.99

9.58

0.093

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

26

28

30

Cereals Pulses Oil Seeds Fibre crops Forage CropsCROP GROUP

Val

ue

in L

akh

Qtl

s.

Indent [ in Lakh Qtls.] Production [ in Lakh Qtls.]


114Agricultural and Seed Scenario

The Seed sector in India has evolved from the level of farmers saving the selectedearheads for seed purposes to the current level of nearly 300 well organized seedagencies/companies in public and private sectors. More than 150 seed companies havewell defined R&D programmes. Of these, nearly 50 companies have obtainedgovernmental recognition for research and development through the Dept. of Science &Technology, GOI. At present around 1.5 million tonnes of seed at an estimated marketvalue of over Rs. 60,000 million are produced. The quantity of quality seeds available in2007-08 (based on the breeder seed produced and made available against indents in thepreceding years) could exceed the normal seed requirement for different field crops(estimates are based on normal area under respective crops i.e., average of preceding fiveyears, and its normal seed rate). Realization of this, however, depended on an effectiveimplementation of a linear seed-chain, particularly production and registration offoundation seed under the Seeds Act, 1966 for the production of certified seeds. Therehas been a considerable increase in the distribution of quality seeds over the years whichaccelerated the annual growth rate of certified/quality seeds distribution from 12% in2005-06 to 18% in 2006-07 (Rai, 2008). However, as mentioned earlier, there are severalmismatches in the available databases and the actual availability of seeds of desiredvarieties. Similarly, there is a need to develop comprehensive and authentic publicdatabases on seed trade in India by public and private sectors. The future success wouldrely on the extent to which the seed chain and the norms for quality control are followed,without any compromises or shortcuts.

Access to quality seeds by farmers is also influenced by subsidies. The provision ofsubsidy on certified seed is limited to varieties notified not before 10 years. It iswithdrawn after 10 years of notification, irrespective of whether a variety has beenreplaced or it is still in good demand. Sometimes on the popularity of a variety and therecommendations of the concerned departments the duration may also be extended. Thereis state-to-state variation in subsidies given for the purchase of the newly releasedvarieties. Thus, the subsidy provision duration for seeds needs to be rationalized inconsultation with the respective SAUs, Crop Directorates and State Directorates ofAgriculture, rather than being on a uniform basis. The goal should be that good seeds ofimproved and well-adapted varieties are made available in the seed market at areasonable cost giving the farmer a wider choice. Availability of seeds of such varieties,particularly in self–pollinated species, can also be ensured through farmers’ training inquality seed production and storage.

Horticultural crops: Adoption of horticulture, by large as well as the marginal andsmall farmers’, has brought prosperity in many parts of the country, of which,Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are the prime examples. India is thesecond largest producer of fruits and vegetables, with a 10.9 and 11.9 per cent respectiveshare in the world production. The varied agro climates in the country are highlyfavorable for growing a large number of horticultural and plantation crops. The missiontarget is doubling the horticultural production by the year 2011–2012. According to SeedAssociation of India, the requirement of seed for potato and other vegetables by 2020 hasbeen estimated at 3.25 million tonnes and 68000 tonnes, respectively. The presentavailability and requirements of vegetables seeds from different sectors in the country is


115


given in the Table 6. The requirement of quality planting material of horticultural cropslike banana, grapes, mango, litchi, etc., are likely to increase manifold in the country bythe year 2011–2012 and has been estimated at 1622.3 millions (Table 7).

Table 6: Present scenario of vegetable seed production in India

CropRequirement

(tonnes)

Production fromorganized sector

(tonnes)

Otherquality seeds

(tonnes)

Seedshortage(tonnes)

Tomato 360 190 80 90

Brinjal 465 85 50 330

Chilli 200 68 80 52

Cauliflower 280 130 35 115

Cucumber 70 37 20 13

Muskmelon 110 37 40 33

Watermelon 320 135 100 95

Bottle gourd 615 105 100 410

Onion 1200 200 400 600

Okra 4250 1350 800 2200

Radish 650 300 200 150

Carrot 700 200 250 250

Beet root 400 100 120 180

Peas 6000 1500 2000 2500

Cabbage 200 80 60 60

Total 15820 4517 4335 6968

Source: Seed Association of India


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Table 7: Planting material requirements of various horticultural crops

Crop Total area (ha)under fruit plants in

2005 – 06

Targeted additionalarea (ha) by

2011-12

Projected requirement offruit plants for additional

area (million Nos.)

Apple 235000 58750 23.50

Banana 56500 141250 423.75

Citrus 749000 187250 56.17

Grapes 64000 16000 25.6

Guava 182000 45500 18.2

Litchi 63000 15750 1.58

Mango 2021000 505250 505.2

Papaya 73000 18250 45.62

Pineapple 85000 21250 425.00

Pomegranate 116000 29000 18.12

Sapota 140000 35000 3.5

Others 1217000 304250 7606

Total 5510000 1377500 1622.32

Source: National Horticulture Board (NHB)

2.4 Future Trends

In India, in the next decade three field crops, namely hybrid cotton, hybrid maize andhybrid rice are projected to be the major growth drivers. However, it is important tomention here that other crops like wheat, mustard and pigeon pea also have potential forfast growth after the introduction and adoption of hybrid technologies, which arecurrently at various stages of development and introduction in these crops.

According to Rao (2009), the requirement for hybrid cotton seeds is expected tonearly double from 15 million packets (450 gms) in 2006 – 07 to 29 million packets by2012–13, valued at million US$ 468.04 at current price, since by 2012 the area underhybrid is expected to cover 81% of the total cotton growing area (Table 8). The demandfor maize also has been steadily increasing primarily for poultry feed. In this crop also theintroduction of single cross hybrid has led to sowing for higher population per acrethereby raising the demand for hybrid seed (Table 9).


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Table 8: The growth of Cotton (2005 – 2012) in terms of total area, area underHybrids, and quantity of hybrid seed required as well as value of hybrids

Sl.No.

Year Totalacreage(million

ha.)

Area underhybrids

(million ha.)

% ofhybridarea

Hybrid pktsrequired

(million pkts)

Value ofhybrids

(million US$ )

1 2005 8.92 4.74 53.12 11.70 139.74

2 2006 9.11 4.86 53.33 12.00 174.31

3 2007 9.32 5.92 63.51 16.08 255.23

4 2008 9.33 6.98 74.82 24.14 402.80

5 2009 9.34 7.48 80.06 26.78 458.83

6 2010 9.34 7.48 80.06 27.71 480.74

7 2011 9.34 7.52 80.5 28.80 511.56

8 2012 9.40 7.62 81.05 29.92 547.35

Source: Prabhakar Rao (2009)

Table 9: Projection of Maize (2005 – 2012) in terms of total area, area underHybrids, and quantity of hybrid seed required and value of hybrids

Sl.No.

Year Totalacreage

(million ha.)

Area underhybrids

(million ha.)

% ofhybrid area

Hybrid pktsrequired

(million pkts)

Value ofhybrids

(million US$)

1 2005 7.68 3.84 50.00 4743.80 83.30

2 2006 7.87 3.94 50.00 4862.30 89.15

3 2007 8.07 4.04 50.00 4983.90 95.24

4 2008 8.47 4.66 55.00 6907.70 148.65

5 2009 8.90 5.34 60.00 9231.20 194.68

6 2010 9.34 6.07 65.00 10500.50 239.84

7 2011 9.62 6.74 70.00 11647.40 274.64

8 2012 9.91 7.43 75.00 12853.80 312.56


The potential demand for maize to sow 6.38 million hectares is at 80,000 tonnes. Thecurrent market size is estimated at 44,000 tonnes. The growth from now on will be fasterreaching at least 70,000 tonnes in the next ten years, valued at US$120.60 million atcurrent prices. In case of rice, it is estimated that if about 25% area under rice come underhybrid rice, there will be a requirement of about 1, 11,000 tonnes of hybrid rice seed innext 10 years valued at US$ 238.86 million at current prices as against 14000 tonnesvalued at US$ 30.13 million in 2007 – 08.


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Fig. Estimated size of the domestic market in selected countries

7080

40001915

1500

1500

1300

1000

850670 550

USA

China

France

Japan

Brazil

Indaia

Germany

Argentina

Italy

Canada


Globally this is an exciting time to be in agriculture, particularly in seed business.The global seed market is currently valued at US$ 29266.19 million. A couple of yearsago India ranked 9th among the top countries in the size of seed market. Now India’sposition has risen to 6th position (Table 10), with the market size of about US$ 1300million (Fig.3). Top six countries control nearly 56 % of the world’s commercial seedsales.

Table 10: Estimated crop wise market size of IndianSeed Industry for the 2008 – 2009

2008 – 2009Sl. No. Hybrids

Quantity Value (US$ million)

1 Hybrid cotton 25.0 million pkts 402.41

2 Hybrid maize 69000 tonnes 148.48

3 Hybrid paddy 17000 tonnes 40.89

4 Hybrid jowar 30000 tonnes 27.98

5 Hybrid bajra 24000 tonnes 32.28

6 Hybrid sunflower 8000 tonnes 53.80

7 Hybrid Others - 34.43

Total hybrids 740.26

8 OP varieties Several 249.62

10 Vegetables Several 129.12

Total Seed Market 1119.00


Fig.3. Estimated size of the domestic market in selected countries ($ US)



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The hybrid vegetable seed market In India is estimated to be around million $ US109.51 (Table 11). It is reckoned that the Indian vegetables seed market is growing at arate more than 10-15% a year. During the decade 1998 – 2008 there was remarkableincrease in market size of vegetables hybrid seeds (194 %). It is anticipated that duringthe next five years also the growth will continue at a rapid pace (45.4%). In India publicsector is the major player in the development of new varietal products of cereals, pulsesand oil seeds, with an emphasis on open pollinated varieties. The multiplication anddistribution of seeds of food grain crops is the primary responsibility catered by thepublic corporations. The private sector contributes to the seed supply of high value crops,particularly in hybrids and vegetables. Some of the private seed companies having strongR&D, have released a number of hybrids and OPVs in field crops and vegetables,whereas, many public bred hybrids are also produced and marketed by the private sector.As per a study conducted by the Rabobank (2006), the commercial seed market in Indiaaccounted for only about 25% of its total potential.

Table 11: Vegetable hybrid seed usage in India – value and volume

Crop Estimatedsales volume

1998 (t)

Estimatedsales volume

2008 (t)

Estimated salesvalue 2008

(million US$ )

Estimatedsales volume

2013 (t)

Tomato 25.5 50.0 27.53 86.30

Water melon 40.0 70.0 6.80 85.00

Chilli pepper 20.0 35.0 14.66 55.00

Melon 7.0 12.0 2.51 15.00

Okra 260.0 900.0 13.61 1213.75

Cabbage 30.0 50.0 9.32 60.00

Cauliflower 20.0 30.0 12.56 50.00

Brinjal 15.0 25.0 2.93 35.00

Cucumber - 25.0 4.40 50.00

Ridge gourd 7.0 27.0 2.51 42.00

Bitter gourd 15.0 50.0 2.93 70.00

Bottle gourd 25.0 50.0 2.09 70.00

Carrot - 12.0 1.15 25.00

Bell pepper 0.5 1.5 1.26 02.00

All Crops 455.0 1337.5 109.51 1945.0

Source : Anand et al. (2009)

Share of the private sector in organized seed trade by volume is nearly 43-45%, whilethe unorganized seed market is about 32.5 %. The public institute-bred varieties accountfor 48 % of the total seed trade. Of these low value high volume crops such as wheat,


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Fig.4. Market share in seed business of various crops

22

12 12

8

3 3 32

32

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Cotto

nRic

e

Veget

able

s

Whe

at

Sunf

lower

Mai

ze

Pear

lmill

et

Sorg

hum

Other

cro

ps

Mar

ket

sh

are

(%)


rice, soybean and pulses account for 33 % of the market, which are primarily catered bythe public sector organizations like NSC and State Seed Corporations Hybrids on theother hand account for 40 % of the seed trade, which is dominated by the private sector.The high value low volume vegetables with hybrids in almost all major crops constituteto 12% of the seed market. In India nearly one-fourth of seed market is held by the topten private companies. Other companies are either producing public bred varieties oncontract basis or simply trading the seed. As per the industry estimates on the marketshare in seed business, cotton has the largest share (22%), followed by rice andvegetables (12% each), wheat (8%), sunflower, maize and pearl millet (3% each),sorghum (2%) and other crops (32%) (Figure 4). In terms of volume the largest share isof paddy seed followed by wheat, maize, sorghum and pearl millet. In vegetables thelargest share is occupied by peas and beans, followed by okra and onion and solanaceousvegetables, cucurbits and cole crops.

As per a study conducted by the Rabonak (2006), in the year 2006-07 in India, over14.82 million quintals of certified seeds of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fiber crops andvegetables were marketed, of which private sector had a share of 6.86 million quintals(45.35 %) with their main focus on hybrid crop seeds and vegetables. In terms of volumethe public sector has its share of around 7.96 million quintals (53.65 %) primarilyfocusing on self pollinated and cross pollinated crop seeds of notified varieties andhybrids characterized by the high volume and low margin nature of product-mix.However in terms of value of Indian seed market, which is estimated at US $7.99 million(excluding an estimated value of US $ 1.03 million for the farm saved seeds), the share ofprivate sector in the market is higher (59.0% - including 25% for agriculture cropvarieties and hybrids, 10% for trait value of transgenic, and 24% for hybrids andvarieties) than that of public sector (41.0%).

Figure 4. Market share in seed business of various crops

Source : (Annon. 2009)


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Figure. Notified varieties in India from 1969 - 2009

178

296

273

371

47

75 829893

185 192

86

171156

100

226

181

110

7485

179

227223

223

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s

Year

Valu

e (N

umbe

rs)

Cereals Crops Fiber Crops Millets

Oilseeds Pulses Vegetable Crops

Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Public Seed Sector

3. STRUCTURE, CAPACITY AND FUNCTIONING OF PUBLIC SEED SECTOR

The public seed sector primarily comprises the institutes under Indian Council ofAgricultural Research (ICAR) and the State Agricultural Universities (SAU’s), NationalSeed Corporation (NSC), States Farm Corporation of India (SFCI), 15 State SeedCorporations and state assisted or parastatal farmers’ co-operatives, etc. The publicsector mainly caters to the requirements of high volume, low value crops, mainly of openpollinated varieties, that is critical in terms of nation’s food security.

The ICAR and SAU’s are the main agencies that undertake variety development andnucleus and breeder seed production in the country. The SAU’s also facilitate the qualityseed production of the state released varieties. During the period 2008-09, ICAR hasreleased 96 varieties/hybrids in different crops. In total there are about 90 crops and morethan 3800 varieties released and notified for different agro-climatic zones of the countryby the Government of India (Figure 5). This also includes an OP variety of Bt. Cotton,Bikaneri Nerma, which could be a boon to farmers, who can save their seeds and avoidpurchasing seeds for replacement each year. Some more GM crops are under variousstages of trial and testing. There is a well structured regulatory mechanism through whicheach GM crop has to pass through before it is approved for release.

Implementation of the project on Seed Production in Agricultural Crops of ICAR hasresulted in quality seed production of field crops to a record level during 2008–09.Breeder seeds to the tune of 7,162.4 tonnes of centrally released varieties and 2,778.1tonnes of state released varieties were produced in addition to the labelled seed andplanting materials (Tables 5,6 & 7). Table 12 shows the state-wise fund released by theICAR under various projects and schemes viz., NSP, BSP, Annual Oilseed Crops andSeed Production in Agricultural Crops in India from 2004-05 to 2006-07. Apart from thisa total of US $ 1.35 million have been released by the GOI during 2006-07 underassistance for creation of seed infrastructure facilities in India.

Figure 5. Notified varieties in India from 1969-2009

Source : www.seednet.govt.in


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Nucleus seed from the respective breeder or authentic source is used for theproduction of breeder seed. Indents for breeder seed are placed by the state governmentsto the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Government of India, which passes itonto the ICAR. Breeder seed production, as per DAC indent, is the mandate of the ICAR(Figure 6). The breeder seed produced is allocated by the DAC to the indenters, who useit for the production of Foundation and eventually Certified seeds. In case of hybrids, theseed of parental lines is produced as breeder seed by ICAR/SAU’s system which is madeavailable to seed agencies for production of Foundation and then hybrid seed of certifiedclass.

The first public seed production organization, National Seeds Corporation (NSC),was established in 1963. The States Farms Corporation of India limited (SFCI)established in 1969, is presently undertaking the seed production through its farmssituated in different states in different agro-climatic zones of the country. Subsequently,15 State Seed Corporations were established. State seed corporations undertakesubstantial production of quality seed, especially foundation, certified and truthfullylabelled seed of field crops. A few of them also undertake sponsored breeder seedproduction viz, in groundnut. The average annual production of quality seeds by variousseed corporations is depicted in Table 13. Besides, several states assisted or parastatalfarmers’ co-operatives such as M.P. state oilseed growers federation (MPOILFED) andRAJFED (for Rajasthan) have been undertaking seed production and supply of oilseed intheir respective states. Foundation and certified seeds are produced mainly by NSC,SFCI, and state seed corporations. TFL seed is produced by all formal and informalsystems including SAUs and ICAR institutes. To facilitate faster spread of improvedvarieties and hybrids, many institutions under the NARS have undergone partnershipswith the private sector through non-exclusive MoUs for multiplication and marketing ofseeds. The Indian Agricultural Research Institutes (IARI), the premier research instituteof the country has evolved an effective model of public-private partnership (PPP) incommercializing the first basmati rice hybrid PRH-10 through 16 private companies,generating funds from one time royalty on Breeder Seed. Besides, farmer to farmerexchange of farm-saved seed also occurs, especially in high volume self-fertilized cropslike wheat and rice.


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Table 12: Selected State-wise Funds Released by ICAR and utilized under AICRPon National Seed Project (Crop), Breeder Seed Production on Annual Oilseed Crops

and Seed Production on Agriculture Crops in India (2004-2005 to 2006-2007).

Year (million US$)State

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

Assam 0.051 0.050 0.054

Andhra Pradesh 0.228 0.815 1.664

Andaman & Nicobar - - 0.168

Bihar 0.069 0.314 0.717

Chhattisgarh 0.023 0.388 0.596

Gujarat 0.169 1.104 2.109

Goa - - 0.146

Haryana 0.069 0.552 0.912

Himachal Pradesh 0.042 0.468 1.281

Jammu & Kashmir 0.022 0.626 0.969

Jharkhand 0.012 0.392 0.199

Kerala 0.013 0.391 1.499

Karnataka 0.226 1.476 1.706

Maharashtra 0.318 2.065 3.816

Madhya Pradesh 0.095 0.601 1.104

Manipur - 0.297 0.465

New Delhi - - 1.046

Orissa 0.109 0.458 1.590

Punjab 0.073 0.549 0.825

Rajasthan 0.143 0.845 1.962

Tamil Nadu 0.102 0.653 1.373

Uttar Pradesh 0.167 1.465 3.827

Uttranchal 0.068 0.559 1.087

West Bengal 0.001 0.409 0.883

Total 2.001 14.476 29.997

Source: www.indiaagristat.com


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Merits of the Public Seed Sector:

1. Mostly produces seed which are certified for quality by the certification agency.

2. Concentrates on seeds of high volume – low value food crops, which are criticalfor food security and sustenance of resource poor and marginal farmers.

3. Breeding and release of high yielding, open pollinated varieties facilitates selfmultiplication of seeds thereby allowing the farmers to save their seeds.

4. Low cost of seeds benefits marginal farmers and farmers from difficultecosystems as they have low access to crop improvement and cannot afford highpriced seed. Hybrids developed by the private breeding activities are mostlysuitable for irrigated areas and high input agriculture.

Table 13 : Average Annual Production of Seeds, Percentage of SeedProduction vis-a-vis the Total Production Capacity of Seed Corporation

(Qty. in, 000 qtls.)

CorporationAverageAnnual

Productionof Seed

Total SeedProductionCapacity

%age ofSeedProdn

vis-a-visthe Total

ProductionCapacity

National Seeds Corporation Ltd., 389.02 413.75 94.0

State Farms Corporation of India Ltd., 189.37 281.00 68.0

Haryana Seed Development Corporation Ltd., 211.97 290.00 79.0

Punjab State Seeds Corporation Ltd., 135.67 250.00 52.0

Rajasthan State Seeds Corporation Ltd., 196.86 250.00 78.7

UP Seeds & Tarai Development Corpn Ltd., 1004.33 950.00 105.7

Andhra Pradesh State Seed DevelopmentCorporation Ltd., 610.03 511.00 119.0

Karnataka State Seed Corporation Ltd., 164.06 200.00 82.0

Maharashtra State Seed Corporation Ltd., 945.00 668.00 141.0

Gujarat State Seed Corporation Ltd., 87.79 117.02 75.0

Orissa State Seed Corporation Ltd., 300.00 450.00 66.7

Assam State Seed Corporation Ltd., 16.50 20.00 82.5

West Bengal State Seed Corporation Ltd., 100.00 120.00 83.3

MP Rajya Beej Evam Farm Vikas Nigam 607.88 696.00 87.0



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Demerits of Public Seed Sector:

1. OPVs induce repeated use of farm saved seeds, sometimes for decades, thusfarmers are trapped in cultivation of old varieties, resulting in lower productivityand poor returns.

2. Non–availability of promising public hybrids due to slow adoption andcommercialization deprives marginal farmers of better productivity.

3. Low priced seeds cause low returns to public sector, depriving major investmentin infrastructure, research and development

4. Public enterprises with limited manpower and poor infrastructure cannot caterto the seed requirement of the entire nation.

Figure 6: Organized seed production and supply system in India.

Source: www.seednet.govt.in


Seed industry in India is very heterogeneous in terms of ownership, scales ofoperation, functioning and integration of research, production and marketing units. Theprivate seed companies are structured in any one of the following ways.


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• Indian companies are producing and trading OP seeds or selling F1 hybridsdeveloped by the public sector.

• Indian owned companies with production and marketing capabilities but havingtie up with foreign companies for R&D

• Indian owned companies developing, producing and marketing hybrid seeds.Some of these have enlarged their sphere of activity by opening offices in othercountries.

• Foreign Companies (MNCs, Transnational) with subsidiary in India havingR&D, production and marketing capabilities. They bring in improved varietiesand technology from abroad.

• Foreign companies marketing hybrids or OPVs developed by their parentorganization abroad or developed in India.

• Indian companies relying on contract seed production for export and also fordomestic market.

Private seed sector has grown considerably in the past 10 years, with about 300private seed companies, including some major multinationals. Ten top companies i.e.Rasi, Mahyco, Monsanto, Proagro, Nuziveedu, Pioneer, Emergent genetics, Syngenta, JKseeds, and Advanta (UPL) hold nearly 90 per cent of the seed market (Patil, 2007). Tosupport the growth of private seed sector GoI has provided financial assistance (25percent subsidy of the capital investment of project) to the tune of US$ 31.98 millionwhich helped in creation of processing capacity of 4.29 million qtls. and storage capacityof 1.67 million qtls. (Table14). The aggressive marketing campaign coupled withsuperior performance of the hybrids by the private companies has led to an increaseddemand and market share of Bt cotton and hybrids of maize, sorghum, sunflower, paddyand vegetables. Technological skills and expertise in breeding, production and qualitycontrol along with marketing skills have put private sector as efficient developers,producers and marketers of seeds, especially hybrid seeds of different crops.

The private seed industry relying on varieties/germplasm from public institutes andfrom international institutes were quick to develop and deliver varieties and hybrids inthe past two decades. With the introduction of NPSD, 1988 and removal of importrestriction, inflow of germplasm and technology was more rapid, resulting indevelopment of several superior hybrids.


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Table 14. Details of release of subsidy under central sector scheme onassistance for boosting seed production in private sector [as on24.11.2009]

Sl.No.

State Numberof

proposals

Processingcapacity

[million qtls.]

Storagecapacity

[million qtls.]

Subsidyreleased/

committed[million US$]

1 Andhra Pradesh 25 0.490 0.189 0.435

2 Bihar 2 0.050 0.008 0.026

3 Gujarat 11 0.170 0.070 0.127

4 Haryana 17 0.388 0.098 0.230

5 Himachal Pradesh 1 0.020 0.000 0.003

6 Karnataka 6 0.160 0.019 0.092

7 Madhya Pradesh 9 0.215 0.081 0.143

8 Maharashtra 10 0.162 0.057 0.143

9 Orissa 7 0.150 0.047 0.125

10 Punjab 13 0.365 0.129 0.246

11 Rajasthan 8 0.190 0.022 0.070

12 Tamil Nadu 27 0.375 0.121 0.203

13 Uttar Pradesh 46 0.745 0.387 0.763

14 Uttaranchal 30 0.610 0.376 0.454

15 West Bengal 9 0.175 0.061 0.112

16 Delhi 1 0.030 0.003 0.026

Total 222 4.294 1.668 3.198

Source: National Seeds Corporation [NSC], GoI.

Well organized seed companies spend an estimated 6 – 10% of their turn over onR&D. The major wings of R&D, production and marketing are well knit and integrated.Presently, the major share of the hybrid seed market is held by companies with strongresearch bases, many of these having collaboration with research institutions in India andabroad. The CGIAR institutions across the world has also played an important role inproviding access to better germplasm for developing improved varieties throughcollaborative research and testing.. This is indicative of the greater need for localresearch, development and testing of new improved varieties.

Operations by foreign based multi national seed companies have increasedexponentially in India, directly or indirectly. Indian seed market particularly that ofvegetables seed is viewed by them as significant enough to justify their efforts to increase


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their share of global market. Low seed price is offset by large volumes of seed traded.Furthermore, need for new technologies like marker assisted selection, trangenics, phyto-pathological skills for seed health management, induction of haploidy, identification andincorporation of novel or new genes for disease resistance, abiotic stresses or malesterility have intensified. Many of the global companies through their own research orthrough collaborative projects with foreign universities of repute, have access to thesetechnologies. It is anticipated that many of these new technologies will be put into use indeveloping new hybrids by the seed companies in near future.

Merits of the Private Seed Sector:

Seeds are truthfully labeled and in-house quality control assures quality in orderto maintain reputation of the company.

Hybrids are developed and supplied mostly for high value–low volume cropseeds, especially vegetables, cotton, sunflower, maize etc. hence good profitmargin are maintained.

Higher productivity facilitates higher yield and better returns to farmers andsustains food availability to the growing population.

High productivity can also lead to the share in the world market and facilitateearning of foreign exchange.

High returns to seed companies facilitating more investment in infrastructure,Research and development

Demerits of the Private Seed Sector:

Mostly dealing with F1 hybrids, hence farmers have to purchase seeds each timefor sowing.

Farmers from difficult ecosystems cannot benefit much from the cropimprovement, as the varieties/hybrids are mainly developed for irrigatedecosystem.

Crop failures in case of high input agriculture, due to vagaries of weathers or pestproblems may lead to catastrophe of marginal farmer’s bankruptcy.

High cost of seeds intimidates the marginal farmers from cultivating privatehybrids and deprives them of socio–economic benefits.

Since the greater proportions of farming community, who are marginal farmers,are not able to cultivate the high yielding hybrids, the country on the whole is at aloss to improve the agriculture productivity.


A sound system of quality assurance is required under the provisions of the SeedsAct, 1966 and other related Acts, which is implemented through a state-wise network of19 seed certification agencies; 84 notified state seed testing laboratories; and one CentralSeed Testing Laboratory located in the National Seed Research & Training Centre,Varanasi under the Ministry of Agriculture, GOI. There is a need to meet the IndianMinimum Seed Certification Standards (IMSCS, 1971) for all seeds marketed in India,


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whether certified or truthfully labelled. 17 laboratories in the country (three in the publicsector and 14 in the private sector) are members of the International Seed TestingAssociation (ISTA), of these six in the private sector have obtained accreditation of ISTAto issue certificates. The Division of Seed Science of Technology, IARI which was thefirst member laboratory in the country to have ISTA accreditation till 1988, is in theprocess of obtaining re-accreditation of ISTA. Previously, working in tandem with theISTA, the erstwhile Central Seed Testing Laboratory (CSTL) in the Division of SeedScience of Technology, IARI, New Delhi, which was the first seed testing laboratory inthe country, and the Seed Technology Research units under NSP in SAUs, havecontributed in standardizing seed testing protocols for species of national importance forwhich testing protocols were not available, and also in developing and revising minimumseed certification standards (IMSCS) for many crops. In the year 2008-09, GoI hasreleased a sum of US$ 0.358 million to strengthen the quality control arrangement toundertake various activities through notified STLs (Table 15).

Initially, the quality standards were somewhat lax for truthfully labelled seeds thancertified, but at present the minimum standards are similar for both categories. In India,while certification is voluntary and applicable only to the notified varieties, the labellingis compulsory to all classes of seed. The New Seeds Bill, 2004 proposes compulsoryregistration of all varieties based on value for cultivation and use (VCU) criteria, thoughcertification remains voluntary. However, to make this provisions more effective, stepsare needed to revamp the functioning of seed testing laboratories and the seedcertification agencies in terms of capacity building of their personnel, particularly in seedhealth testing, application of molecular techniques and modern technologies for geneticpurity and other parameters of seed quality evaluation, strengthening of infrastructuresand adapting some internationally accepted procedures for variety purity, such as OECDschemes.

Table 15. Fund Released under Component "Quality Control Arrangement onSeeds" in India from 2006-07 to 2008-09.

Year [million US$]Sl. No. Particulars

2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

1 Assistance for Training 0.0282 0.0323 0.0108

2 Purchase of equipments for ISTA Lab 0.2905 - -

3 To obtain ISTA Membership 0.0095 0.0000 0.0000

4 Facilities for DNA Fingerprinting 0.5918 0.2475 0.1076

5 Purchase of Bt Cotton kits 0.0086 0.0323 0.0000

6 Purchase of equipments forconducting Hybridity Test

0.3013 0.0430 0.0215


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Year [million US$]Sl. No. Particulars

2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

7Establishment of Grow-Out TestFarm

0.4831 0.3240 -

8 Strengthening of STLs 0.8783 0.3013 0.1534

9 Strengthening of SCAs 0.1614 0.1479 0.0646

Total 2.7527 1.1283 0.3578


Variety identification and Hybrid purity testing: Protein and DNA based analyticaltechniques, which provide rapid and reliable alternatives to morphological (plant based)characterization of plant varieties have been standardized for variety identification andtesting of hybrid purity in some of the crops. Such techniques have been found useful foridentification and validation of plant varieties, their distinction from other similarlylooking varieties, internal quality assurance purposes and for making on-the-spotdecisions by the seed producing agencies. However, their application for qualityassurance, on a routine basis does not appear feasible due to the cost and expertiserequired for such tests and hence, can not be recommended for certification purposes atpresent. Such technologies may be adopted for quick quality assessment of high valuehybrids with or with out transgenes. Working groups of international organizations suchas ISTA and UPOV are developing suitable protocols for using these technologies moreeffectively for the purpose of variety identification as well as for purity testing.

Testing of GM varieties: The commercial release of Bt cotton hybrids and their wideadoption in more than 8 million hectares by the farmers across the country haveestablished the advantages of transgenic technology in achieving spectacular profitabilityin agriculture. Considering the high value of GM hybrid seeds, there is an urgent need toi) standardize technologies and develop diagnostics to detect GM seeds and to test thepurity of such seeds; ii) enhance the capabilities of the seed testing personnel to assessthe quality of such seeds; and iii) build necessary laboratory infrastructure for thesepurposes. ICAR institutes have already developed diagnostics kits based on proteinantibodies and PCR technologies for detection of transgenics in cotton, brinjal,cauliflower, mustard and tomato. The CICR (ICAR) has developed and commercializedeasy to use dip-stick type Bt –cotton detection kits for Cry 1 Ac and Cry 2 Ab.

5.1. Seed Health Status in India

About 90 per cent of the world’s food crops are propagated through seeds and arevulnerable to several diseases caused by fungal, viral or bacterial pathogens that areknown to be seed borne and/or seed-transmitted. So far about 3000 seed-borne pathogen(SBP) have been recorded on over 800 plant species. The movement of seed throughinternational trade may also carry new pathogens, and in this process many seed borne


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diseases are introduced. In the recent past seed transmitted diseases are reported to beintroduced in India viz. sunflower downy mildew in 1984, peanut Stripe Virus in 1987,etc.

The SBP can contaminate a healthy seed at various stages. The spores of thepathogen from neighbouring areas may attack a seed crop, if necessary precaution has notbeen taken with respect to proper isolation from infected crops and rouging of infectedplants in a seed plot. The harvesting and post-harvest handling also provide an idealopportunity for the pathogens in its various forms to contaminate healthy seed lots.Storage fungi invade grains and seeds stored at moisture contents in equilibrium withambient RH ranging from 65-90 per cent and can cause major losses in seed viability.Thus, the accurate diagnosis and estimation of seed-borne diseases become imperative forlimiting the spread of diseases by stringent seed health testing and certificationprogrammes. In a seed certification scheme, the tolerance limits for the designated seed-borne diseases of the vegetable and field crops have been provided to avoid economiclosses. In addition, seed treatment with fungicide or insecticide and fumigation isrecommended as a prophylactic measure for controlling the pathogens and pests.

5.2 The Policy Issues

The National Seed Policy (2002) proposed a comprehensive seed quality assurancemechanism. But the Seed Health certification in India is still confined to basic FieldStandards for about 50 diseases and Seed Standards are available for only 16 seed bornediseases (10 Fungi, 4 bacteria and 2 nematode), of which six are classified as designateddiseases. These are (i) Loose smut of wheat; (ii) Karnal bunt of wheat, (iii) Ear cockle ofwheat, (iv) False smut of paddy (v) Ergot of sorghum and (vi) Ergot of pearlmillet.Unfortunately, in most cases, only dry seed examination is generally practiced. Seedhealth testing protocols, recommended by ISTA are performed only in few STLs, due tolack of necessary technical expertise and/or laboratory infrastructure. Among the notifiedSTLs, only about 23 have some basic facilities for Seed health testing.

The SPS Agreement of WTO also deliberates on identification of pest free seedproduction areas as per the international standards laid down by the International PlantProtection Convention, where in the harvest (seed) form pest free areas can be used forexport purpose. In the WTO regime, Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) has become obligatoryprior to export and/or import. The development of PRA requires generating a lot ofinformation on biology and epidemiology of the pest and also the management optionwhich involves certification standards and other control measures. The seed-transmittedKarnal Bunt of wheat is an example where we have developed pest-based PRA, whereasin soybean we have developed commodity based PRA, for trading decisions with the UScounterpart. Thus, we need to develop our expertise on such issues related to seed bornediseases which play a vital role in export promotions, regulating the imports fromphytosanitary point of view and controlling the spread of diseases. The seed healthprocedures adopt a number of conventional and modern techniques, including the moreaccurate serological and molecular techniques for diagnosis of seed-borne pathogenseven at low levels of infection in a bulk seed lot. The advanced techniques need to beadopted to detect and identify different strains of seed-borne pathogens to determine thecontrol measures.


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5.3 Weaknesses of Quality Assurance Mechanism

At the time of developing minimum Seed Certification Standards to fulfill therequirements of implementing Seeds Act, 1966, quality parameters wereprimarily borrowed from the standards followed in other developed countries andon information available in literature. Subsequently, some of these have beenvalidated through systematic studies, but more data need to be generated forfixation of realistic standards.

Lack of infrastructure facilities for seed certification and testing programme.Steps are being taken to strengthen these.

Lack of a regular system of human resource development and skill upgradation inthe field of seed certification and testing.

No provision of self-certification. No uniform service charges for seed certification programme in different states. Time frame not specified for seed certification activities. Standards not available for establishing seed processing plant. Till now there are no specific seed standards for plantation crops, fruit crops,

medicinal & aromatic crops and forest seeds. Presently, some of these are underconsideration for seed certification.

Large quantity of seed is produced and distributed as labeled seed for which onlygermination, physical and genetic purity are required. This leaves enough scopefor production and distribution of spurious seeds.

Lack of compliance of inter-state seed certification procedures. Insisting grow out test for all the crops and varieties which is inconsistent with

the procedure of Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards. At present Breeder, Foundation and Certified Seed chain is very weak. Delay in conveying the results of test conducted on lots of seeds. International tests for varietal identification such as electrophoresis, machine

vision, chromatographic test, etc., are not used in India at present.

6. SEED REGULATIONS

Traditionally, the seed quality regulation is the responsibility of the Governmentthrough the Department of Agriculture or an independent Seed Certification Agency. Butwith the entrance of competitive and mature players in seed industry, internal seed qualitycontrol has gained equal importance in the private sector as well. Therefore, the publicsector has adopted a facilitating role and enforces regulations to deal with unscrupulousfirms or dealers supplying spurious seed.

Three important areas covered under different laws that affect seed sectors are: 1)Notification for variety release and market regulatory issues covered by the Seeds Act,1966; ii) intellectual property rights related matters concerning seeds and plant varietiescovered by the PPV & FR Act, 2001 and iii) environmental release of transgenic cropvarieties/hybrids covered under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA). Thesemajor legal domains are supplemented by other regulatory domains, such as quarantine,


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sanitary and phytosanitary standards under the Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914(DIP Act); as also the government policies such as export and import (EXIM) policy.There are more than 30 Indian laws concerning seed sector directly or indirectly, whichinclude the Essential Commodities Act, 1955; the Consumer Protection Act, 1986; TheBiological Diversity Act, 2002; The Patents Act, 1970 ( with amendments as in 1999,2002, 2005); and The Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection)Act, 1999.

The Seeds Act, 1966 played a historical role in shaping up the seed sector in thecountry, but it requires revision and harmonization with contemporary developments.This law provides legislative framework for regulation of seed quality to becommercialized. Some of the key mechanisms and instruments under the Act include i)Variety notification and release mechanism; ii) Seeds Control Order, 1983; iii) MinimumSeed Certification Standards, 1971 (revised in 1988); iv) New Policy on SeedDevelopment, 1988; v) Export Import (EXIM) of Seed Policy, 1989, etc. The Seeds Actis under revision. The Draft Seeds Bill, 2004 is projected to bring necessary changes inthe current seed law for addressing new technological and other developmentsconcerning this sector. The amendments are proposed to help regulate quality of seedsand planting materials across the technology domain (conventional or transgenicvarieties/hybrids) or IPRs on the varietal products. Other objectives are to curb sale ofspurious and inferior quality seeds, and for harmonizing with quality seed regulations ofother countries.

Enforcement of the PPV&FR Act, 2001, has enabled protection of new as well asextant varieties which is “a variety available in India which is i) notified under section 5of the Seeds Act, 1966, ii) Farmer’s variety, or iii) A variety about which there is acommon knowledge or vi) any other variety which is in public domain”. Under thePVP& FR Act, 2001, the extant varieties can be registered and protected within threeyears of notification of the crop species. The protection is available under the law to allextant varieties of public sector in one way or other. This unique Act has also grantedrights to the farmers to save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange, share or sell his farm produceincluding seeds of a variety protected under this Act, provided that he will not sell asbranded seed, as well as to protect farmers’ varieties. The Act also has provisions andmechanisms to recognize the contributions made by the farmers in conserving and/orimproving some unique land races, which can be useful in developing new varieties withdesirable traits.

6.1 Challenges Posed by the Present Regulatory Framework

6.1.1. Seeds Act (1966) and New Seed Bill (2004): Seeds Act (1966) and SeedControl Order (1983) have been in vogue for quite some time. Both these legislations areimplemented through the machineries of the State Governments. As a result, somevariation has crept in the interpretation and implementation of these legislations such asDealer Licensing, Registration of varieties, Price controls etc. Even though Seed Act,1966 was broad based and good enough in regulating the quality of seeds at variousstages in supply chain, its limitations of notified varieties, made it necessary for the StateGovernments to use the provisions in Seed Control Order for the trade in research bred


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non-notified varieties. However, different norms followed by different StateGovernments have posed certain challenges to the seed industry from time to time. TheGovt. of India has proposed a New Seed Bill-2004 regulating the seed business and in thematter of registration of all kinds or varieties of seeds, their production, processing,quality control and law enforcement. Draft Seeds Bill, 2004 is proposed by amalgamatingthe provisions of Seeds Act, 1966 & Seeds Control Order 1983 as a single enactment.

It is expected that the Government may take a pragmatic and balanced view to ensurethat the New Seed Bill will support the growth of the seed industry and ensure the highestquality seed reaching the farmer.

6.1.2 PPV & FR Act (2001) : This act provides for the establishment of an effectivesystem for protection of plant varieties, the right of the farmers and plant breeders and toencourage the development of new plant varieties for accelerated agriculturaldevelopment in the country. This act was passed in 2001, implemented from November,2005 and has become effective for registration from April 2007. In the first phase, 14major crops were covered and presently 21 crops have been included, whereas 21 morecrops are expected to be added by 2010. The act is formulated on the lines of UPOV1991' convention, except for the wider provisions on farmers' rights. Even though it is tooearly to comment on the challenges, the following issues will need careful examination.

DUS testing Protecting Essentially Derived Varieties (EDV) Misuse of farmers’ right Need to adopt similar norms and procedures for protecting farmers’ varieties Misuse of the rights of the communities.

6.1.3 Challenges in Regulation for Release of Transgenic Crop: Environment(Protection) Act, 1986 has come in to force with effect from 19th November,1986 withthe objective to (i) Restrict and regulate exploitation of natural resources, maintenanceand protection of environmental quality and (ii) Reduction of natural disasters, balancingof the eco-systems, controlling of the pollution problem, achievement of sustaineddevelopment, environmental awareness among the people, state control, environmentaleducation and training, population control, punishment of the polluter etc. Even thoughthe procedures are still evolving, a lot of public attention on controversial issues such asrelease and the deregulation of transgenic crop event need to be addressed. This may beone of the most challenging aspects for the managers of seed industry.

The Genetically Modified (GM) crops could have effect on human and animal healthand they may have long term consequences on environment also, if they are notscientifically tested for bio-safety. In view of this, transgenic crop varieties/hybrids haveto go through a very stringent regulatory regime for establishing their bio-safety, apartfrom agronomic evaluation to assess if they are equivalent or better than theirconventional counter part. Thus, the regulatory system addresses the following issues:

Allergenicity and toxicity to human and other organisms.

Specificity of action on target pests.


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Case by case study on specific products/ crop.

Long term impact on environment.

The present regulatory system for transgenic crops has evolved from the experiencesfrom other developed countries taking into consideration the information generated in thecountries where GM crops are being grown commercially on a wide scale. Under thepresent system, the entire research work is regulated at different levels viz.,

IBSC - Institutional Bio-safety Committee of Applicant Organization. MEC - Monitoring and Evaluation Committee appointed by the RCGM RCGM - Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation under Department of

Biotechnology. GEAC - Genetics Engineering Approval Committee under Ministry of

Environment & Forest.

6.2. Major Regulatory Steps in approval of Transgenic Crops

Application to DBT for formation of IBSC. Reporting to RCGM/DBT, IBSC Proceedings Application for Import Transfer of Transgenic material to RCGM through

Directorate/ NBPGR. Development of varieties with transgenic traits and testing of hybrids/ variety in

Contained Conditions. RCGM - Studies on Allergenicity and Toxicity/ COFT/ MLRT. GEAC - LST/ ICAR Trials and Commercial approvals. Commercialization and Monitoring performance.

From the above, it will be clear that the regulatory system in India attempts to tacklethe issues much beyond the conduct of agronomic trials and granting hybrid by hybridapproval, even after having proven bios-safety of the event. Though this, process isadding at least 2 years extra time for clearance of the products, it helps in building up theconfidence of the farmers, consumers and environmentalists. Although a decision inprinciple has been taken to adopt event based approval system, formal orders in thisrespect are still awaited.

Apart from this, there are several other requirements which need to be completedbefore the implementation.

Prior to grant of release of transgenic seed from the containment, validated eventspecific protocol of 0.01 % LOD (Load of detection) has become mandatory.This is a very stringent condition, requiring high cost for developing the protocol.Even in case of commercial crops, protocols of 0.01 % LOD are not beingfollowed in the European Union. Hence, this needs a rework and revision.

Toxicological tests with pure protein: This process is also very cumbersome,expensive and time consuming.

The ICAR/ SAU field trials and Monitoring.


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Following steps may be considered to expedite the testing and release of GM crops:

A Single Window system for regulatory requirements on each type oftechnology/crop may be developed to save time and cost. Formation of (NBRA)is a step already taken in this direction.

Strengthening of communication mechanism to generate awareness of all stakeholders, farmers and consumers about safety and environment issues related toGM crops through institutions need to be in place.

Regulators need to take necessary steps in upgrading competence levels fortesting labs.

The rules for transgenic crop trials may be streamlined and testing methods may beupgraded to ensure speedy release of new technologies without compromising on safetyissues and encouraging the release of superior products and technologies to the farmers.

6.3 Steps to Promote Growth of Indian Seed Industry

Realizing the increasing importance of seed as a vital input in agriculture to enhancethe productivity levels, GOI has taken several initiatives to strengthen the Seed Sector inIndia. The major initiatives include proposal of New Seed Bill (2004), development of aNational Seed Plan 2005, by the DAC, Ministry of Agriculture, GoI, a Mega Project on“Seed Production in Agricultural Crops and Fisheries” by the ICAR in 2005-06 andformation of an Expert Committee by the GoI in 2007-08 to suggest measures forimprovement on the functioning of the State Seeds Corporations by the Department ofAgriculture and Co-operation. The various recommendations culminated in theformulation of “National Seed Technology Mission” (2007-2012) proposed to make aconcerted effort and to adopt a focused approach in a time bound manner.

The Mission components are:

Assistance for creation, strengthening and modernization of seed infrastructurefacilities.

Acquisition of new varietal products.

Assistance for production of Breeder, Foundation and Certified seeds.

Quality control arrangement on seeds.

Transport subsidy on movement of seeds to North-East and other hilly areas.

Establishment and maintenance of Seed Bank.

Seed Village programme.

Assistance for boosting seed production in private sector.

Application of biotechnology in agriculture.

Launching of a technology mission on quality seed: The mission proposes toencourage research and development for evolving new hybrids and varieties withimproved traits and higher yield, together with production and distribution of qualityseeds.


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Research and Development: The private sector seed companies need to enhanceinvestment in R & D related to both conventional breeding and new trait developmentthrough bio-technology. To encourage the investments in R&D, term loans with longpayment period ranging between 10 to 15 years may be provided at an interest subsidyand the term loan at 7 % per annum.

Other Infrastructures: Seed industry needs to make substantial investment inconstruction of state-of-the art seed processing units, conditioned storage facilities, seedtransportation system etc., which also need huge investment. Such investments may alsobe encouraged with an interest subsidy and the term loan at the rate of 7% per annum. Inthe recent times, private sector has established some excellent seed processing andstorage facilities. Notable among these are Vibha Seeds, Rasi Seeds, Nuzuveedu, Pioneer,Mahyco, Gubba Cold Storage etc.

Working Capital Requirements: The seed company requires huge working capitalsince the seeds is sold once in a year and inventory is to be carried for more than a year.The industry feels that since seed is the key to agriculture, Seed industry may be given apriority status by the GoI. The working capital may be arranged to the seed companieswith a soft interest rate @ 6 % per annum or with an interest subsidy and the term loan atthe rate of 7 % per annum as in case of above.

Seed Banks: Setting up of seed banks is to be encouraged to meet the unexpectedrequirements of seeds in situations arising out of natural calamities like drought, floods,cyclones etc. sudden unexpected failure of seed crop due to pest/diseases may also resultin severe shortages which can be over come by quality seed reserved as buffer stock.Hence, there is need for investments in setting up of seed banks. The technology missionshould have a component to encourage the setting up to seed bank by the public orprivate sector by providing the low interest subsidy for the loans availed of for setting ofseed banks. These seed banks would involve the construction of conditioned godownsand maintaining the reasonable inventory of seeds.

Every state should have between one to five seed banks strategically located. Theseed bank is placed where seeds can be stored under favourable non-conditioned orconditioned atmosphere to maintain the viability and vigour by regulating thetemperature and relative humidity. Capacity of the seed bank may vary as per the size,agro ecological zones and crop diversity of a state. These seed banks should be used for

Medium term storage of seeds (~3 years) to meet natural calamities like drought,flood etc.

As temporary storage point for any user seed company. Since the most importantagriculture season i.e., Kharif coincides with high temperature and highhumidity, such storage condition would reduce the deterioration of the seedswhich is likely to happen when they are stored in ambient conditions.

The seed banks could be managed by a public/private company, consortium or co-operative of the seed companies that wish to avail of the facilities. The running costtherefore, may borne by the seed companies. The country may require in the first phase20 to 25 such seed banks, which may get extended to 50 to reach the ultimate capacity.


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Declaring seed industry as “infrastructure” or, alternatively, giving it the same status,which is accorded to agriculture under Income Tax Act, may also need to be consideredto support the growth of seed sector.

Transfer of Biotechnology Traits from Sources Available Outside the Country:New traits developed by biotechnology offer tremendous potential in raising cropproductivity. Consortia may be established to expedite testing and product developmentin priority crops by combined efforts of the public and private research institutes and seedindustry partners. The traits can be identified and breeding materials can be developed,which can be made available to the industry, on payment basis. Some CGIAR institutesfollow this model. The seed industry can play a role in identifying the technologies andpresenting them before the expert/scientific committee with the details costs and theirpotential /relevance to India. Such a mechanism needs:

Continued focus on customer requirements of product fit, economic benefit andfreedom to choose.

Conducive regulatory environment, harmonization of various laws and uniformenactment of central laws across all states, and encouragement through financialincentives for investment in infrastructure

Increased investment in agricultural research. The public sector may invest moreon basic research and the private sector may focus on the applied research andcollaborative research with the public sector, taking advantage of their scientificstrength.

Stronger IPR regulations, Equitable sharing of benefits to all stakeholders toensure recovery of value added through intensive research

Financial incentives and strengthening of the post-graduate education systems toensure adequate availability of trained plant breeders, seed technologists andbiotechnologists.

Capacity building especially to deal with the regulatory requirements of the newtechnology

Successful public-private partnerships, complementary in nature with nooverlaps, clearly defined objectives and milestones, equitable resource andbenefit sharing and clear agreement on IP issues.

6.4 Exchange of germplasm

Recent developments in breeding and molecular biology were the major tool in cropimprovement to transfer desirable genes to develop new varieties/hybrids for meeting thepresent food and nutritional demands. Presently, the vast plant genetic resources existingworldwide are being utilized to develop new varieties/hybrids by both the public andprivate companies through international/national regulations and policies to accessgermplasm. The erstwhile Plant Introduction Division of IARI was elevated as theNational Bureau of Plant Introduction [NBPI] in 1976 by ICAR. Further NBPI wasrenamed as National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources [NBPGR]. Currently, theDivision of Germplasm Exchange at NBPGR, New Delhi caters to the germplasm needsof different researchers working in various public and private organizations in the


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Farmers’ Seed Management Practices

country. The Division of Germplasm Exchange has the responsibility of introducing[through import] genetic resources of diverse crop plants and their wild relatives and indistributing the same within the country, and also facilitates export of germplasm toforeign collaborators for research needs. It also supplies germplasm [both indigenous andexotic] including their wild relatives available within the country for various cropimprovement programmes under Material Transfer Agreement [MTA]. After theenforcement of Convention on Biological Diversity [CBD] Act in December 1993, therewas a paradigm shift in exchange of plant genetic resources as nations have sovereignrights over their biological resources, and its access is governed by the acts andregulation of that country.

With the notification of New Policy on Seed Development [NPSD], 1988 and PlantQuarantine [Regulation of Import into India] Order, 2003 the GOI has made it obligatoryfor all plant breeders and researchers intending to import planting materials/seeds tofulfill two mandatory requirement viz., import permit and phytosanitary certificate fromthe country of origin. The Department of Biotechnology [DBT] and Ministry ofEnvironment and Forest have separate set of prescribed procedure for providingpermission for import of transgenics into India for research/experimental purpose. TheReview Committee on Genetic Modification [RCGM] setup by DBT examines thedesirability of import of transgenic lines from the bio-safety point of view under theEnvironment [Protection] Act, 1986.

Under the provision of CBD, GOI enacted Biological Diversity Act [BDA], 2002 andsubsequently notified the Biological Diversity Rules, 2004. Prior approval of NationalBiodiversity Authority [NBA] is required for any export or exchange of germplasm, asthe regulations set under NBA govern the access and exchange of germplasm. Exchangeof germplasm for research under the bilateral agreements/ collaborative projects, is,however exempted which conformed to the policy guidelines issued by the GOI.

7. FARMERS’ SEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

The formal seed sector in India has expanded substantially, especially in the last twodecades. One would expect that positive developments in the seed sector would bereflected in the acquisition, management and replacement of seed by farmers. It isobvious that effective access to quality seed and information would help farmers makeinformed decisions regarding selection of variety, procurement of seed from a reliablesource and replacement of seed frequently to maintain its vigour. This section is based ongeneral observations and the farm surveys conducted by the National Centre forAgricultural Economics and Policy Research (NACP) in the selected states of India forselected crops. It may be noted here that these surveys were designed to capture differentfarm situations representing degree of commercialization of agriculture and seed system,and therefore, these limitations should be kept in mind for a wider generalization of theresults.

7.1. Farmer Seed Practices by Crops

In general, farmers tend to use farm-saved seed in bluk crops which are (a) mostlyself-pollinated, (b) open-pollinated varieties are commonly grown and (c) these are


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mostly grain crops. The sources of seed and the reasons for procuring commercial seedsby farmers for the selected crops of cereals (paddy), vegetables (potato, tomato, pea),cotton and groundnut in various states of India was studied. Of the total seeds of cotton,tomato and pea used in the case study states, more than 90 per cent was procured fromcommercial sources. However, in potato, farmers mostly used farm-saved seed and in afew cases, the seed was procured from other farmers, and the proportion of commercialseed was 20 per cent (Table 16). In case of groundnut, although the share of seedpurchased from commercial sources was very high, as the storage of groundnut seed is aproblem due to poor viability, it was largely from local sources produced by progressivefarmers, and therefore, it was difficult to compare with other crops in terms of quality.This was primarily because of difficulty in supply of breeder seed caused due to lowseed-multiplication rate. This problem was less in potato because of large-scale breederseed production by research institutions and state government departments and seedmultiplication done by small seed producers.

These trends in the use of seed for various crops revealed that development ofcommercial seed markets in India has increased the use of quality seed. This wasexpected for hybrids where farmers need to replace seed every year. But, increasingtrends in the use of quality seeds of pea and paddy were quite encouraging. Again,introduction of paddy hybrids and new HYVs and several private companies entering thisfield, could be major factors. This showed that wherever there was economic advantagein the use of commercial seed, farmers did acquire fresh seeds from the market. Andsince there was increasing demand for quality seed, private sector did participate in theprovision of seed even in case of OPVs. This situation existed in groundnut and potatoalso, but low seed multiplication rate and high seed handling costs restricted the privatesector’s participation. In both the crops, there was no problem of genetic purity of seeds,but other quality considerations like disease management deserved greater attention.Technologies for testing and management of diseases, handling and storage of seed andincreasing supply of breeder seed would go a long way to strengthen the decentralizedseed systems for these crops.

7.2. Extent of Farmer-to-Farmer Exchange of Seed

It was interesting to note the farmers’ practices for seed exchange which used to be adominant feature of dissemination of new varieties. Almost all farmers bought the seed ofcotton, tomato and pea from the commercial sources, i.e. a private seed dealer or the salecounters at the seed corporations or government departments. In a majority of cases, theseed was bought from private seed dealers, as almost the entire private seed and asignificant proportion of public seed are being sold by them. Thus, there was hardly anyfarmer-to-farmer seed exchange for high value crops where seed quality plays a majorrole in realizing the yield potential. Furthermore, it was revealed that most of thesemarket transactions were in cash and only a few farmers bought seed on credit basis. Thecases of farmers buying seed from other farmers were quite low both for paddy andpotato grown in the favourable production environments. Even in case of groundnutgrown in marginal environments, farmer-to-farmer seed exchange was only 23 percent(Table 16). With the improved system of supply of commercial seed, farmers had a better


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access to seed markets. With this the importance of the traditional seed chain has becomeless. However, traditional seed systems were still very effective in terms ofpopularization and horizontal spread of new varieties. Once a variety was accepted by thefarmers, formal seed systems faced little risk in the production and delivery of a newvariety on a large scale (Pal et al., 2000). Some progressive farmers, who are aware(owing to different social/economical/education reasons) of Agricultural Universities andresearch institutes, regularly visit Agricultural Fairs (Krishi Melas) organized by themand purchase seeds of new varieties to try and if found better than existing varieties, gofor its seed multiplication. This is sued both for self-use, barter and selling to otherfarmers.

7.3. Farmers’ Variety Selection and Seed Procurement Pattern

Farmers’ preference for varieties is determined by a number of factors. Importantamong these are: good yield (even under stress environmental conditions), a new marketuse better product quality, better adaptibility and tolerance to biotic stresses. In addition,there may be crop-specific attributes desired by the farmers. For example, in case ofgroundnut, high oil content and dual purpose (pod and fodder yield) varieties arepreferred traits, in addition to good yield. Most of the farmers demand variety by name,which are suitable to a particular environment and has good market demand.

The reasons for farmers opting to purchase commercial fresh seed are also varied. Amajority of farmers buy fresh seeds for quality considerations based on previousexperience (self or others), which could give a distinct yield advantage. A significantproportion of farmers (more than 30%) buy fresh seeds to try a new variety (Figure 7). Inthe case of potato and groundnut, where seed storage and on-farm management are ratherdifficult, farmers also buy seeds as a necessity, irrespective of any advantage. There is ahuge seed demand for such crops, but there are no adequate incentives for the privatesector to participate. Perhaps fiscal incentives, coupled with technological developmentsto reduce the costs and risks would go a long way in attracting the private sector to theseed business of these low cost, high volume crops.

7.4. Farmers’ Knowledge about New Varieties and Commercial Seed System

Delivery of information about crop varieties, availability of seed on sale, seedagencies, seed and crop management practices are as important as delivery of seed itself.Farmer-to-farmer dissemination of information on crop varieties is still dominant for allcrops (Table 16). Seed dealers are the second important source of information about cropvarieties. This source is particularly important for vegetables, where almost entire seed issold by the private dealers. In some seeds like that of Bt cotton varieties, additionalinformation is required to be delivered to farmers. The concerned seed companiesdistribute extension material along with Bt cotton seed in most of the cases. In somecases, seed dealers were well informed about the new seed, who in turn educated thefarmers. Hence, the seed companies and dealers will need to play a much larger role ineducating farmers in the adoption of information-intensive crop varieties and associatedmanagement practices.


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0

20

40

60

80

100

Cases, %

Cotton Tomato Pea Paddy Potato Groundnut

Figure 5. Reasons for acquiring off-farm seed: 2003-04 and 2004-05

To get pure seed of same variety To change variety Consumed or sold all stock

Human Resource Development And Capacity Building

Increased availability of seed and wider seed distribution networks has improvedfarmers’ access to commercial seed. Discussions with farmers reveal that higher seedprices are not a problem for them if it could realize higher yield or help reduce productioncost. However, when seed prices are high and if there is germination failure due toadverse weather conditions, farmers find it difficult to arrange additional resources toprocure fresh seed. It is therefore important that farmers are either compensated by seedcompanies in case of inferior seed, or crop is insured against failures due to adverseclimatic conditions.

Table 16. Sources of information about varieties

Source of information (% of cases)Crop

Fellow farmers Seed dealersExtension

agentsOthers

Cotton 70 17 - 13

Paddy 76 14 2 8

Potato 87 7 2 4

Pea 42 28 26 2

Tomato 49 42 3 6

Groundnut 80 - 16 4

Source: NCAP farm survey

Figure 7. Reasons for purchase of commercial seed (NCAP Farm Survey)


Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. The majority of the population inthe country is entirely dependent on agriculture. Much of the success in agriculture hasbeen due to development of seed enterprise over the past decade. However, much


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remains to be done. Demand for quality seed is huge and continuously expanding,leaving a wide gap between the demand and supply. It is therefore, necessary tostrengthen the seed industry in the country. To achieve this producing a large number ofqualified, well trained seed technologists will be required. Efforts, therefore, should bemade to provide necessary knowledge and training to the students and farmers’ learningthe seed production, storage and quality assurance technology at various levels.

Several new initiatives have been taken by the ICAR to enhance the quality andrelevance of higher agricultural education in the country. ICAR provided financial andprofessional support for the modernization and strengthening of the academic facilities,infrastructure and faculty development in agricultural universities. To impart a blend ofknowledge and skill, the course curricula and syllabi for undergraduate and postgraduateprogrammes have been revised and made utilitarian. For providing skill oriented hands-on-training to students, 183 experimental learning units have been established in 43agricultural universities.

The Council has established a network of 568 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) in therural districts of the country aiming at assessment, refinement and demonstration oftechnology/product under State Agricultural Universities, ICAR Institutes, NGOs, StateGovernments and other educational institutions. During the year 2008 these KVKsassessed, validated and refined 1180 technologies related to field crops, horticulturalcrops, livestock and fisheries under different farming systems, including demonstrationson the farmers' field. The KVKs organized a number of training programmes involvingmore than one million farmers and extension personnel with need-based knowledge andskill on improved practices related to productivity enhancement, plant protection, soilhealth and fertility management, livestock production and management, fisheries, farmmachinery, capacity building, and household nutrition security.

8.1 Training of Farmers and Extension Worker through the Initiative of Publicand Private or Donor Agencies

Academic institutions (universities, vocational and technical institutes, rural schoolsetc.) play an important role in agriculture extension that is important to both public andprivate sectors. They may have extension programs of their own for the neighbouringcommunity, or they may be involved in training people to work in the extension sector.At the same time, they participate in training the current and future farmers, building theircapacity to absorb the new information and technologies. Better educated farmers canexploit a wider range of information sources. These institutions for higher learning arealso one of the primary sources of research output (basic and applied) which isdisseminated to farmers via an effective extension system.

Public and private sector participation in the agricultural extension system is drivenby different sets of motives. Private sector investments in agricultural extension arelargely determined by the economic returns from the activity. Public sector involvementis largely governed by efficiency considerations, but social and distributional objectivesmay be given substantial weight as well.

The efficiency of the public sector extension programme came under scrutiny in the1980's resulting in the emergence of new extension arrangements, offered by the private


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and voluntary sector, which accelerated the process of limiting the role of governmentextension agencies. Extension privatization is under active consideration in India andmany state governments have initiated measures to achieve this.

Private extension services are primarily of two kinds. In the first kind, which ispredominantly private, the services are directly involved in farming activities throughconsultants, agri-business, agricultural input industries etc. In the second type, farmer'sorganizations, NGO's etc., remain largely dependent on government subsidies. Thefarmers’ problems and agricultural technology have become both more complicated andmulti pronged. Hence, these can no longer be dealt effectively only through a centralizedand bureaucratic public machinery. Therefore, the time has come to join or rely,whenever possible, upon the private sector for support, though not for total substitution.

8.2 Areas and Opportunities for Skill and Capacity Building

Capacity building, for a stronger Seed Sector, is required at two levels (a) to developtrained manpower in the formal sector for seed production, quality assurance andmarketing personnel and (b) to build up farmers’ capacity to strengthen informal seedsector. Government of India, in its new policy, has taken a step to impart job orientededucation at 10 + 2 level in the schools, in which a course on seed production technologycould be most appropriate. Students from rural areas need to be well acquainted with thisbranch of agriculture as it offers potential for job opportunities as well as self-employment, besides increasing the productivity through the use of quality seed. Thecurrent syllabus includes fundamentals and applications of the principles of seedproduction technology. This syllabus will enable the students to know the concept of seedproduction technology, fundamental knowledge of propagating plants, floral biology,development and maturation of seed, breeding techniques, development ofvarieties/principles and methods of hybrid seed production etc. An attempt has beenmade to impart knowledge and training on seed production of important cash crops,cereals, forages, pulses and oil seeds. The information related to vegetables and flowerseed production has also been included.

The areas for skill and capacity building can be broadly categorized into:

Impart knowledge regarding fundamentals of seed production.

Provide knowledge and training in various plant breeding methods anddeveloping and producing quality seed of OP varieties and hybrids.

Train the students/ educated farmers to identify quality seeds and methods of itsproductions through harvesting, drying, processing and certification.

Enable the students/farmers to learn seed production technology of importantcereals, pulses, and forage, fibre and oil seed crops. Provide the information onseed production technology of vegetables and flower crops and cash crops

Develop skills in seed processing, drying, cleaning, grading, treatment,packaging and movement for storage with information of various types ofequipments used for the purpose and maintenance of records.

Acquaint the students/farmers with the principles of seed testing in respect of


145

Conclusion

purity, moisture, germinability, health testing and the basic training in qualityassessment.

Provide information on required conditions for storage, its maintenance, andprotection during storage and management of sanitation.

Provide the basic knowledge on seed enterprise management, seed marketing andeconomics of seed production, as well as about various Government schemes,that can be availed.

Impart the knowledge of extension in relation to seed marketing and to enablethe students to know the acts and laws pertaining to seed use and commerce; and

Prepare the students/farmers for employment and entrepreneur opportunities inseed industry.

In addition to formal post-school education, farmers’ short-duration trainings (bothon- and off-farm) on seed production aspects have great potential in enhancing qualityseed supply. The ICAR has taken a full fledged leap in this aspect under the Mega SeedProject, where in all ICAR institutes and SAUs imparted trainings to farmers on qualityseed production and undertaken seed production of new improved crop varieties/hybridsthrough the farmers’ participation.

9. CONCLUSION

The Indian seed sector has come a long way in the last 40 odd years from theestablishment of the first organized public seed corporation i.e., National SeedsCorporation, to having nearly 300 well organized seed companies in the public andprivate sectors. This growth had been the backbone of the overall agriculturedevelopment in the country. The “Green Revolution”, that changed the face of Indiaagriculture in late sixties to seventies, could have been made possible only with a strongback up of seed supply of the improved crop varieties. We are now at a stage, where allpossible steps need to be taken to increase the productivity to fulfill the growing fooddemands by an ever increasing population. This can be achievable by ensuring timelyavailability of all inputs, especially quality seeds of improved crop varieties and hybrids,for high productivity per unit area. The Government of India has taken several initiativesto strengthen the infrastructure and capabilities of the seed sector of the country, and increating a conducive environment by introducing necessary legislations, releasing fundsand encouraging partnerships for a sound seed supply systems in the context of thechanging global scenario.


146

References

10. References

1. Anand, N and Uday Singh. 2009. Industry Status and Future trends: Vegetable Crops. IndianSeed and Planting material, 2(1): 12-16.

2. Anonymous. 2008. Issues of Great importance to the Industry. Indian Seed and Plantingmaterial, 1(1): 18-19.

3. Anonymous. 2009. Farm Inputs and Management (Seed and Planting/Breeding Materials).State of Indian Agriculture. Edited by Mangala Rai, Acharya, S.S., Virmani, S.M andAggarwal, P.K. published by the National Academy Agricultural Sciences in 2009

4. Paresh Verma. 2008. The Indian Seed Industry. Paper presented in APSA congress held atHyderabad, November, 2008.

5. Prabhakar Rao, M .2009. Indian Seed Industry Status and Future Trends: Field Crops. IndianSeed and Planting material, 2(1): 7-11.

6. http:\\ www.seednet.gov.in7. http:\\ www.indiaagristat.com

Quality Seed in Nepal

148


149

QUALITY SEED IN NEPALPRODUCTION, PROCESSING, LEGAL AND QUALITY


Mahendra Nath ShresthaChief Seed Quality Control Centre

MoAC, Hariar BhabanLalitpur, Nepal

December 2009


150

Content

C o n t e n t

Topic Page1. Introduction 1512. Agricultural and Seed Scenario 152

2.1 Agrarian structure and land use 1522.2 Trends in Crop Yields 1542.3 Status of Seed Sector 1552.4 Seed Requirements and Supply Situation 1562.5 Trends in Seed Trade 158

3. Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Public Seed System 1604. Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Private Seed Sectors 172

4.1 Private seed companies 1724.2 Seed Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (SEAN) 1744.3 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) 1754.4 International NGOs 176

5. Quality Assurance (QA) Mechanism 1775.1 Description of the Mechanisms and main Weaknesses 1775.2 Measures to strengthen the QA mechanism 1805.3 Seed health status, activities and facilities 181

6. Seed Regulations and their Effectiveness 1886.1 Regulations to deal with seed production, handling and distribution 1886.2 Regulations for IPR and use of GMS 1926.3 Exchange of genetic materials and seed through international and local 196 Centres or Institutions in SAARC and other Countries

7. Farmer Seed Management Practices 1987.1 Community Based Seed Production (CBSP) Program 1997.2 Farmer seed practices by crops and extent of farmer-to farmer exchange of seed 1997.3 Farmer seed selection and procurement behavior 2007.4 Farmers’ knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system 201

8. Human Resource Development and Capacity Building 2018.1 Academic Courses 2018.2 Training Course 2028.3 Weakness in formal education and skill development 202 training on seed technology8.4 Donor’s involvement 2038.5 Areas for Skills and Capacity Building 203

9. Conclusions and Recommendations 20410. References 20611. Annexure 208


151

Introduction

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Agriculture sector is central to the livelihood of Nepali people, contributing to around36 % of the country’s GDP and employing 66 % of its labor force (MoAC, 2007).Agriculture is also the major source of income, export earnings and raw materials for thegrowth of non-agricultural sectors. It is observed that the growth of agricultural sector hasnot kept pace with growth of population. In the year 2006/2007, the growth of agriculturewas recorded 0.7 % which is very low as compared to the growth of population (2.25%)and the growth in non-agricultural sector (3.6%). Currently, two third of the cropproduction in Nepal is under rain fed condition and largely of subsistence in nature. Cropproduction is the important sector of farmers' livelihood as more than 84% of theagricultural households depend their livelihood on it. The agricultural land use patternreflect that cereal crops cover 76 percent of total cultivated land in Nepal followed bycash crops which account for about 10 percent, and pulses about 7 percent (CBS, 2006).Paddy is the most important cereal crop, both in terms of cultivated area and in terms ofproduction, followed by maize and wheat.

Seed is integral component in agriculture next to land and labor, and is the symbol ofrenewal and diversity (Tripp, 1997). Seed quality and especially the genetics embeddedin the seed are important determining factors for yield and product quality. A quality seedis the kingpin of crop production. Use of reliable source for competitively priced, locallyadopted, improved crop varieties seed can greatly increase the efficiency, productivity,profitability and sustainability of agriculture production system (Cormwell,1995). It isestimated that the use of quality seed alone can increase the yield by 20-50 percent (Cox2000; Chand et al 2001). However, farmers in developing counties have limited access toquality seed (Setimela et al 2003) and there is a serious bottleneck in production anddistribution of demanded quality seed (Cormwell et al, 1992).

In Nepal, the total area covered by improved varieties of wheat is 96%, rice is 87%and maize is 89% (MOAC, 2008). The bulk of cereal seeds (> 90 %) used is farmer savedseeds from previous harvests or acquired from neighbors but with degenerated quality.The Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) by quality seed of major cereal (paddy, maize andwheat) in 2007 was about 7.3% through institutional system (Table 3).

Successful seed program can only be expected if the seed legislation could beimplemented effectively. In this regard, the Seed Act came into existence in 1988. Toenforce the Seed Act 1988 effectively, the seed regulation has been developed andregulated since 1997. Subsequently, Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives (MoAC)with the advice of the National Seed Board (NSB), has formulated National Seed Policy,1999. Recently Seed Act (first amendment), 2008 has been approved by parliament. Themain spirit of amended Seed Act is to facilitate production and regular delivery system ofquality seed of notified varieties to farmers through public and private partnership.

Nepal has obtained membership of the World Trade Organization. Article 27.3 (b) onTrade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) requires that “Membersshall provide for the protection of plant varieties either by patents or by an effective suigeneris system or by any combination thereof”. Nepal being a member of World Trade


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Agricultural and Seed Sector Scenario

Organization (WTO), it has obligation to establish legal mechanism to ensure intellectualproperty right (IPR) on new plant varieties. To fulfill this obligation, Nepal has draftedPlant Variety Protection and Farmers’ Right (PVP&FR) Bill as a sui generis system forthe protection of plant varieties and farmers’ rights. The Bill has made a number ofprovisions for the protection of breeders’ and farmers’ right on new plant varietiessuitable for Nepalese context. Breeders’ right includes granting of IPR to breedersproviding them exclusive right for commercial production and marketing of the seeds ofnew plant varieties. One of the major farmers’ rights includes their right to use, reuse,produce, save, exchange and sale in non-branded form. The Bill has also made provisionsfor registration and granting ownership of new and local plant varieties.

1.2 Objectives

1.2.1 General Objective

The main objective of the study is to find out the status and modality of seedproduction, processing, storage, quality control mechanism and marketing system ofquality seeds in the context of existing legal framework in Nepal.

1.2.2 Specific Objectives

Followings are the specific objectives of the study:

1.2.2.1 To document the trends in availability of quality seed and SRR

1.2.2.2 To study the structure of seed system, particularly organization of seedactivities by seed agencies, infrastructural facilities under public, privateand farmers’ seed management practices (FSMP).

1.2.2.3 To study seed quality assurance (QA) system including seed health andneed for capacity development to improve its effectiveness and possibilityof its harmonization.

1.2.2.4 To examine regulations for development, testing and release of new cropvarieties, and protection of intellectual property right.

1.2.2.5 To investigate the implication of plant quarantine act with its strength orweakness and highlighting the drawbacks behind it to suggest the possibleimprovement.

1.2.2.6 To highlight the status of PVP & FR bill and its harmonization withexisting seed act.

2. AGRICULTURAL AND SEED SECTOR SCENARIO

2.1 Agrarian structure and land use

Nepal is predominantly an agricultural country where majority of the economicallyactive population is engaged in agriculture. It is estimated that 22% (3.2 m ha) of the totalarea is cultivated to support a 26 million population. The major crops by percentage ofarea are rice (45%), maize (20%) and wheat (18%), with smaller but still significant areasof minor crops as millet (5%), oilseeds (5%) and potatoes (3%), legumes, barley andvegetable crops.


153


Total area of Nepal is147181km2 (14718100 ha)divided into: agriculturalland (28%), pastures (12%),forest and woodlands(39%), water 7% and others(rocks, settlements etc)18%. Agriculture is thebackbone of the economy,as more than 65% of thepopulation depends onagricultural activities fortheir livelihoods. Rice,maize and wheat are themajor staple crops grown in Nepal. Widespread subsistence agriculture hindersagricultural development. The country can be categorized into three agro-ecologicalzones: Mountains in the north, Hills in the middle, and the Terai plains in the south. Themountain region occupies 35% of the total land surface, where only gentle slopes areused for cultivation. Farmers grow one crop per year or per two years depending upon theavailability of water. Livestock such as sheep, goats, and yaks are commonly reared andmeadows are used for grazing. The hills occupy 42% of the total land area; they areintensively terraced for agricultural purposes. The dominant crops in this region aremaize, rice, and millet. The Terai, which comprises only 23% of total land surface, is thefood basket of Nepal. With assured supply of irrigation and improved cultivationpractices, in this region three crops are grown per year.

The agriculture sector contributes nearly 33% to GDP and crop production alonecontributes about 25% of GDP of Nepal. The share of AGDP by different commodities isgiven in table 1.

Table 1. Share of AGDP by different components

Commodities Share to AGDP(%)


Cereals 33.68 Other Crops 21.57

Paddy 19.75 Pulses 2.72

Maize 6.87 Fruits 10.07

wheat 4.59 Vegetables 5.73

Millet 2.23 Others 3.05

Barley 0.23 Livestock 27.66

Cash Crops 6.87 Milk 15.84

Sugar cane 1.37 Buff Meat 4.51

Rape seed 1.5 Mutton 3.99

Land Use Statistics of Nepal in 2006/07

21%

7%

39%

12%

3%

18%

Agricultural LandCultivatedAgricultural LandUncultivatedForest (icludingshrubs)Grass land andPastureWater

Others


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Tobacco 0.19 Pork 0.75

Jute 0.13 Chicken 1.01

Potato 3.68 Egg 1.55

Forestry 9.24 Fishery 0.99

Total 100

Source: MoAC, 2007

2.1.1 Population structure and land holdings

The Population of Nepal in 2008 is 26966581 of which male incudes13515938 andfemale 13450643 with the population growth rate 2.25 per annum and population densityper sq. km. 183.22. Total Agricultural Holdings in 2001/02 was 3364139 ha withhousehold number 4253220(Census 2001) and irrigated area covers 1067323 ha.Population engaged in Agriculture is 65.6 % in 2001.

2.2 Trends in Crop Yields

The national averageyield of most crops inNepal is quite low ascompared to potential andattainable yield (Table 2& Annex 2). Area andproduction index ofcereals, pulses and cashcrops in 2007/08 showsthat area index of cerealis 15, cash crop 20 andpulse crop is almostc o n s t a n t , w h e r e a sproduction index is 40,140 and 50 respectivelyas compared to threeyears average (1988/89 – 1990/91). Similarly area and production index of vegetablecrops in 2007/08 seems 43 and 110 respectively as compared to 1993/94. It indicates thatarea expansion under each crop is in slower rate but production is in increasing trend ofwhich higher rate is in cash crop followed by vegetables and pulses (MoAC, 2008).

Linear model regression analysis of last 20 years yield data on paddy, maize, wheat,oilseeds, pulses, vegetables, and potato showed that yield increment is only 37, 30, 46, 7,15, 258 and 297 kg/ha/yr respectively. This trend reflects the slower rate of increase inyield and wider yield gap.

Yield trend of Paddy in Nepal

y = 36.881x - 71221

R2 = 0.784

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

Years

Yie

ld (

kg/h

a)


155


Table 2. Yield trend (kg/ha) of major crops in Nepal

Trends of Crop Yields of Nepal

Year Paddy Maize Wheat Millet Barley Oilseed Pulses Potato Jute Vegetables Sugarcane

1984/1985 1968 1417 1181 926 857 657 NA 6411 1218 NA 23356

1985/1986 2016 1421 1239 913 799 568 NA 5099 1295 NA 24265

1986/1987 1779 1386 1309 913 864 577 NA 5317 1182 NA 24752

1987/1988 2095 1338 1248 911 834 623 NA 7071 1093 NA 27588

1988/1989 2264 1484 1385 1003 917 641 NA 7857 1300 NA 30559

1989/1990 2366 1599 1415 1162 927 638 NA 8060 1231 NA 31375

1990/1991 2407 1625 1410 1166 940 589 NA 8757 1143 NA 33555

1991/1992 2283 1598 1334 1153 932 568 NA 8592 1267 8028 34519

1992/1993 2048 1665 1246 1173 930 567 NA 8427 1111 8391 35634

1993/1994 2410 1663 1470 1092 940 606 NA 8352 1222 8523 34222

1994/1995 2124 1688 1508 1109 949 630 NA 8593 1152 8623 33711

1995/1996 2391 1681 1550 1086 1049 627 NA 8475 1341 9194 35000

1996/1997 2455 1659 1607 1114 1040 655 714 8998 1273 9266 35145

1997/1998 2417 1711 1610 1086 1044 615 680 8356 1267 9664 36118

1998/1999 2450 1678 1695 1104 999 619 743 9244 1301 9578 36584

1999/2000 2598 1765 1793 1121 1093 647 777 9644 1044 9996 36187

2000/2001 2703 1800 1806 1088 1081 702 794 10182 1452 10518 37222

2001/2002 2745 1829 1886 1095 1111 719 815 10902 1455 10792 37796

2002/2003 2675 1877 2009 1092 1151 669 826 10925 1437 10844 38776

2003/2004 2857 1906 2087 1096 1091 711 840 11490 1433 10952 38794

2004/2005 2782 2019 2134 1120 1110 756 856 11846 1452 11421 40217

2005/2006 2717 2038 2074 1112 1059 741 853 13090 1428 11537 39682

2006/2007 2557 2091 2156 1074 1064 736 859 12657 1434 11977 40610

2007/2008 2775 2159 2225 1096 1076 745 842 13110 1466 12200 39475

Source: MoAC, 2008

2.3 Status of Seed Sector

Predominance of traditional process of seed production and utilization by farmersprevails in Nepal. The planned development initiatives in Nepal started from first fiveyear plan (1955-1960) reflected the systematic approach in agriculture developmenteffort, which included seed sector development.

Establishment of various institutions and agencies under Ministry of Agriculture andCooperative, and particularly institutionalization of Seed Quality Control Centre andNepal Seed Board with participation from private parties have been very constructioninitiative in Nepal. Likewise, national network of service delivery system through variousdivisions have proven to be effective move in the attempt to reaching out to organization


156


and farmers in general at district, village, and farm level.

Status of Seed Sector

Overall Policy Implementation, Network Service Management

2.4 Seed Requirements and Supply Situation

Total seed requirement and quality seed supplied in 2007/08 by various agencies inNepal is given in Table 3. Both formal and informal seed production systems areprevalent in Nepal. Formal sector seed production and supply system is basically donewith the involvement of government, public and licensed private seed companies with

NSB/SQCC

Government Policy Body

National PlanningCommission

Program Planning

Ministry of FinanceBudget Finance InternationalDevelopment Coordination

MOACPolicy, Regulation,

Implementation, Guidance

NARCDOA

Quality seed availability& CertificationCSTL - 1

Technical Support Service

Seed Sector Coordination

Commodity ProgramDirectorate - 12Regional Seed lab - 5Seed Prod. farms - 15

ASC/ASSC - 378

DADO - 75

Terai4 in 20districts

Mid hill6 in 39districts

High hill4 in 16districts

National Agri.ResearchSeed lab - 3

Research farmsNationwide - 23

Farmer seed utilization practices

National

Regional

District

Village

Private Seed SectorSeed lab - 2

Community fieldtrials

NGOs

INGOs

Bilateral

Multilateral

NSC

Storage - 8

Seed lab - 2 - 8

Traditionalapproachoperation

Farmers field trials

Processingplants - 7


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adoption of quality control measures. Whereas informal sector seed production andsupply system is mostly carried out through farmers seed management practices i.e.farmers to farmer's exchange, barter, neighbors and use from previous harvest. Thecurrent seed supply is characterized by seeds of cereal crops primarily supplied by thepublic sectors, and those of the vegetable crops by emerging private sector seedenterprises such as agro-vets, dealers and traders. The NSC Ltd., an undertaking of thegovernment of Nepal, is the public sector company supplying mainly seeds of cerealcrops. The SEAN seed service centre a broad based seed company promoted by theSEAN, and more than fifty promoter members, are involved in vegetables seed aspectsmainly production, processing, marketing and QA, and research and development inseeds.

The Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) scenario of all crops except vegetables isdiscouragingly very low as compared to SAARC countries. Wide gap between demandand supply for quality seeds is increasing. Hybrid seed demands primarily are met byimport. Recently 13 importing houses (Annex 3) are involved in import of hybrid seeds(NSB, 2008) and distributed by1853 agro-vets and seed traders across the country (AED,2008) of which 897 are registered in NSB.

Table 3. Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) of major crops in Nepal, 2007/08

Quality seed supplied (Mt.) by sourceCrops Area(ha.)

Seedrate

(Kg/ha)

TSR (Mt.)

NARC DoA, DoLSDISSPRO/CBSP

NSC Private

Seed Cos.

TotalSupplied

(Mt)

SRR

( %)

Paddy 1549262 50 77463 255 1750 897 2169 5071 6.55

Maize 870166 20 17403 32 550 8 450 1040 5.98

Wheat 706481 120 84777 121 900 4006 1980 7007 8.27

Millet 265496 10 2655 1 2 NA NA 3 0.11

Lentil 189497 30 5685 5 23 4.96 NA 32.96 0.58

Rapeseed 153278 10 1533 2.75 13.8 0.81 NA 17.36 1.13

Jute 11590 6 70 1.2 5.4 1.48 NA 8.08 0.11

Potato 156737 1500 235105 35 60 NA NA 95 0.04

Vegetables 208108 7 1457 15 7 14.76 1000 1036.76 71

Forage 1062 73 73 6.87

Source: SQCC, 2008


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Production of vegetable seeds is much lower than country's requirement. From 1974/75to 2005/06, country's formal sector production has increased by 14.49 percent per annumand reached to 837 Mt whereas requirement has grown by 5.44 percent per annum andreached to 1595 Mt (CEAPRED, 2008). The gap between requirement and production iswidening every year because of the increasing use of hybrid vegetable seeds which arenot produced in Nepal.

2.5 Trends in Seed Trade

About 70 % of commercially required improved vegetable seeds are met by incountry production and rest is met mainly by import. The demand for improved seeds isincreasing every year due to increase in the area under fresh vegetable. The agro climaticdiversity of Nepal has an advantage of producing different kinds of vegetable seeds.Attempts have been made to utilize this advantage to produce large amount of vegetableseeds aiming to meet internal demand and substitute import.

Nepal is well positioned and has enormous prospect of producing and exporting highquality vegetable seeds in large quantity. Records have shown that India and Bangladeshare the major market for such produce. Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Thailand could be otherpossible markets for Nepal produced vegetable seeds if the quality standards are up totheir requirements. The demands for the vegetable seeds in these markets are everincreasing, thereby showing brighter prospects of exporting.

Although there is tremendous potentialities in producing and exporting of highquality vegetable seeds in the country, this sector lags far behind to establish firmfoundation in terms of an industry. As of now, it has been considered as a microenterprise aiming to generate income of rural poor for uplifting their livelihoods. On theother hand, a large numbers of small seed traders are involved in buying and selling ofvegetable seeds along with other agricultural inputs.

Currently, it is estimated that about 1000 Mt (2007/08) of high value seeds ofvegetable crops are commercially handled of which market share of private sector ismore than four-fifth. With huge regional seed market in SAARC region and suitable seedproduction areas with fairly trained low cost manpower coupled with the government’sliberal industrial and economic policies, the scope for the growth and development ofseed industry in Nepal is immense. The vegetable seed production has been categorizedas the national priority industry under the Industrial Enterprise Act 1992. The act has alsoincluded the export oriented agro based industry as the national priority industry. Theindustries, which fall under “National Priority” for vegetable seed production, are eligiblefor a number of incentives and facilities.

Seeds of most crops except vegetables are produced and marketed domestically.Exact data on seed export and import on cereal crops is not available. Some of the hybridvarieties of paddy and maize are imported from India to the border districts. But most ofthe vegetable seeds in Nepal are import dependent. The trend shows that use of hybridvegetables seeds has grown by 14.3 percent per annum from 1995/96 and reached to 18Mt by 2005/06. Market situation of vegetable seeds is summarized below (SEAN, 2005):


159


• Nepalese vegetable seed market size : 911 Mt in 2001/02• Annual transaction approximately : NRs 770 million in 2001/02• About 70 % of demand produced internally (OPVs)• 7 % exported (radish, onion seeds)• 22% of the total volume is imported worth 68% of the total value of seed

business• 85% of the imported seed is Hybrid

2.5.1 Potential Export Market of Vegetable Seeds

The major vegetable seed that is being exported from Nepal is Mino Early variety ofRadish and the major importing countries are Bangladesh and India. There were severalattempts made to promote export market of Nepal produced vegetable seeds in the past.Several market survey and studies with the external support had been done in the past.Studies also reveal that there is huge export market potential for Nepali vegetable seedsin Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Export and import of vegetable seeds to third country during2007/2008 is in annex 4.

Table 4. Market structure of vegetable seeds (Mt) in last 10 years

Marketstructure

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

Domestic sale 1000 950 920 868 850 911 800 849 373 285

Total import 150 150 190 194 200 219 243 264 76 108

Total export NA 30 20 32 20 71 30 124 45 94

Localproduction

850 830 750 707 700 763 588 717 271 271

Hybrid sale NA NA NA 15 10 19 10 7 6 8

Source: SEAN

2.5.2 Cereals and Forage crop seed handled through Private Sector:According to SEAN, 2005 annual transaction in cereal seed handled through private

sector was assessed during 2003/04. Total domestic sale of cereal seed handled by privatesector estimated to be about 1,374 MT. More than 80% of traders are found to beinvolved in the trading of cereal seed. The value of imported hybrid cereals seedsestimated and was approximately NRs. 41,253,300 where as that of OP variety was NRs.2,743,000. Table 5 below shows the total domestic volume of cereal seed transactionhandled through private sector (domestic sale excluding inter-firm trade).

Like wise, private sector was also actively involved in trading of forage crop seed.Total annual turn over of 125 MT of different forage crops are found to be transacted inthe country & the value of such transaction was approximately NRs. 4,844,900. Morethan 30% of traders are found to be involved in the trading of forage crop seed.


160


Table 5. Quantity of Cereals Seed ( Mt.) handled by private sector, 2003/04

Cereals Maize Wheat Rice

Total OP Hybrid Total OP Hybrid Total OP Hybrid Total OP Hybrid

1,051 663 389 725 368 356 33 33 0 294 262 33

Source: SEAN

Tons of hybrid seeds of maize are importing from India since last two years for the"maize mission program" carried out by CDD/DoA and directly by farmers and traders inborder districts to the south. Quantity of hybrid maize seed imported and used to plant1000 ha of land in eight districts under the same program is given in the following table6.

Table 6. Area and hybrid maize seed used under maize mission program

Year Area planted (ha) Hybrid Maize seed needed (Mt)

2007/08 2050 41

2008/09 6000 120

2009/10 (Target) 10000 200

Source: CDD, 2008


Systematic seed production in Nepal was initiated in early seventies under DoA(Department of Agriculture) with the establishment of seed testing laboratory withobjective of assuring genetic purity along with physical attributes by importingfoundation seed of wheat from India. Since then, the seed production has been startedunder certification scheme in the country itself. Subsequently another category of seedwas introduced i.e. improve seed with information of minimum quality as regards purityand germination with test date provided on a yellow tags. This category was added tomeet the demand of quality seed and has been mainly dominated by cereals.

Two seed supply systems are in practice to fulfill the national demand viz. formal andinformal seed systems. The formal seed supply systems are characterized by a verticallyorganized production and distribution with quality testing of released varieties throughpublic and private organizations. Considering the importance of quality seed, thegovernment has established a number of seed production farms/stations to produce thesource seed for further seed multiplication. Whereas the informal seed supply system ischaracterized by farmers producing and preserving their own seed for subsequentplanting and exchange, sell to others. In another words, this system is also known asfarmers to farmer’s seed system. Around 90%of the national seed requirement is fulfilledby farmer network as an informal seed supply system.


161


Public and private seed agencies are involving in production and distribution of qualityseeds of different crops as Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach. Variouspublic/private institutions involved in seed production according to nature and theirworks are mentioned hereafter.

3.1 Public Seed Agencies and their Infrastructure Facilities

3.1.1 National Seed Board (NSB)

NSB was formed under the Seed Act 1988 with secretary of MoAC as chairman tocreate and implement policy and advise government. NSB constitutes total of 15members representing four members from private and remaining members from publicsector where chief of SQCC acts as member secretary of the board. The otherresponsibilities of NSB are: to release variety, to register crop and variety, to plannational seed program, to develop balance sheet and to conduct meetings on relatedmatter. There are three permanent sub-committees to assist NSB. So far, NSB hasreleased 224 varieties of 44 crops as below and about 150 imported varieties are underprocess of registration.

Table 7. Varieties released by NSB

S.N. Crops No of varieties Remarks

1 Cereals 116

2 Pulses 35

3 Oil crops 16

4 Industrial crops 9

5 Vegetables 46

6 Forage 2

Total 224

Source: NSB, 2008

With the provision of "Seed Regulation, 2054” (1997) NSB has following permanentsub-committees:

3.1.1.1 Variety Approval, Release and Registration Sub-Committee: The sub–committee constitutes total of nine members, of which eight members from publicsector and one member from private sector. The chairman is executive director of NARCand chief of SQCC acts as member secretary. The duties of this sub-committee are toprepare necessary prerequisites and to make recommendations to the Board for therelease and registration of new developed varieties.

3.1.1.2 Planning, Formulation and Monitoring Sub-Committee: The sub–committee constitutes total of nine members, of which eight members from publicsector and one member from private sector. The chairman is joint-secretary (planning) ofMoAC and chief of SQCC acts as member secretary. The duties of this sub-committee


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No. of seed samples tested, area of seed crops inspected and seed certified (2000-2008)

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

2000/01

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

Years

Valu

e

No. of seed samples tested

Area inspected (ha)

Seed certified (Mt)


are to formulate programmes for production planning, monitoring and supplying as perthe national requirement.

3.1.1.3 Quality-Standards, Determination and Management Sub-Committee:The sub –committee constitutes total of nine members, of which eight members frompublic sector and one member from private sector. The chairman is director general ofDoA and chief of SQCC acts as member secretary. The duty of this sub-committee is todetermine minimum criteria of quality-standards for seeds prior to distribution

3.1.2 Seed Quality Control Center (SQCC)

The Seed Quality Control Centre (SQCC) is an independent quality controlorganization directly under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (annex.1). Theobjective of the SQCC is to ensure the availability of quality seed to the farmers byenforcing the quality control mechanism. The SQCC also acts as the secretariat of theNSB, being the head of the SQCC the member-secretary of the NSB.

There are three institutions under the SQCC: i) the Central Seed Testing Laboratory(CSTL), ii) the Seed Certification Unit and, iii) the Seed/Variety Registration Unit. TheCSTL was established with the provision made by Nepal Gazette on 28 October 1996, tomake uniformity in all seed testing laboratories for providing quality service to theclients. Presently the CSTL is the designated laboratory, which is in process of gettingaccredited by ISTA. Other seed testing laboratories of DoA (5 in no.), NSC (2 in no.),DoLs (1 in no.), NARC (2 in no.), SEAN SSC (1 in no.), CEAPRED (1 in no.) total of 12are functioning under the close supervision of the CSTL. The major functions of SeedCertification Unit under SQCC include development of field standards, field inspection,and field monitoring and seed certification. Likewise the Seed/Variety registration unitwas established in 2002. The major functions include registration and updating ofvarieties, conduction of DUS, VCU and grow-out test, registration of imported/exportedseeds, and monitoring and inspection of the seed market to control seed quality.

Total of 5985 seed samples with various test were tested and reported to concernedagencies by SQCC in 2007/08. Similarly total area of seed crops inspected and quantityof seed certified in the same year is 5383 ha and 2092 Mt respectively. Data trend showsthat about sixty percent of total seed crop area inspected is recommended forcertification. The trend of seed certification done by SQCC in different crops and year isshown in Table 8.


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Table 8. Trends of Seed Certification Carried by SQCC andRSTLs in different years

SN Crops SeedClasses

Seed Certification (Mt.)

2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08

FS 52.71 69.04 100.62 229.11 193.91 232.17 244.45

C1C 95.36 160.3 318.3 299.54 692.05 584.93 745.5

1 Paddy

C2 NA NA NA NA NA 39.76 NA

FS 5.99 4.85 16.62 17.65 12.85 17.07 6.722 Maize

C1 NA NA 5.52 2.97 10.01 45.78 NA

FS 137.09 80.74 60.96 118.44 70.58 92.71 88.91

C1 723.69 237.9 197.0 255.52 200.36 395.29 340.03

3 Wheat

C2 274.35 372.69 48 621.68 494.69 395.29 340.03

4 Pulses FS NA NA NA 0.968 NA 0.227 2.49

5 Groundnut FS NA NA NA NA 3.03 3.03 0.253

Total 1289.19 925.52 747.02 1545.87 1677.48 1598.22 2092.06

Source: SQCC, 2008

3.1.3 Department of Agriculture (DoA)

The Department of Agriculture (DoA) is a public extension organization withorganized network throughout the country. The DoA is headed by the Director Generalwith three Deputy Director Generals (DDGs): (i) DDG for planning and human resource,(ii) DDG for monitoring and evaluation management, and (iii) DDG for technologytransfer and coordination. Under the DoA, there are twelve commodity programmedirectorates and nine of them are directly involved in the seed sector: Directorate of PlantProtection, Directorate of Crop Development, Directorate of Vegetable Development,Directorate of Agriculture Extension, Directorate of Agricultural Training, Directorate ofPlant Protection, Directorate of Post Harvest Management, and Directorate of AgricultureBusiness Promotion and Market Development. Establishment of SQCC headed bygazetted first class officer is the integral authorized body to coordinate overall seeddevelopment program activities related to quality control seed certificationworks.Seventy-five District Agriculture Development Offices (DADOs) with 378Agriculture Service Centres, four sub-centres in each 20 districts in terai, six sub-centresin each 39 districts in mid hills, and four sub-centres in each 16 districts in the high hillsare core agencies implementing seed programs at grassroot level.

There are five Regional Seed Testing Laboratories (RSTLs) under administrativecontrol of CDD/DoA and technical control of SQCC located at Jhumka, Hetaunda,Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj and Sundarpur of eastern, central, western, mid-western and far-western development regions, respectively. They are mainly responsible for seedcertification and seed testing for quality assurance in terms of certified seeds and seedswith truthful labelling.


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The main objective of DoA is to introduce the new varieties and technologies throughdemonstration and other extension tools developed by researchers to enable farmers toexpand the areas under new varieties. DoA is also responsible for publicity of successfulseed programs in the districts in order to help to create market for seed. Fact reveals thatonly one public sector seed institution the NSC, is not capable enough to meet thenational seed requirement, so that district seed multiplication program was initiatedthrough public private partnership.

The districts seed multiplication programs with the name of DISSPRO/CBSP(District Seed Self Sufficiency Program/Community Based Seed Production) have beencarried out in 59 districts under the supervision of DADO (District AgricultureDevelopment Office). To meet the demand of source seed, 15 districts from 5development regions were selected for source seed production a decade ago. As sourceseed production program did not functioned well, all the districts put their seed demanddirectly to the National Seed Board through the Directorate of Crops of DOA. DADOscarry out the DISSPRO/CBSP program by forming seed growers in possible pocketareas. Subsidy has been allocated to foundation seed, transportation, plant protectionmaterials, storage structures and seed revolving fund up to NRs 60000 by government.The seed produced under this program distributes in the same district to fulfill the farmersdemand and sold out of the districts if produced more than internal demand (Table 9 &10). Likewise, different seed producers’ group in 59 districts are carrying out seedproduction program has given priorities mainly on cereals seed.

Table 9. Seed Production (Mt.) under DISSPRO (2005/06)

Regions/crops Paddy Maize Wheat Pulse Oil crop

Eastern 146.45 50.65 173.75 3 2.1

Central 562.5 253.0 286.3 30.0 8.0

Western 303.7 99.2 212.1 0 0

Mid western 680.15 99.3 70.65 17 7

Far western 53.9 35.6 78.5 3 2.2

Total 1746.7 537.75 821.3 53 19.2

Source: CDD/DoA

Table 10 below illustrates one of the good examples of seed production anddistribution system under DISSPRO by 12 farmer groups in Chitwan district (belongscentral region of Nepal) in 2007/08. It shows that about 66% of total seed supplied byNSC is distributed through seed groups from one district. There are many districtsinvolved in such programs.


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Table 10. Seed production and distribution in Chitwan district (2007/08)

Distribution/ SalesS.No.

Crop SeedArea(ha)

Production(Mt) within district

(Mt)Out of Districtt

(Mt)

1 Paddy 490 1242.5 646 596.5

2 Maize 230 449 149 300

3 Wheat 220 413.5 200 213.5

4 Tori 35 13.8 3.45 10.35

5 Lentil 60 23.2 7.2 16

6 Kidney bean 70 54.3 16 38.3

7 Cow Pea 15 8.3 3.3 5

8 Soybean 9 3 0.8 2.2

Total 1129 2207.6 1025.75 1181.85

Source: DADO, Chitawan

In case of vegetable seed, there are 15 seed production farms/ stations in differentregion of the country with the supervision of Directorate of Vegetable development/DoA.Among 15 vegetable seed production farms/stations, 7 farms/centers are producingbreeder seed. The source seed (named foundation seed) produce in these farms/stationsdistribute to private sector for commercial seed production. DoA and NARC has themandate for production of breeder seed, foundation seed and maintenance of variety.Certification system has not practiced yet on vegetables seed. However, the vegetableseed production target under vegetable farms/ stations of DoA is as follows:

Table 11. Targeted quantity (kg) of BS and FS produced by VDD/DoA in 2007/08

Crops Breeder seed Source seed (FS)

Different vegetable Seeds 101 6510

Source: VDD

3.1.4 National Agricultural Research Council (NARC)

In 1991, NARC became an autonomous apex body at national level to undertake allagriculture research activities for increasing agriculture productivity and production bygenerating appropriate agro-technologies in agriculture crops. Besides this, thegovernment has given mandate to this council are organizing of variety development,variety maintenance, breeder and foundation seed production. The entire commoditybased research farms/stations, seed production farms of food crops and some horticulturefarms are kept under this organization. Recently, there are 23 farms and stations foragriculture and horticulture crops development.


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The commodity based research programs producing the required amount of breederseed and distributing to foundation seed production farms and stations of public andprivate on the basis of balance sheet developed by NSB (National Seed Board). Thefoundation seed produced by NARC distribute to NSC (National Seed Company),DADOs (District Agriculture Development Offices) of DoA (Department OfAgriculture), other government farms, privates and I/NGOs for further multiplicationbased on national seed balance sheet.

Table 12. Production and Demand of Breeder Seed in 2007/08

S.No.

Crops Prod. (Kg) Demand (kg) Balance (kg)

1 Paddy 6500 4960 1540

2 Maize 2000 470 1530

3 Wheat 20000 14870 5130

4 Lentil 392 240 52

5 Soybean NA 500 -500

6 Cow Pea 16 35 -19

7 Rapeseed 80 70 10

8 Mung Bean 50 50

9 Pigeon Pea 50 50

10 Mustard 30 30

11 Groundnut 550 550

12 Sesame 5 5

13 Nizer 5 5

Total

Source: SQCC

Data shows that total production of BS of most crops is more than the demand.However, the requirement and supply of BS of specific desired variety is mismatching,for this effective implementation of seed balance sheet is necessary.


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Table 13. Production & Demand of Foundation Seed in 2007/08 by NARC

Crops Prod. (kg) Demand (kg) Balance (kg)

Paddy 200239 268813 -68574

Maize 68756 34195 34561

Wheat 102050 513010 -410960

Lentil 6690 22455 -15765

Soybean 1348 2333 -985

Tori 3582 6038 -2456

Groundnut 1660 880 780

Source: SQCC

In case of foundation seed (FS), production is quite less than the demand exceptmaize crop. FS is considered as source seed for further multiplication of certified seedsupposed to be carried out by seed companies, cooperatives, and farmer groups throughDISSPRO/CBSP programs at district and community level. Being the limited resourcesand facilities of NARC, FS production program by private seed agencies are furtherencouraged and strengthened as provisioned in national seed policy. Thepotential/suitable areas for seed production and their production potentials of differentvegetable crops are identified (Table 14).

Table 14. Major seed production areas, crops, productionpotential and processing facilities

Particular Elevation(meter)

Major seed produced Annual prod.Potential (ton)

Processing facility

Vegetable crops

Rapti Area (major)Dang, Rukum, Salyan,Rolpa and Pyuthan)

725-1800Radish, onion, rayo, okra,cauliflower, squash, cabbage,carrot

250N a t i o n a l S e e dC o m p a n y ’ s S e e dProcessing Centre, Dang

West (Lumle) Area(major)Kaski, Parbat,Baglung, Myagdi

800-2000

Tomato, radish, rayo, peas,beans, cress, cucumber,tomato, squash etc. 150

SEAN’s Seed ProcessingCentre, Lumle

Koshi hills Area(major)Dhankuta, Tehrathum,Bhojpur andSankhuwaSaba)

800-2000

Radish, rayo, pea, broccoli,cauliflower, turnip, beans

150

KOSEPAN Mini SeedHouse, Dhankuta

Far-west Area major)Dadeldhura, Baitadi .Achham and Doti)

800-1500Radish, rayo, peas, beans,carrot 75

NSC Seed ProcessingCenter, Dhangadi

Kathmandu AreaBhaktapur, Nuwakot

1000-1800Radish, beans, cauliflower

65VDD- KhumaltarSSSC-Thankot (KTM)



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Particular Elevation(meter)

Major seed produced Annual prod.Potential (ton)

Processing facility

CEAPRED-Lalitpur

Sarlahi AreaSarlahia, Mahottari,Rautahat, Bara

90-110Okra, chilli, tomato, Brinjal,gourds, peas , cauliflowerand beans

90Hort icul ture Farm-Sarlahi

Other AreasMustang, DolpaKabhrepalanchok,Dolakha,Sindhupalchok, ,Lamjung and Gorkha

1000-2200

Radish (Mino Early & AllS e a s o n ) , c a u l i f l o w e r(Kathmandu & Jyapu),cabbage (CopenhagenMarket) , carrot (NewKuroda), onion, beans,tomato, cucumber, rayo

190

VDD- KhumaltarSSSC-Thankot (KTM)CEAPRED-Lalitpur

Mid-west Area (otherthan Rapti) Surkhet,Dailekh, and Jumla

1000-2500Carrot, Radish-All SeasonRayo: Marpha broad leaf 11

SSSC-Thankot (KTM),CEAPRED-Lalitpur

Total 981

Cereal Crops

DISSPRO in 25Districts

Paddy, maize, wheat

Oilseed crops


Oilseed crops


Pulses

Source: CDD, 2006 & SEAN, 2005

3.1.5 Facilities/Infrastructure Available for Seed Processing under Public Sector

Facilities/Infrastructures available for Seed Processing under Public Sector are shownin table 15 &16. Foundation seed production farms under NARC has some facilities likegrading, cleaning and bagging but are not sufficient enough to produce desired quantityof source seeds.

Table 15. Facilities/Infrastructure available for Seed Processing under DoA

ProcessingEstablishments

Address Capacity Operational Status

Vegetable Seed

Production Centre,DoA

Khumaltar,Lalitpur

Full line of Processing andpackaging

facility available forcommercial scale

Used for processing its

own foundation seeds

Source: VDD, 2008


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Table 16. Facilities/Infrastructure available for Seed Processing under NSC, Ltd.

S.No. Office Storagecapacity (Mt)

Seed Processing(Mt/hr)

Seed Lab(unit)

1 Kathmandu 100 1 -

2 Hetauda 2500 2 1

3 Itahari 2500 2 1

4 Janakpur 500 1 -

5 Bhairahawa 2000 2 1

6 Nepalgunj 500 1 -

7 Dhangadhi 500 1 1

8 Jhumka 100 - -

Total 8700 10 4

Source: NSC, 2008

3.1.6 National Seed Company Ltd. (NSC)

The National Seed Company Ltd. (NSC) is a public seed company, established in2002 after being separated from Agriculture Input Corporation (AIC) under the CompanyAct 1996. The main objective of the NSC is to produce, procure, process, store and sellseeds of all classes from foundation to improved seeds mostly of cereals followed byvegetables and other crop seeds in commercial basis. It also involves in import and exportof seeds. The NSC headed by Managing Director (MD) with two Deputy MDs has fourdivisions, including the Production Management and Marketing Management Division.The NSC functions under the supervision of its Board of Directors chaired by JointSecretary of MOAC. The company operates through its three regional offices (Itahari,Hetauda and Bhairahawa) and three branch offices (Janakpur, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi)with a central office in Kathmandu. To meet the increasing national demand, the NSC iscontinuing the certified and improve seed production through contract growers withgiving priority on cereals. The company has 10 seed processing plants/units withprocessing capacity of 17900 MT per year and storage capacity of 8700 Mt (Table16).There are four seed laboratories running under NSC with close supervision ofCSTL/SQCC. The total seed sale in 2007/2008 by NSC was 3809 Mt.


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Table 17. Seed Marketed by NSC in 2007/08

S N Crop Quantity in Mt.

1 Paddy 896.64

2 Wheat 2882.9

3 Maize 7.182

4 Lentil 4.963

5 Jute 1.484

6 Vegetables 14.766

7 Others (Mustard) 0.816

Total 3809

Source: NSC Ltd

3.1.7 Support to Seed Sector by Donor Agencies

To strengthen seed sector development, various supports are extended by donoragencies in the past for seed production, processing, and storage capacity. They are:

Seed Production and Inputs Storage Project (SPISP):

The efforts of the project concentrated on the production and improvement of cerealseed in the hills and the project was implemented by AIC with the financial assistance ofUSAID. The project emphasized the development of a self-propelled seed supply systemin the hills where minimum infrastructure such as seed cleaning and storage (mini seedhouse) facilities were established. There was heavy subsidy inherent in the project assuch and once the project support was withdrawn, farmers could not run the seedprogram to the extent necessary to cover the expenses involved.

Koshi Hills Agriculture Project (KHAP):

The project was intended to develop a cereal and vegetable seed production andsupply system in the Koshi Hills. The project was implemented at ASC level with fullresponsibility being with DADO and related line agencies in the districts. It was reportedthat the scheme could not continue due to poor financial and technical management bydistrict based agricultural development line agencies.

Private Producer Seller Program (PPSP):

This program was jointly developed by STIP and ARPP and implemented by DADOwith the aim to increase access to quality seed of new varieties by hill farmers. Inaddition it also aimed to achieve seed self sufficiency with a farmers run seed productionand supply system, thus attempting to ensure affordable prices of seed to assist higherfood production. The project had very little impact due to lack of profitable marketdemand for seed and the program was very dependent on an expensive quality controlmechanism.


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Hill Seed Program(HSP):

A similar program to the above was initiated in some districts of Rapti zone (Salyan,Pyuthan and Rolpa) and latter extended to Arghakhanchi and Achham districts to helpdevelop a mechanism for production and marketing of improved seed locally. It wasimplemented through AIC under the Seed Production and Marketing Project supportedby GTZ.DED development workers assisted in the implementation. Responsibilities wereassigned to four institutions-AIC, DADO, DOA seed division and DED developmentworkers. The project was successful in introducing new high yielding varieties to someextent but encountered many constraints associated with the demand forecast systemrequired in order to run on a commercial basis. Besides, there was a huge amount offinancial assistance through the project, which made it difficult for DADO to continue theprogram after the termination of the project.

Vegetable, Fruits and Cash Crops Development Project (VFC)/- Rapti:

The seed production and marketing programmes of VFC (in the 1990s) weresuccessful in boosting seed production (especially of radish Mino-early) by several timesin Rapti (Rukum district in particular). It is considered to be the largest vegetable seed(radish Mino-early in particular) growing area in the country. The highlight of themarketing programme of VFC was the development of several seed entrepreneurs amongthe seed growers who took the full responsibility of finding buyers/traders in differentregional and national markets, fixing the price to be received from the buyers and makingpaying to the seed growers at the price previously agrees between them (the seed growersand the farmer-entrepreneurs).

Seed Sector Support Project (SSSP):

This project is a successor to the KOSEVEG project. It is supporting the privatesector through SEAN in particular. Likewise it is strengthening or advising the NationalSeed Board ( NSB), the Department of Agriculture (DOA) AIC etc. The approach ofSSSP for seed production and marketing (much as for KOSEVEG) is primarily based oncontractual seed production agreed by seed producer groups and seed buyers/dealersduring seed production and marketing planning workshops usually held once a year. InSSSP (East) such workshops are conducted under the leadership of the Koshi Hill SeedEntrepreneurs Producers Association of Nepal (KOSEPAN), which is a co-operativeformed by more then 50 seed-producer groups. In SSSP (West), the project has started toencourage direct negotiation between a cluster of seed growers and seed traders in linewith its new Seed Village Concept. Similarly it is helping seed growers to concludecontractual production by visiting different markets. It is also helping traders to find newmarket outlets and establish linkages with traders/ companies in different foreign markets(India in particular). The tours organized can help explore the possibility of or establishjoint ventures with foreign companies too. SSSP is also implementing programmes tostrengthen producer- trader linkage by encouraging visits of concerned traders tocontracted farmer’s seed plots. SSSP started seed production activities in 2000 inDadeldhura, Doti, Baitadi and Achham districts in collaboration with partnerorganizations like CBED, PDDP (In Dadeldhura) and ALSP(in Achham).


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Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Private Seed Sectors

4. STRUCTURE, CAPACITY And FUNCTIONING Of PRIVATE SEEDSECTORS

4.1 Private seed companies:

Private initiatives in seed sector lately are contributing to the seed sectordevelopment in Nepal. Apart from public sector, a number of private seed companies areinvolved in seed production and supply in Nepal. At the moment, there are no big seedindustries. However, in recent years, many seed enterprises have been increasedsignificantly. According to the records of NSB, there are 897 registered seedentrepreneurs (seed traders other than seed producer). The recent publication of theagriculture extension directorate (AED) of the DOA has listed around 1853 agro-vetsacross the country. Most of the entrepreneurs, including agro-vets deal with vegetableand flower seed along with other agriculture inputs like fertilizer, pesticides and smallagriculture tools and implements. Only limited seed companies deal with cereals andother voluminous food grains. None of these companies have their own systematicresearch and varietals development activities in the country. Structurally, there are threetypes of private seed entrepreneurs presently categorized in the country according to theirscope of activities: (a) seed producer companies (b) seed importer companies(details inannex-3) and (c) retail seed traders in large members.

As encouraged by government policy, it can be observed that the increase in theinvolvement of private sectors in seed industries through National Seed Policy 1999.Because of limited physical and human resources, the public sector has been unable toadequately extend service to meet the increasing demand of quality seed. In this context,NSB has approved listed agencies (Table 18) for the production of source seed (FS) toprivate seed companies as they met requirement set by NSB for the same. In this waymore agencies will be involved in future for country wide coverage and network will beestablished.

Table 18. The private seed agencies approved for FS production by NSB in Nepal

S No Name of the Agency Address DecisionDate

Facilities available

1 Lumbini SeedCo. Pvt. Ltd

Siddrtha Nagar, Rupendehi(mid-western region)

2005 Processing plant, Threshing floor,Warehouse etc.

2 CEAPRED Shnntibasti Nayabato,Lalitpur(central region)

2005 Processing plant, Threshing floor,warehouse etc

3 Sean Seed Service Centre

Thankot, Kathmandu(central region)


4 Universal SeedCo. Pvt. Ltd

Siddartha Nagar-8, Rupendehi (mid westernregion)


5 Nepal SeedCo. Pvt. Ltd

Satdobato, Lalitpur(centralregion)


6 Everest Seed Khumaltar,Lalitpur(central region)



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S No Name of the Agency Address DecisionDate

Facilities available

Co. Pvt. Ltd

7 East West Seed Nepal Pvt. Ltd

Morang,Biratnagar(eastern region)


8 Kalika SeedCo. Pvt. Ltd

Siddrtha Nagar-11,Rupendehi Mid-westernregion)


9 Salt TradingCorporation Ltd

Kalimati, Kathmandu(central region)


10 Unnat Bij BriddhiSamuha

Patihani, Chitwan (centralregion)


11 Pancha Kanya Seed Co. Pvt. Ltd

Dhangadhi, Kailali (far-western region)

In theProcess

Processing plant, Threshing floor,warehouse etc

12 Unique Seed Industry Dhangadhi-13, Kailali (far-western region)

In theProcess


13 International AgroSeed Co. Pvt. Ltd

Taulihawa-3, Kapilvastu(mid-western region)

In theProcess


4.1.1 Lumbini Seed Company was established at Bhairahawa in Rupandehi district,the western region of Nepal in 2002. The company deals with rice, maize, wheat, lentil,mustard and kidney bean seeds. It has own facility for seed processing (2 Mt/hr) andstorage (700 Mt capacity). In 2008, the sale of the company was 588 Mt of seed.

4.1.2 Universal Seed Company was established in 2005 and it is located atBhairahawa in Rupandehi district, the western region of Nepal. The company deals withrice, wheat, chickpea, and pigeon pea. It possesses a seed processing plant of 2 Mt/hrcapacities and storage of 500 Mt. In 2008, its sale was 1074 Mt of seed.

4.1.3 Kalika Seed Company is located at Pipariya in Rupandehi district, the westernregion of Nepal and it was established in 2004/2005. The company deals with seeds ofrice, wheat, maize, lentil, red kidney beans (rajma), tori (Brassica campestris pv. toria)and cowpea.It has its own seed processing and packaging facilities plus seed storagecapacity of 550 Mt. In 2008, its sale was 450 Mt of seeds.

4.1.4 Malla Seed Suppliers was established at Tadi, Chitwan district, the centralregion of Nepal in 1999. The company has facilities like grader (4 Mt/day capacity), handsieves for different crop seed types and storage for 400 Mt of seed. It has individualownership of managerial aspect but seed production and collection is done based oncontractual system. In 2008, its sale was 337 Mt of seeds

4.1.5 Everest Seed Company Pvt. Ltd. was established in 2004 and it is located atKhumaltar, Lalitpur, the central region. Everest Seed is mainly engaged in seedproduction of rice, maize, wheat, oat (fodder), vegetables, oilseeds and pulses.. It has aprocessing plant with grader 1 Mt/day capacity and storage facility of 20 ton of its own80 Mt on hire. In 2008,142 Mt of cereal seeds was produced and sale.


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4.1.6 Seed Multiplication Company Pvt. Ltd. established at Pithuwa, Chitwandistrict, the central region of Nepal in 2005. The company has facilities like grader,treater, hand sieves for different crop seed types, threshing floor and storage facilities. Ithas group ownership on managerial aspect as well as seed production, collection andmarketing system. Maize, paddy, wheat, lentil, cow pea, kidney bean and mustard seedcrops are handled by the compay. In 2008, its sale was 173 Mt of seeds

4.1.7 Salt Trading Corporation Ltd. was established for supplying salt and otheressential commodities in Nepal. Its central office is located at Kathmandu. Presently it isworking on seed production and supply of wheat and lentil in different parts of thecountry through its branch offices. The company has facilities like grader(3Mt/hrcapacity), treater, hand sieves for different crop seed types, threshing floor and storagestructures. The company has been approved by NSB for foundation seed production. In2008, its sale was 580 Mt of seeds.

4.1.8 Improved Seed Production Community. was established in 2007 at chitawandistrict in the central region of Nepal.The company deals with rice, wheat and maize.Ithas processing plant of 1Mt/hr capacity and 400 storage capacity.In 2008, it sold 484 Mtof seed.

4.1.9 CEAPRED(NGO). seed wing was established in 2005 in lalitpur district incentral region of Nepal.It deals only in vegetable seeds and has processing plant of100kg/hr capacity. In 2008, its sale was 87 Mt of vegetable seed.

4.1.10 SSSC. was established in 2002 in kathmandu district in central region ofNepal. This company also deals with only in vegetable seeds. It has processing plant withcapacity of 100kg/hr along with dehumidifying store and seed packaging facilities.In2008, this company sold 72Mt of vegetable seeds.

4.1.11 Nepal Seed Company. this company is one of the old company in the countryand established in 90's.This company deals with vegetable and maize seed. It hasprocessing plant of 2Mt/hr capacity.

4.1.12 East-West Seed Company. was established in 2006 in morang district ofeastern region of Nepal. This company deals with vegetable and cereal seeds. Itpossesses a seed processing plant of 3mt/hr capacity.

All above mentioned companies are fully operational at the moment. The seedproduction and distribution by these companies in 2008/2009 in Mt along with publicsector and NGO are presented in annex 4a.

4.2 Seed Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal (SEAN)

Considering the emergence of accommodating welfare of numbers of entrepreneursin seed business especially in vegetable crops in the country, SEAN was formed in 1991,with the objectives to organize the private companies/entrepreneurs for production,processing and marketing quality seed of high value crops.

At present, SEAN has 182 members spread all across the country, however more than1852 traders are involved in seed business. The member seed companies of SEANcontract with seed grower and SSSC (SEAN Seed Service Centre) one year before in the


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process of fixing price and quality. In past, the contract between seed growers (groups,co-operatives, individuals etc) and companies were done with the help of meeting andworkshops supported by seed related projects. At present, due to absence of such projectsthe seed growers and companies contract with their own management and relation. Thecompanies collect the seed in bulk at convenience locations and processed with theavailable processing plants operated under public and private agencies. Processingincludes grading, cleaning and treating. Seeds are distributed to retail traders with truthfullabel to flow in the market. Some companies are exporting vegetable seed of radish toBangladesh and India. SSSC, a company formed with share holder of 57 SEAN membershas been established in six years ago with objectives of variety development,maintenance and source seed production.

4.3 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

There are a number of local and international non-governmental organizationsinvolved in various sectors, including agricultural research and development program inNepal.

4.3.1 New Era was established in 1971 as one of the first non-governmental researchinstitution in Nepal. The major seed related projects handled by New Era include (i)Large block production-cum-seed multiplication of rapeseed in Dang district, (ii) PilotNiger seed demonstration project in Kavrepalanchok and Makawanpur districts, (iii)Evaluation of Seed Minikit (wheat and maize) in Panchthar district.

4.3.2 Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extensionand Development (CEAPRED) was established in 1990 with the objectives such as (i)to promote commercial high-value agriculture, livestock and agro-processing activitiesbased on local comparative advantages, (ii) to introduce production technologies thatsafeguard human health and environment, (iii) to design and deliver specialized packageof development services to ensure active participation, decision-making and benefitsharing by the deprived and disadvantaged groups, and (iv) to organize, train andinstitutionalize local community groups so that development locally owned, managed ansustained. CEAPRED is currently involved in promotion of vegetable seed for povertyreduction in deprived areas of Nepal (Kavre,Dolakha,Surkhet,Dadeldhura and Baitadi).In 2006, the winter vegetable seed production of 17 crops (30 varieties) by CEAPREDwas estimated to be 96 MT. The centre has its own seed processing and testinglaboratory.

4.3.3 Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD)was established in 1995 and has its headquarters in Pokhara. LI-BIRD works for resourcepoor people through income generating activities and increasing food and nutritionsecurity with an emphasis on equity, gender and environmental issues. In the seed sector,LI-BIRD had conducted (i) on-farm conservation of indigenous vegetables bystrengthening community-based seed banking in Seti River valley of Pokhara, and (ii)strengthening community-based seed production and scaling-up of rice and maizevarieties.

LIBIRD also carries out participatory plant breeding (PPB) in different crops. Incoordination with NARC, three varieties of paddy namely Pokhreli Jethobudo, Barkhe3004 and Sunaulo Sugandha have been released for general cultivation.


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4.3.4 Forum for Rural Welfare and Agricultural Reform for Development(FORWARD) was established in 1996 in Chitwan. It works for communityempowerment, adaptive research and development in agriculture. FORWARD carries outon-farm diversification involving trade skills, crops and small livestock-basedenterprises, sustainable intensification of cropping systems through integrated plantnutrient management, integrated pest management, participatory varietal selection andother management options. The project "Addressing food security through theidentification of farmer preferred crop varieties and by strengthening local seed supplysystem in the rural communities of western Nepal" is among the recently accomplishedagriculture-related initiatives of FORWARD.

4.3.5 CIMMYT/HMRP also carries out participatory variety selection (PVS) andcommunity based seed production (CBSP) programs in maize crops. In coordination withNARC, four varieties of maize namely Deuti, Shitala, Manakamana 4 and Poshilo Makai1 (QPM) have been released for general cultivation. Currently CBSP program partnershipwith CDD/DoA has been carried out in 25 districts involving 25 groups and produced243 Mt seeds of eight varieties from 150 ha of land (CDD, 2009).

4.4 International NGOs

4.4.1 Helvetas came to Nepal in 1956 and cooperates with many technical and socialorganizations in more than 60 districts across the country. Besides other sectors it is alsoinvolved in vegetable and forage seed production at farmers' level.

4.4.2 CARE Nepal began its work in Nepal in 1978. The early work of CARE Nepalfocused on service delivery and the construction of infrastructure, aimed at improving thelives of the poor and the disadvantaged. The projects and activities of CARE Nepalinclude natural resources management, health, infrastructure development, agriculture,horticulture and non-formal education. CARE Nepal activities are primarily focused inChuria hills and remote areas. One of the agricultural activities started by CARE Nepalin1997 was the Participatory Crop Variety Selection Program in Syangja and Mahottaridistricts. In the past, CARE Nepal was also involved in seed production of variousvegetables and cereals.

4.4.3 Plan Nepal was established in Nepal in 1978. It supports developmentprogrammes that benefit a large number of socially and economically deprived children,their families and communities in Morang, Sunsari, Makawanpur, Bara, Rautahat andBanke districts. The key program focus area include: (i) health and sanitation, (ii)learning, (iii) livelihood, including agricultural services, (iv) critical issues such as genderdisparity, child marriage etc, (v) building relationships, and (vi) sustainable environment.Plan Nepal had a seed distribution project (vegetable, cereal, pulse and oilseeds),involving about 1330 families, which increased the income of local farmers.

4.4.4 Action Aid Nepal (AAN) has been working in Nepal since 1982. Its missionhere is to empower poor and excluded people to eradicate poverty and injustice. AAN hasprioritized five themes, based on the local context and needs, such as: women's rights,education, food security, HIV and AIDS, and peace building. AAN is also engaged inissues such as emergency and disaster, globalization, governance, gender equity andsocial inclusion that cut across all other thematic work. The food security theme of AANinvolves seed-related activities, including seed management system.


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Quality Assurance (QA) Mechanism

4.4.5 CBED-CECI has been promoting seed production and marketing programsthrough contractual production arranged between seed grower cooperatives and seedtraders. It is also helping farmers groups to establish direct linkage with the traders. Itwas working jointly with SSSP in Dadeldhura district.

4.4.6 FAO/WFP is also involved in supply of seeds of different crops as emergencyprogram during natural hazards and disaster situation in Nepal with the collaboration ofMinistry of Agriculture and Co-operatives.

5. QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) MECHANISM

The value of seed can be measured only through quality of seed produced. Qualitycontrol is essential component of a viable and dependable seed development program.Quality control mechanism in the country is implemented by the NSB (through its subcommittees), SQCC and RSTLs. Standards for seed certification and truthful labellinghave been already developed for different crops.

Quality control mechanism has been carried out by SQCC since the seed productionsystem was initiated in the country. Seed quality assurance system constitutes of (i) seedcertification (ii) truthful in label and (iii) Quality Declared Seed System (QDS).

5.1 Description of the Mechanisms and main Weaknesses

5.1.1 Seed certification

Seed certification in most of the countries including Nepal is voluntary, but as perprovisions of the amended Seed Act 1988, labeling of seed containers of notified kindand varieties offered for sale is compulsory. Seed certification and seed testing systemsare aimed at providing high quality source seed to seed growers, and also at stimulatingthe seed industry, farmer use of better seed, and ultimately the national economy.Voluntary seed quality control, truth-in-labeling and branding is alternatives to full seedcertification systems that suffer from under-investment and under-staffing in manycountries (Tony et al., 2002).

Seed certification and quality control is primarily done through field inspections andlaboratory analysis before and after the seed lots have been processed. As per provisionof Seed Act 1988, seed certification in Nepal is voluntary. Seed certification iscomprehensive quality control system, requires high level government resources in termsof equipment, infrastructure facilities and manpower. However, this system is veryimportant for maintaining generations of source seed that should make available for seedmultiplying agencies. Currently, there are five classes of seed namely BS, FS, C1, C2 andimproved common in Nepal (Table 20). The flow chart for production system of these isgiven in Annex 5. For this minimum standard has been developed by NSB according toclasses of seed Annex 6.


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Table 19. Classes of seed adopted

AOSCA OECD NEPAL

Breeder seed Pre-basic seed Breeder seed

Foundation seed Basic seed Foundation seed

Registered seed Certified seed 1st generation Certified seed 1st generation

Certified seed Certified seed 2nd generation Certified seed 2nd generation

Improve seed

AOSCA = Association of Official seed Certifying Agencies of the USAOECD = Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

5.1.2 Truthful labeling

Truthful labeling for containers of notified crop varieties offered for sale in market iscompulsory. In truthful labeling, seed producer/trader has responsibility to maintainminimum field and seed standards prescribed by NSB through their own internal qualitycontrol system. The truthful labeling system has a number of advantages. It does notrequire a large regulatory bureaucracy and helps to develop independent private sectors.It allows seed enterprises considerable flexibility in responding to particular requirementsfor varietal type and seed quality. A truthful labeling system means that seed producersare controlled by the discipline of the market ethics rather than by the intervention ofregulatory agency. In theory, a truthful labeling system allows consumers to punishunacceptable quality by shifting to alternative sources (Joshi, 2001).

Private seed companies/agencies can carry out their QA by adopting their internalquality control systems considering the seed regulations in Nepal with the closesupervision of SQCC. This system encourages availing huge quantity of improved seed atcommunity level. Minimum standard has been developed by NSB for truthful labeling ofseed Annex 7.

5.1.3 Quality declared seed system

A large number of the developing countries do not have capacity to sustain acomprehensive certification system, because of the relatively high level of resourcesneeded to implement such program. FAO therefore had devised the "Quality DeclaredSeed System" to improve the quality of seed being offered for sale in countries wherehuman and infrastructural resources for monitoring of quality control are limited. Thesystem is designed to provide seed quality control services, which is less demanding ongovernment resources than seed certification, but is adequate to supply good quality seedwithin countries and also in international trade (Rana, 1997). The system covers fourbasic elements to declare seed as “Quality Declared Seed” viz. (i) registration of eligiblevarieties for seed production, (ii) registration of seed producers in national quality controlagency, (iii) 10 percent random check of total seed crop and (iv) 10 percent randomcheck of seed sample offered for sale in market. This system is not practiced yet in Nepal.But it will be implemented soon after amendment of seed regulation 1997. Theregulating/facilitating role of Government organizations will be to:


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♦ Assess the eligibility of the varieties and approve their entry into the QDSscheme. Maintain the updated list of these varieties with name along with thename and address of the maintainer of the variety. Store the authentic samples ofthose varieties.

♦ Assess the capability of Seed Producers to produce QDS and establish theregister of authorized seed producers.

♦ Review nominations of responsible persons.♦ Check inspection of at least ten percent of the seed crop to ascertain that

standards are satisfactory.♦ Sample and check test at least ten percent of QDS on offer for sale to ascertain

that standards are correct.♦ Take appropriate action against seed producers or nominated technicians who are

ineffective in controlling quality.♦ Provide training for seed producers and nominated technicians.♦ Take appropriate action against seed traders when there is evidence that sub-

standard QDS is being offered for sale.

The QDS system relaxes the requirement for number of generations which may bemultiplied from breeder's or maintainer’s seed.

5.1.4 Weakness of the mechanism of quality assurance

Even though, government of Nepal approved seed regulation in 1997 (2054), most ofthe public and private sectors were facing problems to get quality assurance services intime due to limited government resources and manpower. The most of the seed producedby public and private sectors is marketed without meeting prescribed minimum seedstandards and proper labeling due to lack of their own internal quality assurance systemand effective Seed Law Enforcement program in Nepal. However, National Seed Boardhas already approved the minimum field and seed standards for certification andpublished seed standards in Nepal gazette for truthful labeling of seeds of notified kindand varieties.

SQCC/CSTL has been collecting samples of different crops to investigate realsituation of seed market from fiscal year 2000/01 to 2006/07. Out of total sample tested,around 24% samples were found below standard and it showed that low quality seedswere also selling in market, which demanded effective seed law enforcement programand active participation of private sector in Quality Assurance System in Nepal to meetprescribed seed standards for proper truthful labeling of seeds of notified kind andvarieties (SQCC, 2007).

Some weakness of public and private sector in adopting, implementing andregulating entire quality seed production functions in Nepal are as follows:

♦ Act was only enforcing for 33 districts. Seed Regulation was framed after 10years interval.


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♦ No cases have been instituted to authority due to lack of case stating proceduresand effective seed law enforcement program.

♦ Focusing on seed certification program in place of truthful labeling that needshigh level of government resources.

♦ Lack of enough internal quality control set up and Research and Development (R& D) in private sector.

♦ Unable to fulfill the emerging demand of hybrid seed.

♦ Lack of PVP Act to grant exclusive ownership to breeders for attracting theMulti-national Seed Companies (MNSCs).

♦ Unable to supply enough quality breeders’ seed for seed multiplication program.

♦ Less involvement of private sector in cereal seed business.

♦ Lack of enough monitoring and supervision of seed market

♦ Amendment of seed regulation 1997 is still in the process

♦ Lack of sensitization and awareness programs related to seed legislation

5.2 Measures to strengthen the QA mechanism

It is expected to provide the impetus for a new revolution in Nepali agriculturesystem, based on an efficient approach for production and supply of seeds of best qualityto the cultivator adopting comprehensive QA System in Nepal. Following measures aresuggested for that:

♦ In country and overseas training and higher education for human resourcedevelopment for GMO Seed testing, DNA finger printing for genetic purity,Tetrazolium test , DUS test, Seed analysis and certification, Seed health testingfor bacterial and viral diseases, Weed seed identification and Calibration ofequipment

♦ Provision of crop inspector (CI), seed sampler (SS), seed analyst (SA) at publicand private sector and seed lab operation by private sector

♦ Preparation of licensing and supervision guidelines (CI, SS, SA and seed testinglaboratories)

♦ Strong supervision and monitoring of foundation seed production anddistribution activities of different farms and seed companies

♦ Revision and development of quality assurance fees (testing, field inspection,seed sampling, and seed certification) to sustain private sector in seed business.

♦ Framework development of new seed regulation for regulating seed market.

♦ Harmonization among different seed related act and regulations (PVP Act, IPRand amended Seed Act 1988)

♦ Approval of PVP Act and granting exclusive ownership to plant breeders.

♦ Accreditation independency of Central Seed Testing Laboratory.

♦ Breeder seed production and maintenance authority to private sector with certainterms and conditions.


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♦ Simplified registration process of imported varieties

♦ Upgradation of community seed producers under the DISSPRO to "village seedenterprises" through

technical assistance

mini-processing plants, storage structures

linkage with local traders

simplified certification mechanism 'QDS' can be an option to explore forvillage seed enterprises

community seed bank

♦ Strengthening of SEAN in its influence at national level including lobbying for asay in the implementation of seed legislation.

♦ Authorization and capability building of DADOs is most as regards of seedproduction and quality assurance. Any seed program launched by variousinstitutions should be channeled and streamlined as a district seed program.Proposed amendment on seed regulation provides authorities to DADOs so as tomake efficient quality assurance system as follows:

Registration and renewal of seed traders by DADOs, it was done by SQCCbefore

Provision of Crop inspector in each DADO

Case handling by DADOs, it was done by Regional Director of AgricultureDevelopment (RAD)

5.3 Seed health status, activities and facilities

Seed quality is determined on the basis of seed crop field inspection and laboratoryanalysis of seed. Disease tolerance levels for field inspections have been established forcereals (barley, finger millet, maize, rice and wheat), grain legumes (black gram,chickpea, cowpea, lentil, mung bean and pigeon pea), oilseed crops (groundnut, rape,mustard and soybean), fibre crops (cotton and jute), vegetables (asparagus bean, beetspinach, spinach, bitter gourd, broad leaf mustard, bush bean, pole bean, cabbage,capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, chilli, cucumber, egg plant, fenugreek, okra, onion, pea,radish, sponge gourd, summer squash, Swiss chard, tomato, turnip, and watermelon)However, these levels of disease tolerance are not based on research conducted in thecountry.

5.3.1 Seed testing

As mentioned above there are thirteen seed testing laboratories running under publicand private sectors. Seed health testing is done for determining the planting value ofseed. The testing is limited to identification of fungal pathogens, by using standard blotterand deep-freeze blotter method for sporulating fungi. For, fungus like Ustilago tritici,embryo-count method is adopted.


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The above-mentioned laboratories are staffed and equipped to conduct routineanalysis of germination, physical purity and moisture content. In addition to these tests,the CSTL also carries out seed health testing (e.g. fungi) and tests of variety purity,including DUS, GMO identification and grow out test. Seed health testing, however, islargely carried out by the Plant Pathology Division of the NARC upon request for qualityand quarantine purposes, as the CSTL and plant quarantine laboratories do not havesufficient facilities and trained manpower. Mostly cereals and vegetables (brassicaefamily) are being tested for seed borne fungus in CSTL. Testing methods and proceduresused are largely those recommended by ISTA. In 2008, CSTL received one sample ofexportable radish seed, 7 samples of rice foundation seed and 6 samples of wheatfoundation seeds and were tested to determine the health status by using incubationblotter method. The seed borne pathogen found in each case were alternaria sp in radishup to 11%, pyricularia oryzae in rice up to 2% and Bipolaris sorokiniana in wheat up to11%.

5.3.2 Plant quarantine

The Plant Protection Act, 2064 has been promulgated since September 2007. It is incompliance with the SPS Agreement. According to the phytosanitary legislation ofNepal, any imported plant material must be accompanied by the phytosanitary certificateand must be examined for the presence of pathogens at entrance in Nepal. The certificate,which is formulated in accordance with the International Plant Protection Convention(IPPC), states that the plants, parts of plants (including seed) or plant products werethoroughly examined and found to the best of the examiner's knowledge to besubstantially free from injurious pathogens and pests and that the consignment is believedto conform with the current phytosanitary regulations of the importing country both asstated in the additional declaration hereon and otherwise. The list of pathogens and pestssubject to import restrictions was published in 1975. The list includes 9 fungi, 6 bacteria,10 viruses, 3 nematodes and 12 insects on 16 crops, including maize, tobacco, sugarcane,citrus, tea, cotton, potato, banana, paddy rice, sweet potato, tomato, groundnut, breadfruit, sunflower, lettuce and wheat. Today, some of the pathogens and pests found in thelist are already endemic in the country. There is no official control programme forquarantine pests and pathogens as such.

In the context of Nepal's membership in WTO, the Plant Protection Act and the PlantProtection Regulations have been revised and the final draft is ready to be submitted tothe Parliament for amendment. Criteria for defining quarantine pests and pathogensinclude the presence or absence of a particular organism in the country and its likelyimpact, if introduced. Before a consignment of plant, plant parts (seed) and plant productscan enter Nepal, inspection needs to be carried out. Inspection is generally limited tovisual inspection. This is performed at various plant quarantine check posts (Kankarvitta,Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj and Gaddachauki at regional level; Biratnagar,Bhantabari, Bhittamod,Malangawa, Krishnanagar, Kerung, Tribhuvan InternationalAirport in Kathmandu, and Tatopani at check post level; and Jhulaghat and Lomangthanat sub-check post level. If a consignment is found to be contaminated with certainpathogen or pest, it is treated with appropriate measures or destroyed depending on


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severity and type of pathogen or pest infected with. For post entry quarantine purpose, agreenhouse is in operation at Birgunj check post. Each plant quarantine check post andNPQP have post entry survey programme on regular basis. Due to the open borders(especially with India) and free movement of plant parts and products, a significantquantity of seeds moves across the borders without any control.

The NPQP has conducted PRA (up to generic level) for four crops namely apple,garlic, ginger and potato. This is done to meet the requirements for export purpose. ThePPD, Entomology Division and Agronomy Division of NARC in collaboration with theNPQP are currently conducting pest surveillance programmes on citrus and ginger. In thenext year, the surveillance will be done on lentil, tea and chiraito (Swertia chirayita).

5.3.3 Seed health in national and international trade

Nepal is member of the WTO (Sub-section 3.1.2) and the Agreement on theApplication of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures has been signed. This agreementensures that " sanitary and phytosanitary measures are not applied in a manner whichwould constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination between Memberswhere the same conditions prevail or a disguised restriction on international trade".Nepal is currently strengthening its capability for the implementation of the SPSmeasures. The focal point for SPS measures is the Department of Food Technology andQuality Control of the MOAC, which has its own plant quarantine and animal quarantinepersonnel. The Government of Nepal has ratified the International Crop ProtectionConvention (IPPC) on May 8, 2006. The IPPC is an international agreement to assuremeasures to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products, andto promote appropriate measures for their control. The number of phytosanitarycertificates and import permits has varied through the years, ranging from 1267 to 5178(phytosanitary certificates) and 8734 to 21819 (import permits). In 2004-2005, the NPQPand all quarantine check posts issued in total 4140 phytosanitary certificates and 21819import permits. The certificates include phytosanitary certificate and import permit forseed, but their numbers are not available separately. There are no records of intercepts sofar.

5.3.4 Major issues in seed health

5.3.4.1 Seed-borne pathogens of significance

Information on seed-borne pathogens of crops with significance for resource poorfarmers is fairly documented. Comprehensive information on plant pathology in Nepaland plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes were compiled in theProceedings of the First HMG/DANIDA/FAO Training Course in Seed Health TestingTechniques and a comprehensive list of plant diseases was published in the Review ofPlant Pathology in 1992 by Dahal, Amatya and Manandhar. A more specific evaluationof seed borne pathogens of crop plants growing in Nepal was published by Shrestha etal., and Shrestha.

The major seed-borne diseases include pink kernel (Alternaria padwickii), brownspot (Bipolaris oryzae), foot rot/bakanae (Giberella fujikuroi species complex), blast(Pyricularia oryzae), bacterial blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae), bacterial stripe


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(Pseudomonas avenae), and grain and seedling rot (Pseudomonas glumae) in rice;southern leaf blight (Bipolaris maydis), and kernel rot (Fusarium verticillioides) inmaize;black point (Alternaria alternata), leaf blight (Bipolaris sorokiniana), hill bunt(Tilletia caries), Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica), loose smut (Ustilago tritici) in wheat; blast(Pyricularia grisea) and leaf spot (Cerpospora elusine) in finger millet; wilt (Fusariumoxysporum) in lentil; purple seed stain (Cercospora kikuchii), frog-eye leaf spot(Cercospora s o j i n a ), anthracnose (Colletotrichum dematium), bacterialpustule(Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines) in soybean; leaf spot (Alternariabrassicae and brassicicola), black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) inbrassicas, including rapeseed mustard (Brassica napus).

5.3.4.2 Vegetatively propagated crops health constraints

Potato is the major vegetatively propagated crop with significance for resource poorfarmers in Nepal. The main health constraints in this crop are presently the late blight(Phytophthora infestans), brown rot/bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum), black scurf(Rhizoctonia solani) potato viruses A, M, S, Y, X and potato leaf roll virus. Most of thelocal varieties have degenerated due to virus diseases. The brown rot is widespread in themid and high hills mainly through infected tubers. None of the potato genotypesevaluated so far is found to be resistant to R. solanacearum. Health constraints of othervegetatively propagated crops with importance for resource poor farmers includeColocasia leaf blight (Phytophthora colocasiea) and Fusarium wilt of Colocasia(Colocasia esculenta), stem rot (Fusarium oxysporum), soft rot (Rhizopus nigricans), leafspot (Cercospora batatae) of sweet potato, mosaic virus of schoos (Sechium edule).Fusarium rhizome rot, leaf spot (Phyllosticta zinziberi) and soft rot (Pyth iumaphanidermatum) of ginger, anthracnose (Collectotrichum capsici), leaf blotch (Taphrinamaculans) and soft rot (Pythium aphanidermatum) of turmeric (Curcuma longa).

5.3.4.3 Post harvest and storage issues

Post harvest and storage issues include seed quality, seed health and mycotoxin andaflatoxin contaminations. Because of improper post harvest and storage practices,especially at farmers' level have affected grains and legumes for food and seed purpose.This has been evident from isolated case studies. The Department of Food Technologyand Quality Control (formerly Central Food Research Laboratory) conducts regularsurveys on aflatoxin contamination in various types of food and animal feeds. The resultsreveal that most of animal feeds, peanuts, maize and wheat contain aflatoxin B1 and B2.Studies on mycotoxin contamination in Nepalese rice, maize and wheat detected severalstrains of Fusarium species. The presence of mycotoxins (fumonisin and deoxynivalenol)was detectable in many samples of maize and wheat, but not in rice and effectivetraditional practices for grain drying and storage may prevent contamination of Nepaleserice with Fusarium mycotoxins. A case study of smallholder farms on Fusarium speciesand mycotoxins in Nepalese food grains is available. In rural areas, there is a commonpractice that clean and good-looking food grains are used for human consumption andmould-affected and insect-damaged low quality grains are used for animal feeding. Therehas not been any assessment of such practices and no awareness attempts have beenmade.


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5.3.4.4 Pesticides and other control measures in seed production and storage

In the informal sector, seeds are harvested from healthy-looking plots or plants andsun-dried before they are stored in a safe container and place. Seed are also sun-driedduring storage to reduce the risk of development of mould in storage. Some farmers alsouse ash, oil, Xanthoxyllum (timur) seeds as seed protectants during storage. There havebeen some investigations on botanical pesticides for seed treatment purposes againstinsect attacks during storage. The potential ones include Azadirachta indica (Neem tree),Acorus calamus (sweet flag, bojho), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Artemisiavulgaris(mugwort, titepati).

In the formal sector, seed treatment with recommended fungicide is regularly donebefore sell. The major fungicides used for seed treatment are Vitavax (carboxin) inwheat, Thiram or Vitavax in maize and Bavistin (carbendazim) in rice. Recently, seedtreatment of rice cv. Khumal-4 with carbendazim has been recommended and mademandatory before foundation seed is sold by the Agronomy Division of NARC. In thecase of seed stored in metal seed bins, Celphos is used as a fumigant against insect attack.The Pesticide Registration and Management Division (PRMD) headed by the PesticideRegistrar is functioning under the DOPP. The PRMD is in charge of pesticide regulationsand its functions are governed by the Pesticide Act, 1991 and the Pesticides Rules, 1994.The Pesticide Act has addressed the Guidelines for the Exchange of Information onChemicals in International Trade (Basel Convention from 1989) on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposals (ratified in 1994),United Nation Convention 1992 (Rio Convention) and the Convention on Prior InformedConsent and Persistent Organic Pollutants. The PRMD conducts both quality monitoringof pesticides and residue analysis on contract basis with a private laboratory. The PRMDis developing its own facilities and has recently procured a gas chromatographer. There isno disaggregated data on pesticide consumption specifically for seed production andstorage purpose.

5.3.4.5 Research activities

The PPD of the NARC conduct research on seed health and related problems onannual basis. Occasionally, other research stations and crop specific research programmesof the NARC also carry out seed-health related research. Besides, MSc students of IAASspecializing in plant pathology and the MSc students (Botany) of the Institute of Scienceand Technology of TU have conducted research in cooperation with the PPD on seed-health related topics. The PPD with its CEP is currently conducting on-station and on-farm research activities on seed-borne diseases of rice, wheat and rapeseed mustard.

5.3.4.6 Directorate of Plant Protection (DOPP) of DOA

Human resources: The DOPP under the DOA has eight technical staff, including fiveofficers headed by a Program Director. All officers are designated as Plant ProtectionOfficers and there is no person specifically responsible as plant/seed pathologist.

Facilities: The office of DOPP does not have any laboratory facilities, but its regionalplant protection laboratories and plant quarantine check posts do have such facilities. Oneof the regional plant protection laboratories and the National Plant Quarantine


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Programme are located within the campus of the DOPP. These laboratories have facilitiesfor detection and identification of insect, pest and fungal pathogens. Work on bacterialand viral pathogens is not carried out due to the lack of facilities and trained manpower.No testing for seed health is carried work at these laboratories. If necessary, samples aresent to the CSTL or PPD for seed health testing. For fulfilling the WTO commitments,these laboratories are getting upgraded for seed and plant health analysis.

Regulatory: As the Plant Protection Rules and Pesticides Regulations are in place andat present, in the process of revision.

5.3.4.7 Regional Plant Protection Laboratories (RPPLs)

Human Resources: Each of the RPPL located at Biratnagar in the eastern, Lalitpur inthe central, Pokhara in the western, Nepalgunj in the mid-western, and Sundarpur in thefar-western regions has five to six technical staff, including two officers. Both officersare designated as plant protection officers and responsible for identification of diseaseand insect pests and their management.

Facilities: The RPPLs are facilitated with basic equipments, including microscopes.

Regulatory: Same as the DOPP.

5.3.4.8 Plant Quarantine

Human Resources: The National Plant Quarantine Programme (NPQP) has seventechnical staff, four of them are officers. None of them are specialized in seed pathology.Each regional plant quarantine office (NPQO) located at Kankarvitta, Birgunj,Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj and Gaddachauki has six technical staff, including two officesheaded by Senior Plant Quarantine Officer. Similarly, all plant quarantine check posts atBiratnagar, Jaleswor, international airport in Kathmandu, Krishnanagar, Malangawa,Sindhupalchok, Rasuwa and Bhantabari have each three technical staff headed by onePlant Quarantine Officer. There are two sub-check posts, one at Lomanthang and theother at Jhulaghat and they are staffed by two technicians of non-officer levels.

Facilities: The NPQP based in Kathmandu has facilities for detection andidentification of insect, pest and fungal pathogens, not for bacterial and viral pathogens.Though it has some facilities for some plant pathological work, no seed health testing iscarried out so far. Seed samples are sent to the PPD when required. The plant quarantinelaboratories at regional and check post levels are under equipped. There are nolaboratories at sub-check post levels. The regional laboratories are getting strengthenedunder the Strengthening Plant Quarantine Services Project targeting WTO requirement.

Regulatory: same as the DOPP.

5.3.4.9 Post-Harvest Management Directorate

The Government of Nepal in cooperation with FAO launched the Rural Save GrainProgramme in 1984. Realizing the loss of 15-20% in cereals and 20-30% in perishablesduring post-harvest operations the Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Division was establishedunder the PPD of the DOA and 14 resource centres were established. Now the Divisionhas been upgraded to the Post-Harvest Management Directorate (PHMD). The PHMD


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conducts adaptive research on post-harvest technology, including locally availablebotanicals against insect pests and storage fungi during storage and various kinds of seedstorage structures.

Human resources: The PHMD is staffed by 13 technical staff, including eightofficers headed by the Programme Director. One of them is educated in plant pathologyat MSc level.

Facilities: Reasonable facilities to perform post-harvest are available. The PHMDdoes not have facilities for analyzing mycotoxin contamination.

5.3.4.10 Plant Pathology Division (PPD) of NARC

Human resources: The PPD of NARC has currently eight scientists working indifferent disciplines and crop diseases. Five of them are trained at the DGISP/DSHC, andone more was trained at the PPD in the Seed Health Training (bacteriology and virology)conducted by DGISP in 1989. Besides scientists, there are a couple of technical officerswho have recently received a 10-day training on seed health testing (mycology) under theCEP.

Facilities: Reasonable facilities for testing seeds for fungal, bacterial, viral andnematode infection are available at the PPD. The FRPV project between the PPD and theprevious DGISP strengthened the facilities for research on virus diseases. Under thecurrent CEP, a teaching laboratory was established where 12 trainees can beaccommodated at a time.

5.3.4.11 Seed Research Unit (SRU) at ABD of NARC

Human resources: Three staff members, including one scientist, are currentlyworking in the unit. The scientist is a well experienced seed technologist. The technicalofficer of the SRU is trained in a 10-day seed health testing training (mycology) underthe CEP.

Facilities: The SRU has seed health testing facilities, including compound and stereomicroscopes provided by DGISP under the scholarship grants. At present, it does notconduct seed health test, but this is done at PPD.

5.3.4.12 Central Seed Testing Laboratory (CSTL) of SQCC

Human resources: The CSTL and SQCC are in total staffed by 22 technicalpersonnel, including one seed pathologist. The seed pathologist and the other twotechnical officers were trained in a 10-day seed health testing training under the CEP.

Facilities: Reasonable seed testing facilities are available at the CSTL. The facilitieswere initially established with the help of GTZ followed by FAO and the SSSP supportedby DFID. The laboratory has facilities for testing seeds for fungal pathogens.

Regulatory: As mentioned in the above section seed act and regulation are in place.


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6.1 Regulations to deal with seed production, handling and distribution

The legal instruments available in Nepal for enforcement of seed legislation are:

i. Seed Act, 1988

ii. Seeds Regulation, 1997 and

iii. Seed Policy, 1999

The Seed Act was enacted in Nepal in 1988 and amended in 2008. With the provisionmade in the Seed Act, the Seeds Regulation 1997 was brought in to implement theprovisions of the Act. The existing seed regulation is under the process of amendment asper the provision of amended seed Act. The main objective of the Seed Act and the SeedsRegulation was to promote and regulate increased production of high quality plant seeds,and to ensure the interest of seed entrepreneurs and farming communities (the consumerof such seeds). The National Seed Policy 1999 was formulated and put into force in 1999which further provides policy guidelines for the promotion of production, handling andmarketing quality plant seeds in the country.

Seeds are means of propagation and further multiplication of plants and, therefore,are also means to realize protection of IPR on new plant varieties. In the absence of aseparate Plant Variety Protection Act, the role of the Seed Act, the Seeds Regulation andSeed Policy becomes important in order to protect interest and rights of breeders, seedtraders and seed users (farmers).

6.1.1 Existing Seed Act and Regulation:

As per the provision in Seed Act, Government of Nepal has constituted a NationalSeed Board to advise Government of Nepal on formulating and executing of nationalpolicies concerning seeds to ensure availability of quality seeds through regularproduction, processing and marketing of seed. The main features of Seed Act 1988 are asfollows:

Constitution/functions, duties and power of National Seed Board. Power to constitute sub committees under National Seed Board. Presently it has

three permanent sub committees viz. (i) Variety Approval, Release andRegistration Sub-committee (VARRS), (ii) Planning formulation and MonitoringSub-committee (PMS) and (iii) Quality Standards Determination andManagement Sub-committee (QDMS).

Establishment/functions, duties and responsibilities of seed certificationorganization.

Establishment/functions, duties and responsibilities of Central Seed TestingLaboratory.

Power to notify the kind and varieties and prescribe the minimum level of purityand germination of notified kind varieties.

Truthful labeling of container of notified kind varieties is compulsory (i.e.voluntary seed certification).


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Appointment/functions, duties and responsibility of seed analyst and seedinspector.

Permission from NSB for import and export of notified kind varieties fromNepal.

Power to hear the cases. Recognition to national and international organization for seed testing and

certification. Provision to institute the cases and punishment. Power to frame the rules for seed law enforcement.

6.1.2 Seed Act (first amendment, 2008)

To implement the National seed policy 1999 and to regulate entire quality seedproduction and distribution functions in the country, Government of Nepal has decided torevise the seed Act 1988 and reframe out the Seed Rules. It was approved by Legislativeparliament in 2008. The main objective to revise the seed act is to redefine the certainterms and definitions and to bring it in the line with proposed PVP/FR Bill, internationalpractice and context of World Trade Organization (WTO). The main provisions inamended Seed Act, 2008 are as follows:

Re defining the terms and definition in line with international practices.

Women participation are mandatory in NSB

Establishment of Seed Quality Control Centre in place of Seed Certificationorganization.

Licensing system to establish private seed testing laboratory.

Authority to private sector to involve in quality assurance system throughlicensing of seed analysis, seed sampling, and crop inspection.

Appoint to chief of SQCC as member secretary of National Seed Board.

Permission from NSB is required for seed business.

Restriction to sale un-notified kind and varieties of seeds.

Establish the fee and levied of service charges of seed testing and certification.

Increase in fine and punishment.

6.1.3 Seed Regulation, 1997

In order to enforce the Seed Act, 1988 the Government of Nepal formulated the"Seed Regulation, 1997 with the following rules:

Constitution of the Sub-Committees: as mentioned above under the topic NSB.

Provisions relating to approval, release, registration and ownership of seeds:These provisions are made to process issues relating to approval, release and registrationof seeds; to record of seeds; to determine right of ownership

Provisions relating to seeds authentication, export and import: These provisionsare made to define functions, duties and power of seed authentication body; procedures


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relating to authentication of seeds; function, duties and power of the central seed testinglaboratory; restriction on sale and distribution of notified seeds; and export or import ofseed of the notified crops

Miscellaneous provisions: These provisions are made to define functions, duties andpower of seed inspectors and seed analysts; authority to hear cases; powers to makemanuals; and change and alternation in schedules

Several Acts including the Plant Variety Protection and Farmers' Rights Act havebeen drafted but have not yet been enacted. There is no separate legislation dealing withintroduction of genetically modified organisms (GMO), biotechnology and biosafety orregulations for risk assessment or –management of GMOs, but these issues are regulatedthrough several other concerned Acts. The Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation hasissued the Biosafety Directives and is preparing a draft for the overall national biosafetyframework. This draft is now being finalizing.

6.1.4 Seed import and export

Authorization to import and export seed totally relies on the SQCC and on theNational Plant Quarantine Programme (NPQP), both under the MOAC. Any importer orexporter desiring to import or export seed must be registered in the above-mentionedorganizations. In the case of seed import, the seed lot must be accompanied by thefollowing documents:

an import permit issued by SQCC

a Seed Certificate (issued by the exporting country) which confirms that the seedis certified

a Phytosanitary Certificate (issued by the exporting country) a Seed QualityCertificate regarding that particular seed lot (issued by the exporting country) –ISTA certificate is not yet mandatory in the country.

The Phytosanitary Certificate is required for all kinds of seed importation and has tocomply with the national quarantine legislation. One cannot import seeds of a varietywhich is not registered or approved and released through the VARRS. The PhytosanitaryCertificate is also required for exporting seeds. In this case, it is issued by the NPQP andit has to comply with the legislation of the recipient country. Seeds to be exported mustbe accompanied by an export permit issued by the authorized organizations. SQCC andNPQP issue such permits on demand. GMOs are not allowed to import in the country.Facilities for GMO detection is being established at SQCC.

6.1.5 National Seed Policy 1999

Main objectives of the policy is to assure timely supply of required quantity andquality seeds of desired crops/ variety, promotion of export, making seed industryeffective in the light of international seed trade and protecting the right over the geneticmaterials of Nepal. The National seed Policy 1999 encompasses seven aspects in seedindustry and bio-technology as follows:


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1. Variety development and Maintenance

NSB is providing authority to private sector for maintenance and development ofnew varieties e.g., Local initiatives for bio-diversity, research and development(LI-BIRD), CIMMYT/HMRP and FORWARD.

Private sectors are involving in developing new varieties and maintaining thebreeder seed of their variety.

Provide authority to private sectors for production of breeder seed with certainterms and conditions.

2. Seed multiplication

NSB (National Seed Board) is preparing seed balance sheet for making assuredprogram and plan for the supply of Breeder seed and Foundation seed in Co-operation with NARC, NSC/L and the private sector.

3. Quality Control

Quality Control is carried out through certification and truthful labeling (qualitydeclared seed system will be implemented after new seed regulation).

Registration procedure of seed trader is already started.

Seed Act 1988 is amended according to national and international context.

4. Increased involvement of private sector

Private sectors are involving in foundation, certified and improve seedproduction program and two private seed laboratories have already got authorityfor seed testing.

In near future, private crop inspector, seed sampler and seed analyst will getlicense from National Seed Board (NSB) for crop inspection, seed sampling andseed analysis respectively after including detail procedures in new seedregulation according to amended Seed Act.

In addition, private seed testing laboratories will also get authority to seedtesting.

5. Seed supply

Necessary to maintain buffer stock, which may be utilized under conditions ofnatural calamity.

Needed to implement seed pledging system to facilitate the DISSPRO (DistrictLevel Seed Sufficiency Program)/CBSP (Community based seed productionprogram) programs.

6. Institutional strengthening-

Strengthening NSB, establishment of Seed Quality Control Centre andlaboratories in private sectors


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7. Bio- technology

For the regulatory purpose, a bio-technology laboratory is established in SQCCfor detection, identification and quantification of GMO (genetically modifiedorganism) in seed.

Preparation of DNA fingerprinting of all released varieties of wheat is going onin GMO lab for purpose of determining genetic purity.

Bio-safety regulations will be prepared and implemented for the sake of thegeneral public.

6.2 Regulations for IPR and use of GMS

The drafting of the Plant Variety Protection and Farmers’ Right (PVP&FR) wasinitiated in 2004 by the MoAC as sui generis system of IPR protection on new plantvarieties. As a commitment to the WTO membership, Nepal had declared to implementIPR law for the protection of plant varieties by December 1995 but this has now beenextended to December 2013. The SQCC, LI-BIRD and South Asia Watch on TradeEconomics and Environment (SAWTEE), made extensive review of the draft Bill. Therevised version has already submitted to the MoAC for further action.

There is no separate legislation dealing with introduction of genetically modifiedseeds (GMS), biotechnology and bio-safety or regulations for risk assessment ormanagement of GMOs, but these issues are regulated through several other concernedActs. GMO lab under SQCC and biotechnology lab under NARC have been establishedand started preliminary works on GMO identification and detection. The Ministry ofForests and Soil Conservation has issued the Biosafety Directives and is preparing a draftfor the overall national biosafety framework. This draft is now being finalizing.

The main objective of the PVP&FR Bill is to provide protection to the plant varietiesfor agricultural development, sustainable food security and conservation of biodiversityin the country. More specifically, as stated in the preamble, it has following threeobjectives:

Establish breeders’ and farmers’ right on plant varieties

Encourage research, investment and technology transfer

Promote agricultural development, food security and agro-biodiversityconservation

6.2.1 Key features of PVP&FR Bill

The PVP&FR Bill include all kind of provisions necessary for the protection ofbreeders’ IPR on the new plant varieties as well as protection of farmers’ customaryrights over the varieties. A number of provisions have also been made to allow farmers’free and easy access to the seeds of new plant varieties. The key features of the proposedPVP&FR Bill have been summarised in the Table 20.


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Table 20. Key features of the PVP&FR Bill

Key elements Key features

Scope Covers all plant type and varieties.

2. Types of rights Protect both breeders’ and farmers’ right over plantvarieties

3. Mechanism of IPRprotection

Registration of the plant variety, and granting of ownershipright to the breeder for new plant varieties and to farmersfor their plant varieties.

4. Types of plantvarieties

Includes both new as well as farmers’ plant varieties.

5. Origin of varieties Varieties developed in Nepal and WTO member countriesin case of new plant varieties, and varieties traditionallygrown in Nepal in case of farmers’ plant varieties.

6. Criteria forregistration for IPRprotection

Registration criteria for new plant varieties include: Newand Distinct, Uniform and Stable (DUS).Registration criteria for farmers’ plant varieties include:Distinct, Uniform and Stable (DUS).

7. Bio-safety measures Plant varieties, developed using terminator technology, arenot eligible for registration.GMO plant varieties require submission of associatedinformation and report of bio-safety analysis

Source: Shrestha and Adhikari, 2008

6.2.2 Breeders’ right

Plant breeders have been given exclusive breeders’ right over their new plantvarieties. Upon registration of the new plant varieties, breeders automatically receiveright of ownership for a specified period. This period, as proposed currently, is 15 yearsfor annual plants and 18 years of perennial vine and tree plants. The following provisionshave been made in the PVP&FR Bill to protect breeders’ IPR on new plant varieties:

1. The following acts, in respect of the propagating material of the protectedvariety, shall require authorization of the breeder:- production and reproduction,- conditioning for the purpose of propagation,- marketing and distribution- import/ export

2. The rights specified above (point 1) will also apply in case of essentially derivedvarieties (EDVs), where the breeder also has right over the parent materials.

3. Breeders will have right to transfer/sale their rights over the protected plantvarieties for a specified period.


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6.2.3 Breeders’ exceptions

The PVP&FR Bill also has provisions of breeders’ exceptions to allow and/orpromote the use of the protected plant varieties for purposes other than the commercialuse, i.e. production and marketing of the seeds of such varieties. According to theseexceptions, the use of the seeds of new plant varieties will not require authorization fromthe concerned breeders for:

private and non-commercial uses,

study, academic and research purposes, and

breeding and development of new plant varieties

The breeder developing new plant variety from the protected plan varieties usingbreeders’ exception is eligible to obtain breeders’ right on such variety, except when theprotected variety used is EDV. The provision of breeders’ exceptions is a special andimportant feature of the Bill. While breeders’ right allows breeders to appropriatebenefits from the protection of their IPR on new plant varieties, breeders’ exceptionsprovide space for further innovation (varietal research and development) and safeguardsinterest and customary rights of the farmers.

6.2.4 Farmers’ right

The provision of farmers’ right is an important feature of the PVP&FR Bill.Adequate care has been taken to include provisions that provide farmers an unconditionalaccess to the seeds of protected plant varieties for their own and non-commercial use,without violating conditions of the breeders’ right. Provisions have also been made toadequate protection to farmers’ plant varieties. These as well as other provisions of thePVP&FR relevant to farmers’ right are discussed in the following sub-sections.

6.2.5 Farmers’ right over new varieties

A number of provisions have been made as farmers’ right over the use of seeds ofnew plant varieties. These include:

Rights to use, save, re-use, exchange and sale the seeds of protected plantvarieties in non- branded form. The provision of this right has been made toprotect farmers’ customary practices of seed management prevalent in theinformal seed systems. By tradition, Nepalese farmers have be freely using,saving, exchanging and selling seeds within their communities. The provision isalso very important to ensure seed security of small and poor farmers as theiraccess to commercial seeds is not only limited due under-developed markets butalso due very limited purchasing power. This provision plays key role inestablishing the proposed PVP&FR Bill as an effective sui generis system of IPRprotection.

Right to claim compensation or claim ownership or cancel ownership right whena breeder is found to develop new plant variety without making PIC and benefitsharing agreements or without disclosing source location and community, andparent materials used for breeding new variety.


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Right to claim compensation for losses due to bad quality seeds or wronginformation about the use seeds of protected plant varieties.

Rights to have access to seeds protected varieties if the supply of these seeds islimited by ill-intention or with intention to create monopoly.

6.2.6 Farmers’ right over farmers’ varieties

The PVP&FR Bill has also made provisions- both IPR and non-IPR protectionprovisions for the protection of farmers’ right over farmers’ plant varieties. Two types offarmers’ varieties, namely farmers’ registered plant varieties and farmers’ existing plantvarieties, lying in public domain, have been recognised. The provisions of farmers’ rightover these plant varieties, as stated in the Bill, include:

Right to IPR protection on farmers’ varieties. The Bill has made provisions forthe registration of farmers’ varieties meeting DUS criteria and obtaining right ofownership on the seeds of such varieties. This is IPR protection provision.

Right to grant PIC for the use of farmers’ existing varieties in public domain.

Right to claim or participate in benefit sharing arising from the use of suchvarieties, including right to claim compensation if PIC agreement is violated.

Rights to information for each use of such varieties in the variety developmentprocess or in the process of bio-prospecting.

Farmers have been exempted from the registration and annual fee for farmers’varieties.

6.2.7 Other provisions relevant to IPR

A number of provisions directly or indirectly relevant to the protection of IPR onregistered plant varieties have also been made on the proposed PVP&FR Bill.

6.2.8 Provisions related to plant varieties:

Restriction on use of terminator technology for the development of new plantvarieties. Such varieties will not eligible for registration in Nepal.

Registration of GMO seeds requires disclosure information and report of bio-safety analysis.

There is provision of compulsory licensing to discourage monopoly. Theauthority can issue compulsory license to the third party for the production andmarketing of seeds of protected plant varieties if the owner of such varieties donot supply seeds in adequate quantity within three years of registration or do notsupply seeds in competitive price.

The duration of protection is specified currently as 15 years for annual and 18years for perennial, specifically vine and tree plant varieties.

6.2.9 Provisions related to institutional arrangement:

Establishment of plant variety protection authority at central and local level tomanage efficient registration of plant varieties.


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Provision for farmers’ group and organisations for the implementation ofPVP&FR Bill and farmers’ rights.

6.2.10 Implications PVP& FR and suggestion for future action

The provisions of protection of IPR on new plant varieties made in the PVP&FR Billwill have direct implication on the production and marketing of seeds. The Seed Act andSeeds Regulation have to comply with the provisions of the PVP&FR Bill in order toprotect the rights of breeders and farmers over the seeds of the protected plant varieties.These legal instruments, therefore, needs to be harmonize in order to facilitate productionand marketing of quality seeds by safeguarding the rights of breeders and farmers in theprocess.

6.3 Exchange of genetic materials and seed through international and localCentres or Institutions in SAARC and other Countries

6.3.1 International Agricultural Research Centers

6.3.1.1 The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has been collaboratingwith Nepal for more than 35 years. Germplasm exchange and training of Nepalesescientists have been the major activities taking place under the partnership. Out of 56 ricevarieties released in Nepal during the period, more than 50% comes from IRRIgermplasm. Many Nepalese scientists have received long-term and short-term training onrice and rice-based agriculture. A couple of NARC scientists have also received trainingon rice seed health at IRRI. Currently undertaking research projects between NARC andIRRI include integrated crop resource management in rice-wheat system, managing ricelandscape in marginal uplands, development and dissemination of water savingtechnologies and long-term experiment on alternative tillage and crop establishment. InJanuary 2005, a local IRRI office was established in NARC Building, in Kathmandu, forstrengthening rice research and development in Nepal, including Nepal Rice KnowledgeBank.

6.3.1.2 The International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas(ICARDA) has been collaborating with Nepal counterparts since 1987. Barley, lentil andlathyrus (sweet pea) are the main crops in their program.

6.3.1.3 The International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics(ICRISAT) has been collaborating with Nepal counterparts for the last two decades.Pigeon peas, chicken peas, groundnuts and beans are the main crops in their programme.Currently, there are two projects (i) IPM on chickpea, and (ii) integrated management ofgrain legumes (pigeon pea, chickpea and beans) running with NARC in collaborationwith other stakeholders, including farmers.

6.3.1.4 The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) hasbeen involved in Nepal since early 1970s for the exchange of germplasm andintroduction of exotic varieties of maize and wheat, aiming at improving and broadeningthe germplasm base used in the breeding and selection programme of the respectivecommodity research programmes (NMRP and NWRP). Since then, a number of Nepalesescientists have been trained in different fields. The over three decades of NARC-


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CIMMYT partnership in research and development of maize and wheat has beenfocussed on breeding and varietal development, crop management, source seedproduction, dissemination, soil health research and strengthening the capacity of NMRPand NWRP. A remarkable progress in wheat production during the three decades ofNARC-CIMMYT partnership has been achieved with more than six folds increment inwheat area and ten fold increment in production. Similarly, the importance of maize hasincreased substantially in Nepal in the past 30 years with area and production nearlydoubling. Presently, the South Asia Regional Office of CIMMYT is housed in NARCBuilding in Kathmandu.

6.3.1.5 The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development

(ICIMOD), based in Kathmandu, serves the eight countries of the Hindu KushHimalayas – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal andPakistan and the global mountain community. The ICIMOD Demonstration and TrainingCentre at Godavari is used to test, select and demonstrate different technologies (farmingand agro-forestry) and practices useful for sustainable development and natural resourcemanagement; to train farmers and those who work with them; and as a repository forplant germplasm resources. Present day-activities focus on vegetation management; soilmanagement; water management; income generation through high value cash crops,horticulture, and bee keeping; livestock; biodiversity; renewable energy technologies;community outreach/off-site demonstration, training, and provision of materials;scientific research; and training and dissemination.

Other IARCs involved in Nepal include CIP (International Potato Center), CIAT(International Centre of Tropical Agriculture), IITA (International Institute of TropicalAgriculture), IFPRI (International Food and Policy Research Institute), Asian VegetableResearch and Development Centre (AVRDC) etc. are involved in exchange of geneticmaterials through collaborative and counterpart research system.

6.3.1.6 Local/Informal Networks in Exchange of Genetic Materials

Local crop development and the traditional seed supply system are an important sourceof diversity for the majority of farmers. An understanding of local crop developmentbecomes essential to identify the processes of the traditional seed supply system and tostrengthen the seed system in Nepal. Bellon (1996), Sthapit and Jarvis (1999), Baniya etal 2000 and Subedi et al (2001) distinguished three distinct steps.

geneflows by which farmers obtain seed of a given variety by exchange withinthe community or intervention from the formal sector such as minikits, trials etc,

human selection of varieties by which farmers make a choice of seed lot

natural selection of varieties by which nature selects a specific populationadapted for local conditions (Figure 1).

Studying gene flows will enable a better understanding of the processes by which seed isstored and exchanged and the associated impact on the distribution of varietal diversity. Theseed flow process of seed systems in both formal and informal systems, includes thefollowing;


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Exchange of seed between relatives, neighbours and friends Exchange of seed outside the village or community Gifts from relatives, friends and formal research stations Purchase from local and outside seed producers Purchase of seed within the market (local, national and international) Retail outlets of formal sectors and seed entrepreneurs


In Nepal, there is both formal and informal seed supply system in operation. In theformal sector, NSC, DOA and NARC stations produce and distribute seed of newimproved varieties of various crops following certification procedures (Annex 5).Farmers in distant places have no access to NSC seeds, as NSC limits its seed supplyonly to district headquarters in the hills and mountain. The private companies alsoconfine their seed supply where the profit margins are high. The farmers have limitedaccess to quality seed of new improved varieties and this also through the seedproduction, demonstration and mini-kit programme of DADO. As per the guidance of theNinth Five Year Plan, DOA had launched the District Seed Self-Sufficiency Program(DISSPRO) in 15 districts in 1996. The program is expected to over all 75 districts in thecoming Interim Three Year Plan (2007-2010). Today, the DISSPRO has been extended to59 districts. According to the Directorate of Crop Development, the DISSPRO hasproduced and distributed 4552 MT of seeds of different crops within the same districts in2005 (Table 9).

The informal seed supply system, i.e. farmer to farmer seed exchange, is by far themost important in terms of tonnage of seed produced. In general, only 7 % of cereal seedrequirements are met by the formal sector, while the more than 90% of seed demand issupplied by the informal and on-farm sources. Furthermore, a couple of studies carriedout in Jumla (Mountain), Kaski (Hill) and Bara (terai) in 1999 and 2000 showed thatfarmers' seed use is rather revealing. As much as 60 to 90% of their seed is saved on-farm, while only 2% is obtained from public and private companies. The remaining 10 to40% is obtained from informal or local sources. With the increasing support of GOs andNGOs and the involvement of private enterprises in the seed sector, the scenario haschanged now and is believed to be improved.

Gene Bank(ex situ)

Breeding

FORMALSYSTEM

Seed production

Seed qualitycontrol

Distribution

SeedPlanting

Cultivation

HarvestStorage

LocalSystem

Seedexchange

Consumption

Market

Growers

(Source: adapted from Walter de Boef, 1997)

Figure 1 Linkage of formal and informal/farmer seed system in Nepal


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7.1 Community Based Seed Production (CBSP) Program

CBSP Program was started in 2000 with SDC funded project HMRP/CIMMYT, isdesigned to increase the access of high quality seeds of new high yielding locallyaccepted maize variety (preferred and selected themselves through PVS) to farmers in thecommunity of the hills of Nepal. This program aims at strengthening the capacity of thelocal community as seed producers to undertake the seed production and marketingactivities. CBSP has implemented in collaboration with government and non-governmental organizations as implementing partner.

There are similarities between DISSPRO, carried out by DADO, and CBSPproviding subsidies, production planning and selection of production locations. Growersinvolved in both schemes are dependant on implementers for the supply of FS and marketlinkages. CBSP encourages inclusion of Dalits and women in the groups, whereas,DISSPRO normally looks at the risk bearing capacity of the seed producer farmers.DISSPRO normally promotes seed multiplication of released varieties whereas CBSP isflexible on it and it encourages producing seeds of crop varieties, which are promising,has good demand and produces more. It could be a local or variety in pipeline. The CBSPprogram has grown from 7 groups that produced 14 Mt of maize seed in 2000 to 25groups, which produced 243 Mt maize seed from 150 ha area in 25 districts in 2008(CDD, 2009). Several I/NGOs like LIBIRD, FORWARD, CEAPRED etc and small grantpartners adopting CBSP program to ensure seed supply at community level.

7.2 Farmer seed practices by crops and extent of farmer-to farmer exchange ofseed

These processes of gene flow as mentioned above may vary with variation inethnicity, social networks and specific local conditions. Table 22 reveals that most Nepalifarmers retain their own seed and purchase of seed from the market is not a commonpractice except in a border district Bara. Subedi et al (2001) found that seed flows in therice crop occur mainly through exchange (54-63%), gift (20-31%) followed by purchase(10-14%). Farmer’s own seed and exchange of seed with members of the community areimportant sources for both livelihoods and food security in Nepal. Subedi et al 2001 alsofound that there are a few key nodal individuals who are playing a significant role in theflow of genetic materials and seed requirement. Some of the key individuals also havelinks outside the village bringing in new genetic materials, thus deploying new varietaldiversity within the village. Further analysis of the nodal persons in terms of theirhousehold level diversity maintenance shows that the majority of them belong to the highto medium diversity maintaining group of farmers (Rana et al. 2000).


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Table 21. Importance of rice gene flow (%) in informal andformal seed system (Baniya et al., 2000; 2001)

Source of seed ♣ Bara Kaski Jumla

Own seed 67 97 79

Relative 7 1 8

Neighbour 11 2 11

Purchase from market 13 0 0

Formal sector 2 0 2

♣Figure includes both modern and local landraces.

Informal seed flow, in the form of seed exchange from formal/informal sectors andlocal seed merchants make the seed supply system and local crop development moredynamic and it is important to recognize the importance of informal seed systems throughsocial networks. The seed sector projects usually fail to recognize the strength of suchinformal systems and undermine the local system that covers 90% of seed transactions. Inthe local system farmers select and maintain local crop diversity that address their needs andtherefore, conserve potential genetic resources for future use (Figure 1). Local cropdevelopment or farmer breeding can be considered as a process for managing gene-flow thatoperates in parallel with formal breeding. A large proportion of modern wheat, rice andmaize varieties are maintained on-farm in this way and, therefore, national seed strategyshould find ways to strengthen the informal seed system along with the formal system forsustainable seed supply in the country. Various local institutions, CBOs, NGOs/INGOs andthe private sector can play a role in achieving this goal.

7.3 Farmer seed selection and procurement behavior

Seed selection by farmers from their own crop is common practice in Nepal.Farmer’s seed practices are critical part of the informal seed systems for maintaining andimproving local or adopted varieties. In Nepal, primarily women are involved in seedproduction and selection right from field practices till processing and storage activities.Common selection methods realized during different phases of seed production are:(Marija H.T., et al, 2008)

Selecting healthy and ‘true-to-type’ seeds from the stored grain, i.e. seeds thatresembles those of the mother crops and do not show obvious disease symptoms

Selecting after harvesting, but before threshing and storage, where best lookingears and heads are kept separately for seed.

Selecting while harvesting a particular field or part of the field that performs welland selected portion is harvested separately for seed.

Picking of individual plants just before the harvesting of the whole field.

Marking of healthy and good looking individual plants during the season andharvested separately


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Seed production fields are isolated with crop production in case of aware andexperience seed producer groups.

Farmers in some of the districts are also adopting Participatory Variety Selection(PVS) through carry out Mother- Baby trials, Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB)/ ClientOriented Breeding (COB). In which farmers select preferred varieties with desired traitsduring early years of trials and selected varieties are used for further seed multiplicationprogram through DISSPRO/CBSP.

7.4 Farmers' knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system

Farmers' knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system in Nepal hasnot yet well developed and systematic. Lack of sensitization and awareness programsabout importance and use of quality seeds to the majority of farmers are leading lowSRR. Poverty, small holdings, irrigation, fertilizer, credit, transportation and combinationof other constraints are limiting the commercialization of seed industry. However, inrecent days there is encouraging involvement of public/private sector and governmentpolicies guidance for future prospects of better seed business. Farmers seed producergroups are converting slowly in to co-operatives with upgraded institutional capacity,physical facilities and organized seed marketing system. On the other hand, private seedenterprises are also coming up as per the provision of government policy of private sectorin seed business/industry particularly involved in vegetable and high value crop seeds.Training to farmers and strengthening seed program by the support services of publicsector with user friendly seed polices certainly lead the commercialized seed industry andsustainable seed supply at domestic and international level as well.


Skilled and trained manpower with other resources is key factor for the over allsuccess of seed sector. Presently the country does not have enough professionalmanpower to implement programs effectively. However, government has been trying todevelop human resource and establishment of facilities required to meet the requireddemand. Some institutions involved in HRD through academic, research and trainingactivities are as follows:

8.1 Academic Courses

8.1.1 Tribhuvan University (Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science - IAAS)

The Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS) began as a School ofAgriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture in 1957 to train junior technicians. Now theIAAS, under Tribhuvan University, offers Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. programmes indifferent agricultural and animal science faculties. The institute also offers specializedcourses on (i) principles and practices of seed technology, and (ii) vegetable seedproduction for bachelor's students. Besides teaching, the IAAS implements research andextension programmes through a core of over 150 faculty members at its campuses.


202


8.1.2 Purbanchal University (Himalayan College of Agricultural Science and

Technology - HICAST) The Himalayan college of Agricultural Science andTechnology (HICAST) offers two courses on seed production (i) project work onvegetable seed production and (ii) seed production technology in the second and the thirdyear of its Bachelor Agriculture Programme (B.Sc Honours).

8.2 Training Course

8.2.1 Agricultural Training Directorate (ATD)

The Agriculture Training Directorate (ATD) under DoA also offers seed technologycourses at different levels for officers, junior technicians and leader farmers. The ATDhas developed general course curricula on various topics. The officers' training isconducted at central level whereas the junior technicians' and leader farmers' trainings areconducted at five regional training centers.

8.2.2 Program Directorates (PD)

There are twelve commodity program directorates under DoA, they are also directlycarrying out the trainings to officers, technicians and farmers as per the need of thespecific subjects.For example DOPP conducting the training on plant health includingseed treatment, IPM and plant quarantine to employees of extension and farmers.

8.2.3 SQCC/NSB,

This organization is involved in a number of trainings on the various aspects relatedto seed quality control and seed policy to seed analysts, field inspectors and seedsamplers of public and private sector. This organization has also been givenresponsibility to conduct the training to the seed traders.

8.2.4 NARC

This institution carried out training on seed health testing for fungi in 2005 and 2006.The trainings were conducted in three parts for 40 employees of seed testing laboratories,plant quarantine check posts, research stations, teaching institutions, private seedlaboratory and forestry. Outreach program of NARC conducting the trainings related tozero tillage, crop production, field management etc.

8.2.5 NGO/INGO

Various NGO/INGO working in the country carry out different types of trainingrelated to seed production, field management and marketing to the technicians andfarmers of their command areas.

8.3 Weakness in formal education and skill development training on seedtechnology

The inadequate efforts of related authorities who devise policies to incorporate seedsector study from the inception importance and practice in any of the formal and informaleducation system in Nepal caused to reflect the weaknesses. This is further pointed outselectively as follows:


203


8.3.1 Formal education

Accredited agricultural study programs are established but emphasis on seed isminimal:

No Agricultural University in Nepal, but colleges provide academic programs

Ph D program on seed technology has not started yet

Need based curricula incorporating seed are not designed well

Mostly theory and lecture oriented approach of educational system

Lack of subject specific professors and teachers

Poor weightage for research works and thesis

8.3.2 Skill development training

Lack of professional and skilled trainers

Capacity building program of seed quality control centre and private seed sectoris lacking (HRD, Infrastructure, equipments, trainings etc)

Inadequate need based syllabus

Illiterate farmers' group

8.4 Donor's involvement

Several international donors in the past were involved and various seed sectordevelopment projects were implemented, which supported to get seed divisionstrengthening. But at the moment donor's involvement is non-existent. But there are a fewdonors like SDC and USAID financing to NGO for training on vegetables & cereals seedproduction and marketing to the farmers and extension workers in their command areas.

8.5 Areas for skills and capacity building

Among others, some sectors which can be highlighted are:

Seed development and production technology (OPVs and Hybrids): NARC,SQCC, DoA Farms, DADO staffs, seed cooperatives and private seed companies

Seed testing ( GMO/LMO, purity, seed health): CSTL, RSTLs and privatelaboratories

Seed value chain (processing, packaging, branding and marketing): CBOs, CBSPgroups, FGs etc

Technical and institutional capacity build up of FMSP

- need based trainings and visits

- mini processing plants, mini storage house and equipments

- seed quality assurance techniques internal as well as external

Overall capacity strengthening of SQCC/NSB for official certification of BS/FS


204

Conclusions And Recommendations

The potential areas where skills for capacity building are enormous in public as well asprivate sectors which could encompass farmers’ capacity, research and developmentactivities, capacity building for extension workers, trading entrepreneurs of privatesector. The infrastructural bases that are presently in existence, both on private and publicsector, is adequately developed. But professional support of regional and internationalorganizations would positively help. In the same context, utilization of SAARCcooperative efforts could be maximized in the sphere of exchanging know-how, technicalcapabilities and enhance practical works from farmers’ levels to government level withmaximum participation of private entities.


To meet the growing needs of the nation's food security, it is important to makeavailable wide range of seeds of superior quality in adequate quantity on a timely basis toNepali farmers. Vegetable seeds supply situation in the country is heavily importdependant. Both Formal and informal sector seed institutions can be encouraged and bestrengthened to enhance production and supply of quality seed at local level in affordableprice, at right time and demanded variety and quantity towards enhancement of annualseed replacement rate and reduce existing yield gap to ultimately meet the objective offood security.

Based on study done so far, following recommendations are drawn for furtherimprovement of over all seed sector in Nepal:

♦ Existing SRR could be increased through production and supply of quality seedby strengthening informal/farmers’ seed management practices with properplanning and implementing well.

♦ Structure, capacity and functioning of DISSPRO/CBSP programs need adequatetechnical support services and facilities for seed processing, storage andmarketing system be institutionalized.

♦ Research, maintenance and production of BS and FS of demanded crop varietiesshould be primarily done by NARC and public/private institutions. For this,“seed balance sheet” prepared by NSB at national grid should be implementedeffectively by concerned stakeholders.

♦ Increased involvement of private sector in seed production, processing, handling,marketing and internal QA mechanism through licensing for seed laboratoryoperation and appointment of CI, SS and SA for the enforcement of seedlegislation effectively and widely.

♦ BS/FS production and maintenance authority to private sector should be providedwith certain terms and conditions

♦ Issuance of orange and green certificates for seeds meant for export so CSTLneeds accredited by ISTA

♦ Human Resource Development (trainings and higher education) on GMO testing,DNA finger print analysis, seed health etc.

♦ Establishment and strengthening of laboratories for PSM and institutionalizationof SPS measures with harmonized regulations


205

Conclusions And Recommendations

♦ Approval and enactment of PVP/FR Bill as soon as possible for protection offarmers’ and breeders’ right Harmonization of different seed related act,regulations, PVP/FR act and Plant quarantine acts among and between SAARCcountries

♦ Identification of export promotion zones & seed production zones for specificcrop & variety.

♦ Technology transfer to seed traders. Encourage producing established variety offoreign countries within Nepal on contract production. (eg. Pakistan wants toproduce its variety of peas in Nepal, as it needs 500 Mt. of seed.)

♦ Registration and regulation of imported seeds and discourage import of GMS andterminator gene

♦ Investment in infrastructures development for the private sectors-equipments,infrastructure and technology (R&D) development

♦ Need of strong and effective quarantine facilities in the boarders and strong post-entry monitoring and regulation of seeds

♦ Strengthening vegetable breeding and varietal research capability of both publicand private seed industry so that import substitution can be realized.

♦ The sui generis system of plant variety protection would be more appropriate inNepalese context than UPOV model

♦ Seed Certification system in vegetable crops should be started soon

♦ Subsidy in seed and fertilizers to farmer seed management practices

♦ Necessary trained human resource to be developed and required facilities to beestablished for Hybridization program both in cereals and vegetables


206

References

10. References

Shrestha C.B., E. Wulff and J. Torp, 2007. Seed Sector Country Profile: Nepal, Vol I, Overview ofSeed Supply Systems and Seed Health Issues, Feb 2007.

Shrestha, P.K., K. Adhakari and M.N. Shrestha, 2008. Implication of Plant Variety Protection(PVP) & Farmer’s Right (FR) Roll on Seed production & Marketing in Nepal. In:Proceedings of the Fourth National Seed Seminar, 19-20 June 2008 national Seed Board(NSB) Harihar Bhavan, Lalitpur Nepal.

Sthapit B and R.P. sah 2001.Strengthening Crop Research and Farmer Seed System, In:Proceeding of the Third National Seed Seminar, Aug 13-14, 2001. MoAC/ National SeedBoard, 2001, Nepal

CEAPRED 2008. Proceeding of National Interactive workshop on Vegetable seed MarketingLinkage Development, June 2008, Central for Environment & Agricultural Policy, Research,Extension & Development Nepal.

Gauchan, D. and Upadhyaya M.P., 2008. Crop Genetic Resources: its potential and Prospects forConservation, Management and use in Crop improvement, In: Proceedings of the FourthNational Seed Seminar, 19-20 June 2008 national Seed Board (NSB) Harihar Bhavan,Lalitpur Nepal.

Shrestha, M.N. 2007. Current Seed Production Practices, Paper presented at the Tailor- madeTraining Programme in Seed production and seed Techonology in Nepal, 17-26 Sep. 2007,SEAN, Kathmandu.

SEAN Seed Trader Survey Reports, Kathmandu (Nepal): Seed Entrepreneurs’ Association ofNepal.

SEAN 2005. Nepalese Seed Industry at a Glance, Seed Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal, June2005.

Gauchan, D., B.K. Baniya, M. P. Upadhaya and A. Subedi, 2002. National plant GeneticResources Policy for food and Agriculture: A Case study of Nepal, A report submitted toInternational Plant Genetic Resource Institute (IPGRI), Asia-Pacific-Ocenia (APO)-Regional Office Malaysia, Sep. 25, 2002.

Thapa, M., L.P. Acharya and B. Thapa 2008. Existing Seed Policies & Quality Assurance Systemin Nepal ways forward, In: Proceeding of the Fourth National Seed Seminar, 19-20 June2008, NSB, Harihar Bhavan, Lalitpur Nepal.

Shresthsa, N.C.T.D. and G. K K.C. 2008. National Plant quarantine Program, Sanitary & Phyto-Sanitary measures in Global perspectives, In: Proceeding of the Fourth National SeedSeminar, 19-20 June 2008, NSB, Harihar Bhavan, Lalitpur Nepal.

NSB 2001. Proceeding of the Third National Seminar, Aug. 13-14, 2001 Ministry of Agricultureand Co-operatives (MoAC), National Seed Board (NSB) Kathmandu Nepal Dec. 2001.

MoAC, 2008. Statistical Information on Nepalese Agriculture 2007/2008, Agri-BusinessPromotion & Statistical Division, Ministry of Agriculture & Co-operative, Katmandu Nepal2008.

SQCC, 2008. Annual Progress Report 2007/2008, MoAC/Seed Quality Control Center, HariharBhawan, Lalitpur, Nepal

Thapa M, 2005. Review of Area, Production, Food availability, Input supply for Major crops andFuture Prospects, In: Proceeding of the Third National Agronomist Workshop, CropDevelopment Directorate/DoA, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur, Nepal

Marija H.T., Z. Bishaw, A. Beshir and W.S. de Boef, 2008. Farmers, Seeds and Varieties,


207

References

Supporting informal seed supply in Ethiopia, Wageningen International, 2008.

Pradhan G.P., D.R. Bhandari and N.D. pandey 1997. District Level Seed Sufficiency Program, AGuideline, Crop Development Division, Harihar Bhavan, Lalitpur, Nepal, 1997.

Chand S.P. and D. K. Karki, 2005. Community Based Seed Production in the Hill Maize ResearchProject (HMRP): Review and Recommendations, Report submitted to Hill Maize ResearchProject/ CIMMYT-SDC, Nov. 2005.

AED.2006. District wise information on NGOs, Agro-vets and private resource persons involvedin agriculture sectors. DOA, AED, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur.

Louwaars P. Niels, 2002. Seed Policy, Legislation and Law


208

Annex 1.

11. Annexure

Annex 1.


209

Yield trend of Maize in Nepal

y = 30.404x - 58989

R2 = 0.9273

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

1982

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

Years

Yie

ld (

kg

/ha

)

Yield trend of Wheat in Nepal

y = 46.052x - 90302

R2 = 0.9381

0500

1000

1500

2000

2500

1982

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

Years

Yie

ld (

kg/h

a)

Yield trend of Oilseeds in Nepal

y = 6.7939x - 12914

R2 = 0.6398

0100200300400500600700800

1982

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

Years

Yie

ld (

kg

/ha)

Yield trend of Pulses in Nepal

y = 15.009x - 29240

R2 = 0.793

01002003004005006007008009001000

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

Years

Yie

ld (

kg

/ha

)

Yield trend of Vegetables in Nepal

y = 258.61x - 507137

R2 = 0.9906

02000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

Years

Yie

ld (

kg/h

a)

Yield trend of Potato in Nepal

y = 297.43x - 584595

R2 = 0.9045

02000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

1982

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

Years

Yie

ld (

kg/h

a)

Yield trend of Paddy in Nepal

y = 36.881x - 71221

R2 = 0.784

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

Years

Yie

ld (

kg

/ha

)

Yield trend of Sugarcane in Nepal

y = 663.53x - 1E+06

R2 = 0.863

050001000015000200002500030000350004000045000

1982

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

Years

Yie

ld (

kg

/ha

)

Annex 2. Yield trends of different Crops

Annex 2. Yield trends of different Crops


210

Annex 3. List of Seed Import house in Nepal (2007) and Annex 4. Export and Import of Vegetable Seeds

Annex 3. List of Seed Import house in Nepal (2007)

S.No Organization District Location

1 Annapurna Beej Bhandar Kathmandu Asan

2 Annapurna Agrovet Center Rupandehi Butwal

3 Chitwan Agrovet Center Banke Nepalgunj

4 Dahal Trading Concern Kathmandu Tripureswor

5 Gorkha Seed Traders Kathmandu Kalimati

6 Jay Kishan Seed Center Kathmandu Tebahal

7 Jay Laxmi Seed Center Parsa Birgunj

8 Karma & Sons Traders Kathmandu Swayambhu

9 Krishak Beej Bhandar Parsa Birgunj

10 Nepal Seed Company Lalitpur Pulchowk

11 Ranjan Enterprises P.Ltd Parsa Birgunj

12 Timalsina Seed Concern Kathmandu Shantinagar

13 Trimurti Agrovet Banke Nepalgunj

Annex 4. Export and Import of Vegetable Seeds

Export of vegetable seeds to third country during 2007/2008

Crop quantity Amount(NRs)

Potato seeds

USA 21218 kg 198492

Vegetable seeds

Cheq Republic 100 kg 191088

Japan 40 kg 4358239

Korea 366kg 690501

Thailand 365 kg 1469053

Import of Vegetable Seeds from Third Country during 2007/2008

Crop Amount (NRs)

Potato seed

China 38814

Japan 3584


211

Annex 3. List of Seed Import house in Nepal (2007) and Annex 4. Export and Import of Vegetable Seeds

Coriander

China

Vegetable Seed

Bangladesh 891340

China 792975

Japan 39462227

Korea 8019284

Taiwan 438341

Thailand 8629165

USA 716300

Denmark 1579944

Italy 1180145

Source: Nepal Overseas Trade Statistics2007/2008. Trade and Export Promotion Centre


212

Annex 4a. Seed Production and Distribution in 2008/09(Mt.) by seed producers

Annex 4a. Seed Production and Distribution in 2008/09(Mt.) by seed producers

Seed Co / Groups Paddy Wheat Lentil Tori Rajma Maize Bodi Mung VegetablePaddy(Early) Jute Total

Bij Bridhi Co.Pvt LtdPithuwa7 Chitwan

145 82.9 6.7 2.73 2.33 77.6 0.312 172.572

Malla Bij Suppliers, TadiChitwan

178.51 68.5 2 15 1.5 70 1 336.51

Unnat Bij Bridhi SamuhaPatehani, Chitwan

397 65 9.2 2 11 484.2

Shri Ram Bij Bridhi SamuhaParbatipur Chitwan

133.6 47.6 3 5 2.78 191.98

Ankur Biu Bijan Sakari SasthaPvt Ltd Bara

31.035 12 0.5 1.2 0.115 0.2 45.05

Lumbhini Seed Co. Pvt.Bhairahawa

285.47 301 2 588.47

Universal Seed Co.Pvt LtdBhairahawa

439.45 635 1074.45

Kalika seed co. Ltd 81.3

Samuhik Bij Bridhi Co.Dumaria Rauthahat

261.6 199.67 461.272

Everest Seed Co Pvt Ltd.Khumaltar

68.35 65 9 142.35

Manoj International Traders,Parsa

17.5 368 385.5

Bisaal Trading Bara 31 31

Unik Biu Udhog Dhanagadi 100 22.8 13 135.8

Salt Trading 580.09 580.086

RSTL Sundurpur 8.8 4 12.8

Li-bird 79.47 79.47

National Seed Co Ltd 931.15 2989.8 5.628 1.546 0.25 5.055 2.746 3936.157

Ram Janaki Krishi Farm,Biratnagar

70 100 2 10 3 185

Kalisthan BahuudheshyaKisan Samuha, Bahuni 8Morang

32 24 1.2 7 64.2

Tanki sinawari krishi upajbajar babasthapan SahakariSastha Morong

42.75 29 4 5 80.75

Gaanesh Krishi SahakariSastha Bhairahawa

23 23

CEAPRED 86.81 86.81

Total 3243.9 5703.4 36.228 22.48 19.945 189.63 1.312 8.2 91.865 4 2.746 8987.617

Source: SQCC


213

ProducerCategory of

SeedRemarks

Commodity developmentprogram of NARC withsupervision of Concernbreeder

Breeder Seed1. Genetically 100% pure2. Available in small amount3. Source seed for FS

Public and Privatefarms/ centre withsupervision of Concernagriculturist

FoundationSeed

1. Genetically & physically pure according to standard2. Available in Limited amount3. Labeled with White certification tag4. Source Seed for certified 1st

generation

∗ f] ^\ofu nufOPsf] .

∗ k|dfl)ft aLpsf]nflu >f]t aLp .

Contract farmers ofNSC, seed traders andfarmers of DISSPROprogram.

CertifiedSeed-1st generation

1. Available in good amount2. Labeled with Blue certification tag3. Source Seed for certified 2nd

generation

CertifiedSeed-2nd

generation

1. Available in required amount2. Labeled with Green certification tag3. Source Seed for improve seed production

General growers(Food production)

Improve Seed

1. Available in sufficient amount2. Truthful label of yellow colour tag3. Source Seed for improve seed production.

Contract farmers of NSC,seed traders and farmers ofDISSPRO program.

Annex 5. Formal Seed Production System

Annex 5. Formal Seed Production System

Source: SQCC


214

Annex 6. minimum Seed Standards for Certification


S.

N.English name

Pure seed

(%)Inert matter

% (max)Other crop seed

(max. in no.)

Weed seed

max.(Designated)

( no.)

Otherdistinguishable

variety

(max.. in no.)

Germination(Min.)

%

Moisture

(max.)

%

Moisturemax. in

vapor proofcontainers(max.) %

F C F C F C F C F C F C F C F C

1 Paddy/Rice 98 98 2 2 10/kg 20/kg 2/kg 5/kg 10/kg 20/kg 80 80 13 13

2 Wheat 98 98 2 2 10/kg 20/kg 2/kg 5/kg 10/kg 20/kg 85 85 12 12

3 Maize 98 98 2 2 5/kg 10/kg 0/kg 0/kg 10/kg 20/kg 85 85 12 12

4 Finger Millet 97 97 3 3 10/kg 20/kg 10/kg 20/kg - - 75 75 11 11

5 Barley & Naked Barley 98 98 2 2 10/kg 20/kg 10/kg 20/kg 10/kg 20/kg 85 85 12 12

6 Mustard & Rape Seed 97 97 3 3 10/kg 20/kg

5/kg10/kg(Totalweedseed)

10/kg20/kg(Totalweedseed)

10/kg 20/kg 85 85 8 8

7 Groundnut 96 96 4 4 0/kg 0/kg 0/kg 0/kg - - 70 70 9 9

8 Soyabean 98 98 2 2 5/kg 10/kg 5/kg 10/kg 5/kg 10/kg 75 75 9 9

9 Chick pea 98 98 2 2 5/kg 10/kg 0/kg 0/kg 5/kg 10/kg 75 75 9 9

10 Lentil 98 98 2 2 5/kg 10/kg 5/kg 10/kg 10/kg 20/kg 75 75 9 9

11 Blackgram 98 98 2 2 5/kg 5/kg 5/kg 10/kg 10/kg 20/kg 75 75 9 9

12 Cowpea 98 98 2 2 0/kg 10/kg 0/kg 10/kg 5/kg 10/kg 75 75 9 9

13 Mung bean 98 98 2 2 0/kg 10/kg 0/kg 10/kg 5/kg 10/kg 75 75 9 9

14 Pigeonpea /Arhar 98 98 2 2 0/kg 5/kg 0/kg 0/kg 5/kg 10/kg 75 75 9 9

15 Jute 97 97 3 3 5/kg 10/kg 5/kg 10/kg 5/kg 10/kg 80 80 9 9

16 Cotton 98 98 2 2 5/kg 10/kg 5/kg 10/kg - - 65 65 10 10

17 Asparagus Bean 98 98 2 2 0/kg 0/kg 0/kg 0/kg 5/kg 5/kg 75 75 10 10 7 7

18 Spinach & BeetSpinach

96 96 4 4 5/kg 5/kg 5/kg 5/kg - - 65 65 9 9 7 7

19 BitterGrourd 98 98 2 2 0/kg 0/kg 0/kg 0/kg 5/kg 5/kg 65 65 9 9 6 6


215

Annex 7. Seed Standard for truthful labeling

S.N. English name Scientific name Purity% Germination%

1 Barley Hordeum vulgare 97.0 85.0

2 Finger Millet Eleusine coracana 96.0 70.0

3 Maize Zea mays 97.0 85.0

4 Paddy/Rice Oryza sativa 97.0 80.0

5 Wheat Triticum spp. 97.0 80.0

6 Blackgram Vigna mungo 97.0 70.0

7 Chick pea Cicer arietinum 97.0 75.0

8 Cowpea Vigna unguialata 97.0 70.0

9 Lentil Lens culinaris 98.0 75.0

10 Mung bean Phaseolus radiatus 97.0 70.0

11 Pigeon pea /Arhar Cajanus cajan 97.0 70.0

12 Groundnut Arachis hypogaea 96.0 70.0

13 Mustard & Rape Seed Brassica spp. 97.0 75.0

14 Soyabean Glycine max 97.0 75.0

15 Cotton Gossypium spp. 96.0 65.0

16 Jute Corchorus spp. 96.0 75.0

17 Asparagus Bean Vigna sesquipedalis 97.0 70.0

18 Spinach & Beet spinach Spinacia oleracea & Betavulgaris var. flavescens

95.0 65.0

19 Bitter Gourd Momordica charantia 97.0 65.0

20 Broad leaf mustard Brassica juncea var. rugosa 97.0 75.0

21 Bushbean & Polebean Phaseolus vulgaris 97.0 70.0

22 Cabbage Brassica oleracea var.capitata

97.0 70.0

23 Capsicum/Sweet pepper Capsicum annum 97.0 65.0

24 Carrot Daucus carota 94.0 65.0

25 Cauliflower Brassica oleracea var.botrytis

98.0 70.0

26 Chilli/Hot pepper Capsicum frutescens 97.0 65.0



216

27 Cucumber Cucumis sativus 97.0 65.0

28 Egg Plant Solanum melongena 97.0 65.0

29 Fenugreek Trigonella foenumgraecum 97.0 70.0

30 Okra Abelmoschus esculentum 98.0 70.0

31 Onion Allium cepa 97.0 65.0

32 Pea Pisum sativum var. arvense 97.0 70.0

33 Radish Raphanus sativus 97.0 70.0

34 Spongegourd Luffa cylindrica 97.0 65.0

35 Summer squash Cucurbita pepo 97.0 65.0

36 Swisschard Beta vulgaris var. cicla 96.0 65.0

37 Tomato Lycopersicon esculentum 97.0 70.0

38 Turnip Brassica rapa 97.0 70.0

39 Water melon Citrullus lanatus 97.0 65.0


Quality Seed in Pakistan

218


219

QUALITY SEED IN PAKISTAN

PRODUCTION, PROCESSING, LEGALAND QUALITY CONTROL AND MARKETING SYSTEM

Dr. Tassawar Hussain MalikDeputy Agricultural Development Commissioner

Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Islamabad, Pakistan

December 2009


220

Content

C o n t e n t

Topic Page

List of tables 222

List of figures 223

List of abbreviations and acronyms 224

Chapter 1 : Introduction: Background and objectives 225

Chapter 2 : Agricultural and Seed Scenario 226

2.1. Agrarian structure and land use 226

2.2. Trends in crop yields 230

2.3. Seed requirement by crop 232

2.4. Trends in seed trade 236

Chapter 3: Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Public Seed System 250

3.1 Public sector seed corporations 250

3.2 Seed security and Biodiversity conservation 252

Chapter 4: Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Private Seed Sector 254

4.1 Multinational seed companies (MNSCs) 254

4.2 Seed associations/societies in Pakistan 255

Chapter 5: Quality assurance mechanism 257

Chapter 6: Seed Regulations and their Effectiveness 273

6.1. Regulations to deal with seed production, handling and distribution 273

6.2. Regulations for IPR and use of GMS 279

6.3. Exchange of genetic material and seed through International Centers andthrough local centers or institutions in SAARC as well as other countries 290

Chapter 7: Farmer Seed Management Practices 291

7.1. Farmer seed practices by crops 291

7.2. Extent of farmer-to-farmer exchange of seed 291

7.3. Farmer seed selection and procurement behavior 291

7.4. Farmers’ knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system 291


221

Content

Chapter 8: Human Resource Development and Capacity Building 292

8.1. Involvement of academic and research institutions for HRD 292through curriculum development and project support

8.2. Training of farmers and extension workers through the initiatives 293of public, private or donor agencies

8.3. Areas for skills and capacity building 293

Chapter 9: Conclusions and Recommendations 294

10. References 298


222

List of Tables

1. List of Tables

Sr Table Contents Page

1 Table-2.1 Population estimates of Pakistan 227

2 Table-2.2 Land utilization scenario of Pakistan 228

3 Table-2.3 Farm size area of Pakistan 228

4 Table 2.4 Agriculture growth rate (percent) 229

5 Table-2.5 Estimate of % share in GDP at constant factor cost (2000-06) 230

6 Table-2.6 Area, production and yield statistics of some major crops, 231vegetables and fruits in Pakistan during 2005-08

7 Table-2.7 Area of major fruit crops in Pakistan 232

8 Table-2.8 Production of major fruit crops in Pakistan 232

9 Table-2.9 A summary of estimated total seed requirements of various 233crops and vegetables in Pakistan during the year 2006-07

10 Table-2.10 Total seed requirement, availability and distribution status of 234various crops seeds in Pakistan, 2006-07

11 Table-2.11 Distribution of improved seed of major crops in 236 Pakistan during 1999- 2008

12 Table-2.12 Estimated value of the commercial markets for seed based 236on seed availability during 2006-07

13 Table-2.13 Estimated value of the commercial markets for seed based on 237estimated total seed requirement during 2007-08

14 Table-2.14 Seed imports in Pakistan during 2007-08 238

15 Table-2.15 A summary of seed import in Pakistan during 2000-08 238

16 Table-2.16 Various seed companies and their exotic hybrids 239

17 Table-2.17 Export of seeds of various crops from Pakistan during 2000-08 240

18 Table-2.18 Released and registered crop varieties in Pakistan (1980-2009) 248

19 Table-3.1 Seed processing capacity of the PSC, Punjab 251

20 Table-3.2 Seed processing capacity of the SSC, Sindh 251

21 Table-3.3 Seed processing capacity available in NWFP 251

22 Table-3.4 Seed processing capacity available in Balochistan 252

23 Table-4.1 Multinational seed companies working in Pakistan 254

24 Table-4.2 Available processing units with national seed companies 255


223

List of Figures

25 Table-4.3 Seed processing capacity available with multinationals 255

26 Table-4.4 Seed development organizations/societies in Pakistan 256

27 Table-5.1 Various seed categories recognized in Pakistan 258

28 Table-5.2 Seed testing laboratories of FSC&RD 262

29 Table-5.3 Status of registered seed companies in Pakistan 265

30 Table-5.4 Marketing of seed & planting material in Pakistan 265

31 Table-5.5 Field crop inspections carried out during 2000-08 266

32 Table-5.6 Seed testing carried out during 2000-08 267

33 Table-5.7 Seed availability position during 2000-08 268

34 Table-5.8 Progress in seed availability (mt) from 2000 to 2007-08 268

35 Table-5.9 A summary seed development projects of FSC&RD 271

36 Table-5.10 Fruit plants Germplasm units (GPUs) 272

37 Table-6.1 Seed regulation in Pakistan 274

38 Table-6.2 Four possible types of GM crop varieties 281

39 Table-6.3 Phases of Testing to Release a GM Variety 281

40 Table-6.4 A comparison of a plant variety development cost 286

2. List of Figures

Sr Figure Contents Page

1 Fig-2.1 Components of Variety Development, Evaluation and` 244Release in Pakistan

2 Fig-5.1 Institutional infrastructure of seed industry of Pakistan 259 under Seed Act, 1976

3 Fig-5.2 Organizational chart of Federal seed certification 263 & registration department

4 Fig-6.1 An outline of procedure for approval of biotech crops in Pakistan 282


224

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms

3. List of Abbreviations and Acronyms

Sr Abbreviations Acronyms

1 SWOTS Strengths, Weaknesses ,Opportunities, Threats and Solution

2 NWFP North West Frontier Province

3 FATA Federally Administered Tribal Areas

4 AJK Azad Jammu and Kashmir

5 WTO World Trade Organization

6 GDP Grass Domestic Products

7 PODB Pakistan Oilseeds Development Board

8 PSC Punjab Seed Corporation

9 SSC Sindh Seed Corporation

10 WPADC West Pakistan Agricultural Development Corporation

11 NSC National Seed Council

12 FSC&RD Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department

13 MinFA Ministry of Food and Agriculture

14 PARC Pakistan Agricultural Research Council

15 CGIAR Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research

16 ECC Economic Coordination Committee

17 VEC Variety Evaluation Committee

18 PCCC Pakistan Central Cotton Committee

19 VEC Variety Evaluation Committees

20 TSR Total Seed Requirement

21 FSI Frontier Seed Industry

22 PAEC Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission

23 IRRI International Rice Research Institute

24 ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas

25 ICRISAT International Centre for Research in Semi-Arid Tropics

26 CIMMTY International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre

27 CIAT International Centre for Tropical Agriculture

28 AVRDC Asian Vegetables Research & Development Centre

29 ZVT Zonal Varietals Trials

30 NARC National Agricultural Research Center

31 TAC Technical Advisory Committee

32 IBC Institutional Biosafety Committee

33 NBC National Biosafety Committee

34 CGIAR Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research

35 IPO Intellectual Property Organization


225

Introduction

Chapter-1

1. INTRODUCTION

Background and Objectives

Seeds include all kinds of plant parts and planting material used for sowing forfurther multiplication and propagation of plants. Seed is single most important single inagricultural production system. It is the most important determinant of agriculturalproduction potential on which the efficiency of other agricultural inputs is depended.Merely by the use of certified seed the crops yield levels can be raised from 20-25%.Seed is considered as an equally important input both for subsistence as well as forprogressive farming.

High quality seeds and vegetative planting materials constitute the basic input toensure sustainable production of commercial crops and horticultural products withrequired uniformity and diversity. The seeds provide the basis for yield potential,diversification, quality of production, transportability and storage behavior of freshproducts and eventually decide the profitability of production system in present dayhighly competitive domestic and global marketing structure.

Definition of seed has been changing with the passage of time along withevolutionary changes. Modern seed is not only a seed but it is a high technology endproduct and also a carrier of new technologies which include both inbuilt (geneticmodifications) and associated technologies (other technologies with seed).

Seed is a living tissue and therefore, differ from any other agriculture input. It carriesa genetic potential and has served as a vehicle of transformation. It therefore, needs avery careful handling both in the process of production as well as handling thereafter, toensure preservation of its genetic composition and other important quality aspects likegerminability etc. In view of these very special characteristics, a close control on itsquality has to be maintained.

Seeds of appropriate quality are required to suit the demand of diverse agro climaticconditions and intensive cropping systems. Sustained increase in production andproductivity is dependent, to a large extent, on the development of new and improvedvarieties of crops and efficient system for timely supply of quality seeds to farmers. It isnot only imperative to develop crop varieties of high yielding potential and quality but allefforts go in vain if the maintenance of variety, early generation seed production andlarge scale distribution of certified seeds is not emphasized.

The present study is aimed at collection and compilation of most accurate facts andfigures about seeds and planting material of various field and horticultural crops of seedindustry of Pakistan. The study is also a kind of SWOTS analysis of the seed industry ofPakistan that will furnish the very useful information for the members of both regionaland global seed family.


226


Chapter-2


2.1. Agrarian structure and land use in Pakistan

2.1.1. Agrarian structure of Pakistan

Pakistan occupies a land area of 880,000 square kilometer and forms part of theSouth Asian Sub-continent. It is bordered by India on the East, China on North-East, Iranon West and Afghanistan on North-West. The Country is characterized by significantvariation in altitude and topography across its territory. Pakistan’s diversity extends to itsclimatic, socio-economic and environmental characteristics that differ significantly fromregion to region. The Country has four provinces, Punjab, North Western FrontierProvince (NWFP), Sindh, Balochistan, and the two federally administered territories: TheFederally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Northern Areas. In addition theterritory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is under the administration of theGovernment of Pakistan. The landscape of the country has seven major distinct physicalregions including the north high mountainous region, the western low mountainousregion, the salt range or Potohar uplands, the plateau of Balochistan, the upper Indus orPunjab plains, the lower Indus or Sindh plains and the coastal area. Pakistan, a land ofmany splendors, has continental type of climate characterized by the extreme variationsof temperature.

Agriculture is single largest sector and dominant driving force for growth anddevelopment of the national economy. It has grown at an average rate of 4% per annumin the past two decades. The future programme in agriculture have been focused onattaining higher growth rate by providing the recent shift in Government policies andinstitutional support especially to horticulture, livestock, fisheries, drip irrigation andplastic house technology so that the sector can move forward and enhance its contributionto the economy. The concept of corporate farming is being promoted by Government ofPakistan, for effective implementation of its market oriented economic policy under theemerging scenario of WTO regime.

Pakistan has a geographical area of 79.61 million hectares. Out of which 59.48million hectares is reported. The population is estimated to be 153.96 million (2005) butat the time of independence it was only 32.5 million, so we added hundred million morepeople during the last 59 years (Table-2.1). Table-2.2 shows that the land use andagricultural area is about 22.15 million hectares.

Over the last five years agriculture growth has witnessed a mixed trend. During thefirst two years (2000-01 and 2001-02), the country experienced the crippling drought,which badly affected its agriculture and eventually overall growth in agriculture turnednegative for these two years. In the preceding years (2002-03 to 2004-05), relativelybetter availability of irrigation water had positive impact on overall agricultural growthand this sector exhibited modest to strong recovery.


227


Major challenges and agricultural policy of Pakistan

Main challenges to agriculture of Pakistan include ensuring food security for apopulation of 160 million growing fast at the rate of 2.1% per anum, high cost ofagricultural inputs – water, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc. and capping the prevailingprice hike trend, producing raw material for agro based as well as allied industries of aneconomy growing at the rate of 6% per anum, producing competitive exportable surplusin a rapidly globalizing world, alleviating rural poverty by increasing farmers’profitability and maintaining sector sustainability, complying with sanitary and phyto-sanitary requirements of new WTO regime, coping with water scarcity, agro-energycrisis, environmental degradation and climatic change.

Emphasis on agricultural price policy is an important and relatively a newphenomenon in Pakistan. Overall objective of ‘Agricultural Policy of Pakistan’ is toincrease quantity and quality of agricultural production and promote farm profitabilityand competitiveness in the field of agriculture. Agricultural policy of government ofPakistan centers around enhancing agricultural productivity ensure better returns tofarmers and achieving balance between inputs and out put pries. Our major policy focusis on achieving sustainable food security through increasing productivity, encouragingentrepreneurial agriculture and introducing income diversification interventions at thefarm level. The government is implementing a two pronged agricultural policy includinggenerating growth through bringing additional area under cultivation and narrowingproductivity gap between progressive and subsistence farmers. Additionally, grater focusis placed on promotion of diversification and value addition.

Table-2.1. Population estimates of Pakistan

Year Total population Agriculture labour force

Million Million Percentage

2001-02 146.0 41.8 28.63

2002-03 146.8 43.2 29.43

2003-04 149.7 44.1 29.46

2004-05 152.5 45.7 29.97

2005-06 155.4 46.8 30.12

2006-07 156.8 47.1 31.10

2007-08 159.6 48.2 32.09

Source: Pakistan Economic Survey, 2007-08

2.1.2. Land utilization status in Pakistan

The land utilization scenario and farm size area of Pakistan are given in Tables 2.2 &2.3, respectively.


228


Table-2.2. Land utilization scenario of Pakistan

Land use Area (million hectares)

Total geographical area 79.61

Total reported area 57.05

Forest area 4.22

Not available for cultivation 23.43

Cultivable waste 8.25

Cultivated area 21.17

Current fellow 4.92

Net area sown 16.25

Area sown more than once 7.43

Total cropped area 23.68

Source: Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan, 2007-08

Table-2.3. Farm size area of Pakistan

Farm Size (Hectares) Farm No. (%) Farm Area (%)

Under 0.5 19 2

0.5 to under 1 17 4

1 to under 2 22 10

2 to under 3 15 11

3 to under 5 13 17

5 to under 10 9 19

10 to under 20 4 16

20 to under 40 1 10

40 to under 60 * 3

60 and above * 8

* Negligible Source: Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan, 2007-08

Table-2.3. reveals that fragmentation of land due to traditional inheritance has causedvery small land holding i.e. 86% of farms are less than 5 hectares and only 9% farms arefrom 5 to 10 hectares and 4% farms are 10-20 hectares etc. Similarly 44% of the areabelongs to small holding i.e. less than 5 hectares. The country has 67.3% population inrural area.


229


Table-2.4. Agriculture growth rate (percent)

Year Agriculture Major Crops Minor Crops

2002-03 4.1 6.8 1.9

2003-04 2.4 1.7 3.9

2004-05 6.5 17.7 1.5

2005-06 6.3 -3.9 0.4

2006-07 3.7 8.3 -1.3

2007-08 (P*) 1.5 -3.0 4.9

Average (2002-08) 4.1 4.6 1.9

2008-09 (T**) 5.0 - -

*P (Provisional0 **T (Target)

Source: Source: Pakistan Economic Survey, 2007-08 (www.finance.gov.pk )

Contribution of agriculture sector

Notwithstanding its share in GDP, agriculture is still the single largest sector withpromising contribution in economy of the country. The growth performance ofagriculture over the last six years has been of a volatile nature – ranging from 1.5 percentto 6.5 percent (see Table 2.4). The volatility in agricultural growth is mainly caused bycrop sector which is associated with the vagaries of Mother Nature, pest attacks,adultered pesticides etc. Such volatility is detrimental to income growth of farmers andhampers government efforts to reduce poverty.

Agriculture performed poorly during 2007-08, growing at 1.55 against the target of4.8%. The poor performance of agriculture can be attributed to an equally poorperformance of major crops and forestry, registering negative growth of 3% and 8.5%,respectively. Livestock, minor crops and fishing have been the saving grace as thesesectors have performed reasonably well to compensate the performance of major cropsand forestry to arrive at 1.5% growth rate in agriculture last year. Major crops,accounting for 345 of agriculture and 7.15 of GDP, suffered on account of poor sowingof wheat and cotton and unsatisfactory performance of rice crop. Sugarcane and maizebeing other two major crops, performed impressively in 2007-08. (Pakistan EconomicSurvey, 2007-08).

However, during the current year 2008-09, we are expecting high agricultural growthrate (+-6%) on account of high cotton, rice, maize and wheat production during the year.


230Agriculture and Seed Scenario

Table-2.5. Estimate of % share in GDP at constant factor cost (1969-2009)

Major

Sector

1969-70 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Agriculture 38.90 25.14 24.10 24.00 22.90 22.50 21.60 21.8 20.9

Major

crops

23.40 8.56 8.00 8.20 7..80 8.40 7.60 7.7 7.1

Minor

crops

4.20 3.39 3.10 3.00 2.90 2.80 2.70 2.4 2.4

Livestock 10.60 12.05 12.00 11.80 11.20 10.60 10.70 11.1 10.9

Fisheries 0.50 0.43 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30

Forestry 0.10 0.71 0.70 0.70 0.60 0.40 0.30 0.20 0.20

Source: Pakistan Economic Survey, 2007-08

2.2. Trends in crop yields

Pakistan is privileged to have very diverse climatic condition within the year andtemperature extremes may range from below zero to higher than 50 degree C enabling avide variety of crops to be cultivated successfully with best yield and quality production.There are two main crop growing seasons i.e. kharif (summer) and rabi (winter). Thefood grain like wheat, rice and maize occupy 56% while cash crop like cotton, sugarcaneand tobacco etc. occupy 19% of the cropped area. Other crops such as oilseeds fruits,vegetables, pulses, others and condiments are grown on 25% area. The area, productionand yield of major crops are presented in (Table-2.6). It is apparent from the table 2.6 thatthere is continuously upwards trend in yield in maize and rice along with expansion ofarea under these crops. The yield performance of all other crops is either static or declineand this invites serious attention of breeders, agronomists, seed agencies and stakeholdersto arrest the situation.

Horticultural crops

The country is endowed with a wide range of agro-ecological zones and diverseclimatic conditions that make it possible to grow a large variety of tropical, sub-tropicaland temperate climate fruits and vegetables. Due to various technological andinfrastructure constraints, the performance of horticulture sector is below its potential.


231


Table-2.6. Area, production and yield statistics of some major crops, vegetables& fruits in Pakistan during 2005-08

Crop Area(000’ hectares)

Production(‘000’ tons)

Yield(kg/hec)

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Wheat 8448.0 8578.0 8549.0 21277.0 23294.0 20958.0 2519 2716 2451

Maize 1042.0 1010.0 1051.0 3110.0 3088.0 3604.0 2984 3037 3427

Rice 2621.0 2581.0 2515.0 5547.0 5438.0 5563.0 2116 2107 2212

Barley 90.0 94.0 91.0 87.0 92.0 87.0 973 986 959

Cotton 3103.0 3074.0 3054.0 13019* 12856* 11655* 714 711 649

Pearl millet 441.0 - - 221.0 - - 501 - -

Sorghum 254.0 - - 153.0 - - 600 - -

Gram 1029.0 1052.0 1106.0 480.0 837.0 474.0 466 796 429

Mung bean 209.0 217.0 245.0 114.0 138.0 177.0 546 636 723

Mash 35.0 33.0 32.0 17.0 15.0 17.0 477 479 532

Lentil 34.0 - - 18.0 - - 528 - -

Rapeseed &Mustard

217.0 255.0 244.0 172.0 212.0 176.0 792 830 786

Sunflower - - - -- - - -- 790 880

Groundnut 94.0 93.0 94.0 69.0 73.0 83.0 737 426 429

Sesame 82.0 71.0 76.0 35.0 30.0 32.0 428 693 674

Linseed 5.8 5.0 4.0 2781.0 3.6 3.1 478 - -

Peas 90 - - 52.0 - - 580 - -

Onion 149 131.0 153.0 2056.0 1816.0 2015.0 13825 13824 13163

Garlic 7.0 7.8 8.1 57.0 62.0 63.0 8.2 7987 7877

Chilies 65.0 47.3 64.2 123.0 69.0 116.0 1902 1469 1808

Coriander 5.7 6.3 6.4 2.8 3.2 3.2 491 508 500

Turmeric 3.8 3.9 3.9 35.60 36.6 36.8 9368 9385 9436

Ginger 3.1 2.0 1.9 0.05 - - 459 - -

Potato 117.0 133.4 154.3 1568 2581.0 2539.0 13355 19352 16455

Tomato 46.2 47.0 53.0 468.1 502.3 536.2 10132 10665 10098

Vegetables 246.3 245.5 253.8 3124.8 3138.0 3136.0 - - -

Fodders - - - -- - - - - -

Fruits 814.50 832.9 853.4 7147.6 6011.0 7178.0 - - -

* 000 bales of cotton (1 bale=170 kg)



232


The poor farming practices and inappropriate storage conditions for planting/seedmaterial, lack of Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures in orchard management affect theproductivity of horticultural crops. In order to meet local consumption and to becomeexport competitive, horticultural production needs to be enhanced along withimprovement of quality, proper processing, grading, packaging etc. Area and productionof major fruit crops is given in tables-2.7 & 2.8.

Table-2.7. Area of major fruit crops in Pakistan (‘000’ hectares)

Crop 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Citrus 194 182 177 184 192 193 199

Mango 99 103 103 151 157 164 166

Apple 49 48 111 112 112 113 113

Dates 79 78 75 82 82 85 90

Almond 10 9 10 10 10 11 11

Guava 64 63 62 64 62 62 63

Banana 31 30 32 33 33 35 36


Table-2.8. Production of major fruit crops in Pakistan (‘000’ tones)

Crop 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Citrus 1830 1702 1760 1944 2458 1472 2294

Mango 1037 1035 1056 1671 1754 1719 1754

Apple 367 315 334 352 351 348 442

Dates 630 625 427 622 497 426 557

Almond 26 24 24 23 23 23 27

Guava 539 532 550 572 552 555 538

Banana 150 143 154 158 164 151 158


2.3. Seed requirement by crop

Various seeds requirement estimates in Pakistan estimated for the year 2008-09 aregiven in the tables-2.9 depicting that total seed requirement (TSR) of the country was1.61 million tonnes. Due to less significant change in areas of different crops, therequired quantum of seed is almost same in case of a few consecutive years.

Table-2.10 reveals that during 2006-07, 310,000 tonnes (0.31 million tonnes) seedsof various crops was available and distributed that is about 19.36% of total seedrequirement of the country. During last few years certified seed availability in Pakistanranged between 18-20% reflecting that about 80-82% seed distribution is informal.


233


Table-2.9. A summary of estimated total seed requirements of various crops andvegetables in Pakistan during the year 2006-07

Pakistan

Area* TSRSr# Category Crops/Seeds

(Hec) (MT)

1 Cereals Wheat 8459,000 1015,080

Paddy 2594,200 39,972

Maize 1010,000 30,300

2 Fiber Crops Cotton 3250,000 65,000

4 Oilseeds Sub-Total 981,488 16,040

Sunflower 404,680 3,035

Canola 141,640 708

Rapseed & Mustards 257,200 1,286

Soybean 220 17

Sesame 66,500 333

Linseed 5448 82

Groundnut 105,800 10,580

5 Pulses Sub-Total 1388,240 49,188

Gram 1051,100 42,044

Lentil 40,100 1,203

Mung 258,990 5,180

Mash 38,050 761

6 Fodders Sub-Total 2441,883 73,378

Summer (Sorghum,Clusterbean, maize,millets, mothbean,others)

1191,644 45,113

Winter (Oats, alfalfa,Persian clover,brassica, barley,others)

1256,460 28,136

7 Vegetables More than 53Vegetables, excluding

Garlic

422,374 5,500

8 Others Potato 124,600 311,500

All crops &vegetables Seeds

2,06,71,785 1605,829

(1.61 million tons)

* planted area under the crop during last season/year


234


Table-2.10. Total seed requirement, availability and distribution status ofvarious crops seeds in Pakistan, 2006-07

Crop/

Seed

Total Seed

Requirement

(TSR)

Total Seed Availability & Distribution (MT)

(MT) Public Private Local Import Total Distribution

(Public+

Private)

(Local+

Import)

Wheat 1015080

%age of TSR

85772

(8.45%)

140212

(13.81%)

225984

(22.26%)

0.00 22 5984

(22.00%)

225984

(22.00%)

Paddy 39972

%age of TSR

3152

(7.89%)

10508

(26.29%)

13660

(38.97%)

1106

(2.77%)

14766

(37%)

14766

(37%)

Maize 30300

%age of TSR

356

(1.17%)

983

(3.24%)

1339

(4.42%)

6479

(21.38%)

7818

(26%)

7818

(26%)

Cotton 65000

%age of TSR

3597

(5.53%)

30572

(47.03%)

34169

(52.57%)

0.00

(0.00%)

34169

(53%)

34169

(53%)

Gram 42044

%age of TSR

11

(0.03%)

72

(0.17%)

83

(0.20%)

0.00

(0.00%)

83

(0.20%)

83

(0.20%)

Lentil 1203

%age of TSR

12

(1.00%)

67

(5.57%)

79

(6.57%)

0.00

(0.00%)

79

(7.00%)

79

(7.00%)

Mungbean 5180

%age of TSR

250

(4.83%)

359

(6.93%)

609

(11.76%)

0.00

(0.00%)

609

(12.00%)

609

(12.00%)

Mash 761

%age of TSR

0 0 0

(0%)

0

(0%)

0

(0%)

0

(0%)

Pulses 49188

%age of TSR

273

(0.56%)

498

(1.01%)

771

(1.57%)

0

(0.00%)

771

(2.00%)

771

(2.00%)

Sunflower 3035

%age of TSR

0 0 0 1134

(37.36%)

1134

(37.00%)

1134

(37.00%)

Canola 708

%age of TSR

1

(0.14%)

0

(0.00%)

1

(0.14%)

11

(1.55%)

12

(2.00%)

12

(2.00%)

Rapseeds/

Mustards

1,286

%age of TSR

79

(6.14%)

37

(2.88%)

116

(5.40%)

0.00

(0.00%)

116

(5.40%)

116

(5.40%)


235


Soybean 17

%age of TSR

0 0 0 0 0 0

Sesame 333

%age of TSR

0 3

(0.9%)

3

(0.9%)

0

(0.00%)

3

(1%)

3

(1%)

Linseed 82

%age of TSR

0 0 0 0 0 0

Groundnut 10,580

%age of TSR

7

(0.07%)

0 7

(0.07%)

0

(0.00%)

7

(0.07%)

7

(0.07%)

Oilseeds 16,041

%age of TSR

87

(.54)

40

(0.25%)

127

(0.8%)

1145

(7.14%)

1272

(8%)

1272

(8%)

Fodders 73249

%age of TSR

64

(0.09%)

171

(0.23%)

235

(0.32%)

11570

(15.80%)

11805

(16.12%)

11805

(16.12%)

Vegetables 5,500

%age of TSR

55

(1.00%)

270

(4.91%)

325

(5.91%)

5797

(105.40%)

6122

(111.31%)

6122

(111.31%)

Potato 311500

%age of TSR

588

(0.19%)

727

(0.23%)

1315

(0.42%)

6885

(2.21%)

8200

(2.63%)

8200

(2.63%)

Total 1605830

%age of TSR

93944

(5.85%)

183981

(11.46%)

277925

(17.31%)

32982

(2.05%)

310907

(19.36%)

310907

(19.36%)

Source: Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department (FSC&RD),Islamabad

Seed distribution statistics

Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan reflected the following seed distribution figures ofmajor crops. The figures include the quantity of seed distributed through seed markets outof available quantities and utilized by the growers after deducing the quantities notdistributed or left over.


236


Table-2.11. Distribution* of improved seed of major crops inPakistan during 1999-2008

(000 tonnes)

Crops 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Wheat 106.37 159.22 143.25 129.41 135.51 171.20 168.12 163.46 204.25

Paddy* 3.81 2.27 4.86 4.49 7.55 9.72 12.52 11.90 18.86

Maize* 2.84 2.40 2.96 4.50 5.18 5.95 9.06 9.25 9.78

Cotton 33.40 29.46 39.87 31.12 28.39 28.90 34.17 31.79 29.87

Gram 0.19 0.25 0.31 1.51 1.34 0.57 0.41 0.38 0.26

Oilseeds* 0.15 0.20 0.32 0.99 0.80 1.78 1.79 1.82 1.65

Total 146.76 193.80 191.57 172.02 178.77 218.12 226.07 218.60 264.67

*also includes imported seeds

Note: All crop seeds are not included and seed availability figures may be higherthan seed distribution in many crops that reflects slow penetration of certified seedsamong the farmers

Source: Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan 2007-08 (FSC&RD)

2.4. Trends in seed trade

Commercial market size of seed industry of Pakistan

Total size of Pakistan seed industry that reflects the commercial value of theavailable seed in the country during 2007-08 is about US$ 119.5 million as mentioned intable 2.12 while table 2.13 reflects that commercial value of seed industry of Pakistan bytotal seed requirement during the year 2007-08 was about US$ 644 million.

Table-2.12. Estimated value of the commercial markets for seed based on seedavailability during 2006-07

Crop/Seed SeedAvailability

Price(Average)

Internal Commercial Market(Estimates)*

(MT) (Rs/Kg) (Mill.PKR) (Mill.US$)

Wheat 225984 16 3615.744 59.274

Paddy 14766 21 310.086 5.083

Maize 7818 16 125.088 2.051

Cotton 34169 28 956.732 15.684

Sunflower 1134 400 453.600 7.436

Canola 12 30 0.360 0.006

Rapeseed/Mustard 116 30 3.480 0.057


237


Soybean 0.00 16 0.000 0.000

Sesame 3.00 200 0.600 0.010

Linseed 0.00 150 0.000 0.000

Groundnut 7.00 25 0.175 0.003

Gram 83 23 1.909 0.031

Mungbean 609 32 19.488 0.319

Lentil 79 28 2.212 0.036

Mash 0.00 30 0.000 0.000

Fodders 11805 60 708.300 11.611

Vegetables 6122 127 777.494 12.746

Potato 8200 38 311.600 5.108

Total 310907 7286.868 119.457

Table-2.13. Estimated value of the commercial markets for seed based onestimated total seed requirement during 2006-07

Crop/Seed SeedRequirement

Price(Average)

Internal Commercial Market(Estimates)*

(MT) (Rs/Kg) (Mill.PKR) (Mill.US$)

Wheat 1015080 16 16241.280 266.250

Paddy 39972 21 839.412 13.761

Maize 39972 16 639.552 10.484

Cotton 65000 28 1820.00 29.836

Sunflower 3035 400 1214.00 19.902

Canola 708 30 21.240 0.348

Rapeseed/Mustard 1286 30 38.580 0.632

Soybean 17 16 0.272 0.004

Sesame 333 200 66.600 1.092

Linseed 82 150 12.300 0.202

Groundnut 10580 25 264.500 4.336

Gram 42044 23 967.012 15.853

Mungbean 5180 32 165.760 2.717

Lentil 1203 28 33.684 0.552

Mash 761 30 22.830 0.374

Fodders 73249 60 4394.94 72.048

Vegetables 5500 127 698.500 11.451

Potato 311500 38 11837.00 194.049

Total 1605830 -- 39277.462 643.893


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Quantity of seeds imported in Pakistan during year 2007-08

About 29551 tonnes of seeds amounting to about Rs.3723 million of various cropspecies was imported in Pakistan by private seed sector as given in table-2.14. Most ofthe imported varieties are hybrid. Table-2.15 shows the total seed imports in Pakistanduring the years 2000-08.

Table-2.14. Seed imports in Pakistan during 2007-08

Crop/Seed Quantity Imported

(mt)

Value

(Million PKR)

Import price

(Rs/kg)

Corn 6175.32 1152.86 125-250

Potato 4869.56 245.03 27-62

Canola 14.03 4.14 300

Sunflower 1639.36 421.97 255-300

Millets 531.49 42.18 25-85

Rice 1528.37 225.70 125-200

Sorghum 3743.15 159.14 25-45

Berseem 4106.00 316.23 50-100

Alfalfa 1045.24 147.00 120-150

Grasses 6.16 2.28 300-800

Cycas 4.00 0.35 88

Palm 2.70 1.56 500-650

All Crops 23665.38 2718.45 --

Vegetables 5885.88 1004.76 --

Total 29551.26 3723.21 --

Table-2.15. A summary of seed import in Pakistan during 2000-08

Year Vegetables Other crops Total import

(mt) Mill.PKR (mt) Mill.PKR (mt) Mill.PKR

2000-01 3,445.72 314.68 15,387.00 1,062.22 18,832.71 1,376.91

2001-02 2635.20 309.81 11,696.59 600.38 14,331.79 910.20

2002-03 2,450.63 393.97 18,654.67 1,510.23 21,105.30 1,904.19

2003-04 3,151.32 434.13 10,369.25 962.17 13,520.57 1,396.30

2004-05 4,631.68 599.54 14,977.39 1,511.59 19,609.07 2,111.13

2005-06 6,526.14 803.80 25,702.54 2,313.46 32,228.68 3,117.26

2006-07 33,153.59 3,233.12

2007-08 5,885.88 1,004.76 23,665.38 2,718.45 29,551.26 3,723.21

Source: FSC&RD


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Introduction of hybrid rice varieties in Pakistan

National and multinational seed companies started introduction of hybrid ricevarieties in Pakistan since last few years. Taking opportunity of the introduction of newvarieties, FSC&RD and PARC through an excellent cooperation devised a mechanism ofscientific evaluation of exotic crop varieties (hybrids) through Variety EvaluationCommittee (VEC) of rice. Only after two years of rigorous field testing of the hybrids foradaptability and quality parameters, they were allowed to be imported by the companies.An excellent rice Varietal testing system was developed. This resulted in introduction ofabout 20 high yielding rice hybrids (mostly of Chinese origin beside Indian andPhilippinese) during last three years with acceptable grain quality (Table-2.16).

Introduction of rice hybrids in Pakistan gave a significant boost in the total riceproduction that was raised in 2008-09 to about 7 million tonnes versus 5 million tonnesof last year. The government is stressing procurement and export of the surplus rice(about 4 million tonnes). It is expected that further popularity of hybrid rice may result intremendous rice production in Pakistan in next few years, an attribute to hybrid ricevarieties.

Table-2.16. Various seed companies and their exotic hybrids

Sr Seed companies Name of rice hybrids

1 Ali Akbar Research & Development Centre Aromatic-2

Ali Akbar-301 (HEV-063)

2 M/s Auriga Seed Corporation HR-40 (Pukhraj)

3 M/s Bayer Crop Sciences (Pvt) Ltd. ARIZEH016

ARIZEH701

4 M/s Bio-Tech Production CK-08

CK-12

5 M/s Ch. Khair Din & Sons CKD-775 (Heera)

CKD-776 (Komal)

6 M/s Emkay Agriculture Research andDevelopment Centre

EMKAY H-402 (The first local hybrid)

7 M/s Guard Agriculture Research & Services(Pvt) Ltd.

Guard-LP-2

Guard-LP-3

8 M/s Haji Sons HS 413

HS 777

9 M/s Pioneer Pakistan Seeds Ltd PHB 71

10 M/s Rachna Agri. Business RA 204

RA 203

11 M/s Sohni Dharti International Leader (HJ-19)

Advantage (CJU-05)

12 M/s Syngenta Pakistan Ltd. S-444


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MinFA is stressing FSC&RD and PARC to develop a most scientific system fortesting and evaluation of both indigenous and exotic candidate crops varieties throughstrengthening of all Variety Evaluation Committees (VECs) and through development ofprotocols /guidelines for testing and evaluation of each crop in the field as well as in lab.

Seed exports of Pakistan

National seed acts and rules are silent about the issue of seed export. Formal seedsector in some years exports seeds with the sponsorship of United Nations foodassistance programme. Private seed sector exports fodders and vegetables seeds (re-export) to Afghanistan mostly.

Table-2.17. Export of seeds of various crops from Pakistan during 2000-07

Year Crop /seed Quantity(mt)

Exported to By orders Export by

2000-01 Sesamum 10 Iraq FAO Bias SC, Multan

2000-01 Wheat Inq.91 500 Afghanistan FAO PSC

2001-02 -do- 306135001000

AfghanistanAfghanistanAfghanistan

FAOICARDADACAAR

-do-

2001-02 -do- 430* Afghanistan FAO-FSI* Bias SC, Multan

2002-03 -do- 365 Afghanistan CIMMYT300mt M/s

German Action,Peshawar

65 mt.

PSC, Lahore

2002-03 Peas seed 84.414240

166.41

MoroccoCasablanca

UKItaly

Private Pak . Agri.Services,

Gujranwala

2003-04 PotatoCard./Desiree

50 Afghanistan AKRSP/AKDN AKRSP/NorthSouth SC

2004-05 Vegetables 12.33

53.265.53

Afghanistan

Afghanistan

Private

“

Haji Nathu Khan,Peshawer

Sher Ali & Bros.,Peshawer

2005-06 Wheat(Inqilab)

469 Afghanistan FAO, Rome,Italy

PSC, Lahore

2006-07 Wheat 1750 Afghanistan FAO, Rome,Italy

PSC, Lahore

* Frontier Seed Industry (FSI).

Source: FSC&RD


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FSC&RD is facilitating the seed exporters the establishment of seed testinglaboratories accredited under ISO-17025 and by International Seed Testing Association(ISTA). Being an agricultural country there is a lot of scope for Pakistan to planproduction for sea. Minor quantities of seeds exported from Pakistan to other countriesduring 2000-07 are given in table-2.17.

Crop breeding, variety research & development, evaluation and testing,registration, approval and release system of Pakistan

Plant breeding programme of Pakistan is aimed to develop new plant varieties thatcan enhance the farm productivity, could yield quality produce/product and could resistequally to both biotic and abiotic stresses, besides being well fit to the agro-environmental and prevailing farming system. The type of plant varieties so selected forcommercial production are greatly influenced by its mode of reproduction, cost of seedrelative to its performance, nature of seed production and distribution and theenvironment where it will be grown. Between creation and marketing of a variety, it issubjected to various forms of testing for registration, release and approval etc. thisexercise may vary from country but plant breeders both from public and private sectorsoften optionally seek to have their varieties tested officially. In fact this led to thedevelopment of a system of official variety testing and release.

On the recommendation of Food and Agriculture Commission in 1961, the WestPakistan Agricultural Development Corporation (WPADC) was created. In addition toother developmental activities WPADC handled major responsibilities of seedmultiplication, production, distribution and testing of improved varieties. To providequality control cover in multiplication, production and distribution of seed of improvedcrop varieties, seed certification wing was created and seed testing laboratories indifferent ecological zones were established in 1963. It continued till 1972. Afterdissolution of the WPADC in 1972 all the relevant activities of seed includingproduction, multiplication, procurement and distribution were transferred to theprovincial governments.

Since the objectives of production, processing and distribution of quality seed werenot being met adequately, the Government of Pakistan initiated development of SeedIndustry on the recommendation of World Bank Appraisal Mission’s Report through thelegislation of the Seed Act, 1976. This enactment provided regulatory mechanism forcontrolling and regulating the quality seed through setting up of necessary institutionalinfrastructure which included National Seed Council, Provincial Seed Councils, NationalSeed Registration Department and Federal Seed Certification Department. Theestablishment of National Seed Council with the Federal Minister for food andAgriculture as its chairman and having full authority for policy formulation and forsetting up and regulating the production and quality of seed initiated a new era of seeddevelopment in the country. This supreme institution represents all disciplines concernedwith the development of seed industry both in private and public sectors.


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Crop breeding activities in Pakistan

Extensive plant breeding and research programmes are underway in the country atthree agricultural universities, 13 multi-disciplinary and 31 mono-commodity researchInstitutes. These research institutes are responsible for developing superior cultivarsthrough genetic manipulation. They also address other problems affecting agriculturalproduction. Out of the 13multi-disciplinary research Institutes, four are established inPunjab, four in NWFP and three in Sindh and two in Balochistan and covering almost alleconomic crops and related discipline and have large number of sections and sub-stations. The establishment of multi-disciplinary research institutes in the provinces wasdue wide diversity of agro-ecological conditions and local problems. Each of theseinstitutes has the mandate to develop better adapted varieties for local agro ecologicalconditions.

Majority of the research Institutes are sponsored by the respective provincialgovernment. The program of work and some projects of these Institutes are coordinatedand partly funded by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council at the Federal level.Plant germplasm which is the raw material required by the breeders for developing ofnew superior crop varieties that ensure stable production. The collection of germplasm,preservation, evaluation and maintenance is carried out by the Plant Genetic ResourcesInstitute, PARC (for cotton by PCCC). These materials are then made available to plantbreeders. The variety development, testing and evaluation is being undertaken by theprovincial Agricultural Research Institutes, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council,Pakistan Central Cotton Committee, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission andAgricultural Universities. Since Plant breeding activities were dominantly oriented by thepublic sector so it played a major roll in the development of agricultural and horticulturalcrop varieties. A major contribution of variety development was made by Punjabprovince due to accelerated plant breeding activities carried out by the research Institute.

Varietal development

As already discussed, the varieties are being developed at Provincial and FederalAgricultural Research Institutes mainly through conventional Plant Breeding i.e.Introduction, Hybridization and selection etc. A significant use of Atomic radiation isbeing made for the development of varieties specifically of food legumes, rice and cotton.Privatization promotion policy of the government of Pakistan has encouraged theemergence of multinational seed companies like Pioneer Pakistan Seeds Ltd, MonsantoPakistan Seed (Pvt.) Ltd, Sygenta (Pakistan) Ltd and ICI Pakistan Seed Ltd.

These companies have started breeding programmes and submitting varieties forevaluation and registration. These varieties include hybrids of sunflower, Maize andSorghum. Pakistan also keeps close liaison with International Agricultural Research


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Centers like IRRI, ICARDA, ICRISAT, CIMMTY, CIAT, IITA and AVRDC forobtaining germplasm to strengthen the national plant breeding programmes. We are alsoworking on Plant Breeder’s Rights that may change the role of research organizationsthrough more research toward development of germplasm resources, new breedingprocedures and identification of superior breeding lines.

Variety evaluation and testing

The crop breeders test and evaluate at research centers, a large number of strains inmicro-varietal trials, for sufficient number of years and then the promising materialemerging from these micro varietal trials is further tested in the out-station zonal varietaltrials (ZVT). The breeders are aware of the variation that can occur on account of thegenotypic-environmental interaction. In order to overcome this phenomena Zonal trialsare conducted widely in the area of adaptability usually in cooperation with enlightenedgrowers and on government farms. When a breeder selects a variety on the basis of awide range of tests and considers it having sufficient merit, he submits seed sample to theNational Seed Registration Department to determine the distinctness, Uniformity andStability characteristics for establishing description and registration. Simultaneously, theseed samples are also provided to the Variety Evaluation Committees of PakistanAgriculture Research council (PARC) for crops other than cotton. For cotton seedsamples are submitted to Pakistan Central Cotton Committee. Both these organizationsevaluate the candidate varieties for value and cultivation use (VCU). A variety that meetsthe requirements of VCU and DUS is then accepted for registration and release as definedin the Seed Act that a released variety means a registered variety having agriculturalvalue for growing and approved by the National/Provincial Seed Council.

Value for cultivation and use is the only criteria for which a commercial variety isdeveloped. Initially the variety is tested locally by adopting a well planned testingprocedure covering suitable field plot techniques and adequate number of replicationsand experimental design. The agronomic trials are carried out by provincial AgriculturalDepartments at their adaptive Research Farms, progressive growers and seed corporationfarms. Performance of value for cultivation and use of the candidate variety is expressedrelative to control variety/varieties used as check.


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VCU: Value for Cultivation and UseDUS: Distinctness, Uniformity, StabilityFSRC: Federal Seed Registration CommitteePARC: Pakistan Agricultural Research CouncilPCCC: Pakistan Central Cotton CommitteeFSC&RD: Federal Seed Certification & Registration DepartmentMINFA: Ministry of Food and Agriculture


Fig.2.1 Components of Variety Development, Evaluation and Release in Pakistan

PARC PCCC

GERMPLASM GERMPLASM

ALL CROPS EXCEPT COTTON ONLY COTTON

BREEDER MAKES CROSSES

SELECTS PROMISING STRAIN

MICRO VARIETAL TRIALS

ZONAL VARIETAL TRIALS

SELECTS PROMISING STRAIN

SUBMITS

PARCPCCC

FSC&RD

VCUVCU DUS

PROVINCIAL SEED COUNCIL

APPROVAL & RELEASE

NATIONAL SEED COUNCIL

BREEDINGSTATIONS

SUB-STATIONS

GOVT. FARMSENLIGHTENEDFARMERS

2 Years2 Years

FSRC

VARIETYREGISTRATION

MINFA


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The most important aspect of testing for VCU perhaps is the yield performance butthere are other characteristics which must be assessed. Field characteristics may differfrom crop to crop i.e. for wheat resistance to rusts and other pathogens, lodging and breadquality etc. It is also important that the product of the crop must be of the right quality forthe purpose for which it is intended.

Novelty, Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (NDUS) studies

In addition to the value of a cultivar for cultivation and use, the cultivar must besuitable for pure seed production which requires the cultivar to be distinct, uniform andstable in its characteristics.

Novelty: In Pakistan, no system prevails to decide about novelty of the variety.However, in the light of new seed legislations it needs to be properly worked out andimplemented.

Distinctness: The new variety must be defined and clearly distinguishable from allother existing varieties by one or more morphological (shape, color etc.), physiological(resistance, maturity etc.) and metric characteristics (height, leaf length etc.). In theabsence of distinctness, it will not be possible to distinguish and identify the new varietyfor seed production and certification.

Uniformity (Homogeneity): The new variety must be reasonably uniform within itsstand so that individual plants could be identified. Uniformity or homogeneity relates tothe degree of variability within the variety. The degree of uniformity that is attainabledepends on the breeding system.

Stability: The new variety must be stable in its essential characteristics, that is to sayit must remain true to its description after repeated reproduction or propagation. A stablecultivar is always credited because it can be increased and distributed without manyproblems. It is not generally possible during a period 2 to 3 years to perform stabilitytests with same certainty as the testing of distinctness and homogeneity. Generally, whena submitted sample has shown to be homogenous in two growing years, it is taken to beas stable because the breeders/institutions have the responsibility to maintain the varietyand its stability in later generations. If failure in stability is detected in later generationthen variety could be declared unfit for certified seed production. Stability is furtherascertained through pre and post control trials.

Mechanism of DUS testing: The procedures and growing tests for establishingDistinctness, Uniformity and Stability are almost similar as being practiced for PlantBreeder’s Rights in countries which recognize this act. In Pakistan, this function isperformed by the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department. Breeders alongwith the seed sample of candidate variety also submit the following to the FSC&RD:


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♦ Application for registration of the new variety.

♦ Detailed botanical description of the variety along with comparable variety closelyresembling to candidate variety. It also includes parentage and brief breedinghistory.

♦ Data regarding VCU.

♦ True specimens of plants of the variety and plant parts.

On receiving seed samples, Crop Variety Registration Trials are carried out for 2years at suitable locations, to determine DUS characteristics of the variety according tothe stabilized descriptors.

Pre-registration trials

The assessment of distinctness, uniformity and stability is made in pre-registrationtrials for two years with a minimum of two replications and the trials are conducted undernormal agronomic practices. During the first year, the candidate varieties are comparedamong themselves and with already registered varieties. Closely resembling varieties aregrouped together for next year studies. During the second years the distinctness of thecandidate variety is determined within similar group. Observations are recorded onindividual plants and crop stand in comparison with check. In case the variety does notmeet DUS requirements, the breeder is informed accordingly the variety is deferred forregistration.

Registration of newly developed/candidate crop varieties

Variety registration is based on the confirmation of DUS characteristics throughNational Seed Registration Department and simultaneously testing for cultivar use(agronomic value) by the research institutions. Registration is granted initially for 10years and if variety remains on recommended list, its registration can further be extendedfor another period of 5 years provided that an application for renewal is made before thedate of expiry of validity.

Significance of variety registration reveals that the registration provides the basis forquality control through FSC&RD. This will also provide the basis for administering thePlant Breeder’s Rights. The registration of varieties and their authentic descriptionsprovide the basis for true to type maintenance of Breeder’s Nucleus Stocks of the varietyfor the production of Pre-basic seed. Furthermore, it is very importance for varietyprotection purposes.

Variety approval and release

To regulate and coordinate the functions of research institutes and other organizationsconcerning evaluation, approval and release of varieties, the following procedure is inpractice. At provincial level, the provincial seed councils which are represented by interalia, the breeders, seed producers, quality control agencies, and enlightened growers. The


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councils receive the proposals of candidate varieties submitted by the breeders. Theprovincial seed councils, before approving and recommending any variety for generalcultivation, consider and evaluate the data of breeders along with the reports of FSC&RDregarding Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability characteristics and PARC/PCCCregarding regional suitability and disease reaction.

The decisions of the councils regarding approval and release of varieties are usually

unanimous. In case, of a difference of opinion among the members, the cases are referred

to the National Seed Council. In such cases, the FSC&RD furnishes the views of the crop

specialists and submit the cases to the National Seed Council for final decision.

Thereafter, the varieties approved by the National Seed Council would be notified for

general cultivation.

Registration and release of vegetable varieties, the procedure is almost the same

except for their testing not on such a scale as that of cereals and cotton. It is because most

of the vegetable crops have limited adaptability and localized preferences. The data of the

breeders regarding the performance of the varieties provide the basis for agronomic

value.

Variety maintenance and improvement

Maintenance breeding is an integral part of the whole breeding programme which

should not be set apart from the breeder after the release of a variety. Maintenance of a

variety is a cyclic repeated activity during the life time of the variety. Its major goal is to

maintain the variety t lease exactly as it was when released. Without repeated re-selection

and renewal of pre-basic seed, the variety deteriorates rapidly due to negative mutation or

spontaneous out crossing, thus breeding carefully build up gene complexes which may

amount up to about 20% in some wheat genotypes. Therefore an efficient seed renewal

system is essential for successful seed programme which is not possible unless the variety

is properly maintained.

It is therefore, the responsibility of the variety originating institutions to maintain and

make available through continuous seed renewal system, pre-basic seed for later

multiplications of basis and certified seed classes.


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Table-2.18-. Released and registered crop varieties in Pakistan (1980-2009)

Crop/seed Punjab Sindh NWFP B.tan Islamabad Public Private Total

Wheat 53 18 31 7 1 110 0 110

Cotton 58 17 1 0 0 76 3 79

Rice 15 13 6 0 0 34 0 34

Maize 8 0 12 0 0 20 2 22

Barley 3 0 2 3 0 8 0 08

Sugarcane 12 5 15 0 0 32 1 33

Oilseeds 14 4 20 0 7 45 5 50

Pulses 37 4 17 1 4 63 0 63

Fodder 20 0 07 1 0 28 2 30

Vegetables 32 1 11 8 0 52 0 52

Total 252 62 122 20 12 468 13 481

Source: FSC&RD

Composition of seed sector of Pakistan

Seed sector in Pakistan is composed of formal and informal sectors.

Formal seed sector: The formal seed sector comprises four public sectororganizations, four multinational and 631 national seed companies (groups) as mentionedin Table 5.3. The over all picture of seed of some important crops provided by the formalseed sector comprising both public and private sector seed companies during the year2006-07 follows (Table-5.4). This goes to prove that the marketing of seed by the seedcorporation and seed companies needs immediate improvement. There is a strong feelingthat the small farmers do not get quality seed in the far flung areas as most of formal seedsector market the seed in and around the cities and local markets, however it is expandingthroughout the country steadily.

Table-2.10 shows that the availability of major crops seed remained around 22% forwheat, 53% for cotton, 37% for paddy, 2% for pulses, 26% for maize, 8% for oilseeds,16% for fodders, more than100% for vegetables (due to informal re-export toAfghanistan) and less than 3% for potato with overall availability and distribution of19.36% of certified seed during 2006-07.

The position of seed for fodder & forages is not impressive and every year thousandsof tons of seed is imported because there is no hybrid seed production programme and theimported seed meets most of the seed demand. There is an urgent need that seed


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production of fodder is organized to save precious foreign exchange. The public sectorhas failed to produce fodder seed on commercial scale in the country.

The pulses seed production programme has not been systematized to producesufficient quantities of certified seed resulting in massive imports of the pulses for foodconsumption. Therefore there is an urgent need that the public and private seedcompanies organize the seed production programme of pulses immediately.

Informal seed sector: The informal seed sector, which is currently the major sourceof seed supply, comprises of farmer to farmer seed exchange, farmers keep their ownseed or they buy seed from the local market (mandi). The informal sector, which has agreat potential to exert influence on crop production and usage of good quality seed,needs to be organized or tuned to adopt systematic seed production. Therefore, a systemneeds to be devised where the small farmer could improve the quality of his seed.

No serious efforts have in the past been made to improve seed supply of the informalseed sector and the poor quality seed continues to flow, seriously affecting cropproduction and farm profitability. The informal seed sector, however, is liable to continueplaying dominant role in the future particularly for supplying seed of crops like wheat,rice, maize, gram, mungbean, potato and vegetables etc. Small farmers constitute themajority of this seed sector. Thus there is a great need and potential to organize informalseed sector which may become formal after the passage of time. To create quality seedawareness in general masses particularly small farmers in villages, the extension andmedia can play a vital role which at present is weaker component of seed campaign.


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Chapter-3

3. STRUCTURE, CAPACITY AND FUNCTIONING OF PUBLIC SEEDSYSTEM

The Seed Supply System in Pakistan depends on plant breeding, varietydevelopment, registration and release which at present exist in public sector. So far, noplant breeding programme exists in the private sector.

Seed Industry of Pakistan comprises of both public and private sector specificallyconfined to public sector varieties of wheat, cotton, rice, chickpea, mungbean and verylittle vegetable crops. The Federal Seed Certification and Registration Departmentprovides certification services to the following public and private sector seed agencies.Public Sector Seed Organization includes the following:

♦ Punjab Seed Corporation (PSC), Lahore.

♦ Sindh Seed Corporation (SSC), Hyderabad.

♦ Production of pre-basic seed has been initiated by Foundation Seed Cell, underDirector General, Agricultural Research Institute, Tandojam.

♦ Agriculture Extension and Research, Peshawar, NWFP.

♦ Department of Agriculture (DA) Quetta, Balochistan.

Except Punjab Seed Corporation, the remaining three public sector organizations didnot reveal the satisfactory performance either due to lack of resources, lack ofindependent organization for seed purpose, managerial problems and weaker breedingprogramme and inadequate supply of pre-basic seed from research system.

Pakistan Oilseeds Development Board (PODB) – an attached department of MinFAdeals exclusively with the promotion of Oilseed crops including sunflower, canola (bothhybrids), rapeseed and mustards and olive etc.

Seed processing facilities

In Pakistan seed processing facility is provided by public seed corporation and privatenational and multinational seed companies.

3.1 Public sector seed corporations

Punjab seed corporation (PSC)

Punjab Seed Corporation had a big seed farm (6000) acres at Khanewal in Punjabprovince which has now been reduced to only 474 acres due to tenancy problem andanother small seed farm on 512 acres at Sahiwal adjacent to its seed processing plant,where a tissue culture laboratory has been set up to produce pre-basic seed of potatoes.Punjab Seed Corporation (PSC) at this farm has also a cold storage facility to store 1200tons of potatoes seed. PSC with its own resources has also installed a seed processing unitat Piplan farm, Mianwali.


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The seed processing, ginning and delinting facilities and capacities available withPSC are given as under:

Table-3.1. Seed processing capacity of the PSC, Punjab

Location of plant Cereals (mt) Cotton (mt)

Ginning Delinting

Sahiwal 24000 - -

Khanewal 24000 10000 7200

Rahim Yar Khan 24000 6700 3600

Piplan 6000 - -

Mobile Seed Unit 14400 - -

Total 92400 16700 10800

Sindh seed corporation (SSC)

Sindh Seed Corporation has installed its seed processing plant at Sakrand and acotton ginning unit at Tandojam. The available seed processing and ginning capacity ofSSC is reported to be as under:

Table-3.2. Seed processing capacity of the SSC, Sindh

Location Wheat Cotton Rice

Sakrand 10000 5400 1600

Tandojam - 1200 -

Dokri - - 1200

Total 10000 6600 2800

Agricultural development authority (ADA), NWFP

In NWFP, an inputs distribution agency was given the task of seed procurement anddistribution in the Province. Facilities of seed processing now stands transferred to thedepartment of Agriculture. The department of agriculture has a number of seed farmscovering over 2800 acres. The following seed processing facilities are available in theprovince are given as under:

Table-3.3. Seed processing capacity available in NWFP

Processing plants/ units Seed processing

capacity (mt)

Seed crops

PODP, Peshawar 6400 Cereals and oilseeds

Agri. Department 10800 Cereals and oilseeds

Total 17200 Cereals and oilseeds


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Department of Agriculture, Balochistan

The department of Agriculture, Balochistan could not develop a systematic seedprogram despite of having many big seed farms covering about 6500 acres of fertile landin different parts of the Province and having vegetable and cereal seed processing plantsavailable for this purpose. All the seed processing plants so installed in the provinceremained unutilized. The following seed processing capacity is reported to be availablewith the department of agriculture:

Table-3.4. Seed processing capacity available in Balochistan

Location of the plant seed No. Processing capacity (mt)

Usta Muhammad Cereals 2 1200

Usta Muhammad Vegetables 1 200

Gandhawa Cereals 1 1200

Total 4 2600

In brief, role of public system has only restricted to crop breeding and varietaldevelopment while more than 80% of the seed quantum is being produced and distributedby the public sector. Government is trying to retain public seed sector in the field only asa buffer to maintain low prices of common seeds and to manage very fast growing strongprivate sector. In the future, a greater role of private sector in the seed industry includingcrop breeding and variety development is being expected with progressively diminishingrole of public sector. It is also stated that approval, promulgation and properimplementation of the new seed legislations will augment the growth in private seedsector of Pakistan.

3.2 Seed security and Biodiversity conservation

Pakistan established Plant Genetic Resources Institute (PGRI) in NationalAgricultural Research Centre, Islamabad in 1993 with the proactive financial andtechnical collaboration of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and JapanInternational cooperation Agency (JICA). The institute has mandate to explore, conserve,evaluate and document the plant biodiversity of the country for the benefit of our futuregeneration. The institute also extends technical support to agriculturaluniversities/colleges and national plant breeding programmes by acquisition, testing anddistribution of exotic germplasm besides acting as a trustee of cultivated as well as wildgenetic resources. The institute has six laboratories meant for plant exploration, seedpreservation, in-vitro preservation, germplasm evaluation, plant introduction, seed heathtesting and documentation. The institute also has a herbarium with reasonable collectionof wild and cultivated plant species. Six glass houses, seed threshing, cleaning andprocessing room, soil sterilizer, plant incinerator, store for agrochemicals and a powerback up system are also part of the campus.


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Various germplasm collections of cereals and legumes have been evaluated forvarious agro-morphological and genetic traits. Plant lines resistance to various biotic andabiotic stresses have been screened out so far to justify their utilization in the plantbreeding programmes. SDS-PAGE, isozyme and DNA analyses are used to evaluategenetic diversity in different crop species. However, its overall maintenance andfunctioning was never satisfactory.

Germplasm status at PGRI Gene-bank revealed that about 10312 accessions ofcereals (wheat, barley, oats, rice, maize, sorghum, millet and buckwheat), 5290 species offood legumes (chickpea, lentil, mung, mash, cowpea, moth, matri etc), 2468 species ofoilseeds (brassica, sunflower, safflower, safflower, sesame, groundnut etc) while 4981accessions of fiber crops, fodders, vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants have beenconserved with a total of about 23051 accessions. Genetic resources of cotton are beingmaintained by research institutes of Pakistan Central Cotton committee (PCCC) inMultan, Punjab and Sakrand, Sindh. These include accessions of American cotton, desicotton, Egyptian cotton and wild relatives of cultivated cotton. Central Cotton ResearchInstitute (CCRI), Multan has conserved 1600 accessions of both local and exotic origin,after their comprehensive botanical characterization. Apart from these two main sources,various commodities specific research institutes also maintain limited quantum ofgermplasm in an informal way.

Recently, PGRI has been restructured functionally as National institute ofAgricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources (NIABGR). More recently, theinstitute has been transformed into (National Institute for Genetics and AgriculturalBiotechnology (NIGAB) that is once again being used as a campus of NationalUniversity of Agricultural Sciences. There is need to restore the campus as PGIAR withits original mandate of seed security.


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Chapter-4


Currently, 639 national seed companies have been registered for taking up seedproduction and distribution in the country. These companies concentrate mainly on publicsector varieties. Province wise distribution is given in the table-4.2. Private sectorconsists of national and multinational seed companies.

4.1 Multinational seed companies (MNSCs)

There are four multinational seed companies engaged in seed business of variousagricultural crops mostly low volume high cost crops. Some other small multinationalcompanies also do business in Pakistan through their local distributors/dealers.

Table-4.1. Multinational seed companies working in Pakistan

Sr Name of company Year ofadvent

Headquarter Productionterritory

Crops/seeds

1 Monsanto AgritechPakistan PrivateLimited

1984 Lahore Okara Maize, sunflowersorghum,vegetables

2 Pioneer PakistanPrivate Seed Limited(subsidiary of DupontPakistan Limited)

1989 Lahore Sahiwal Maize, sunflower,sorghum, pearlmillet, paddy

3 Syngenta PakistanPrivate Limited

1991 Karachi Sahiwal Maize, sunflowervegetables, paddy

4 ICI Pakistan PrivateLimited

1996 Karachi Sahiwal Maize, sunflower,sorghum, canola

Realizing the limitation of the public sector the government encouraged the inductionof private sector in to the seed industry and as further step the government declared seedbusiness as industry in 1994.

The private sector no doubt is gathering momentum but the impact is still not ofdesired level. The seed activities are limited to mainly cotton and wheat whereas cropslike vegetables, pulses, fodders and oilseeds have been neglected.

Private sector seed companies: Private Seed Sector is composed of two types ofseed companies: National Seed Companies and ii) Multinational Seed Companies.

National seed companies: The national seed companies are playing important rolesin distribution of various crop seeds. Some 73 national seed companies respondedregarding installation of seed processing plants/seed cleaning /cotton ginning anddelinting units. The available seed processing capacity with the national seed companiesis given as under:


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Table-4.2. Available processing units with national seed companies

Province No. of plants/units forcotton/cereals

Seed processing/cotton ginningdelinting capacity (mt)

Punjab 166 439920

Sindh 26 33936

NWFP 2 2800

Balochistan 1 800

Islamabad 1 400

Total 196 477856

Multinational seed companies

Four multinational seed companies i.e. M/S Monsanto Agritech Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd,Pioneer Pakistan Seed Limited, ICI Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited and Syngenta Pakistan (Pvt.)Ltd. are working in Pakistan. These multinational seed companies mostly import hybridseed of corn, sunflower, fodders, canola, alfalfa and sorghum. The available estimatedseed processing capacity with various seed companies is given below:

Table-4.3. Seed processing capacity available with multinational seed companies

Company name No. of units Seed processing

capacity (mt)

Seed beingprocessed

Pioneer 1 6400 Cereals

Monsanto 1 4800 Cereals

ICI 1 1000 -

Syngenta 1 1800 Cereals &Cotton Seed

Total 4 14000

During the year 2007, four main multinational seed companies (MNSCs) distributeda total quantity of 8,178 mt seeds of various crops. This included 6700 mt hybridcorn/maize, 1150 mt hybrid sunflower, 10 mt hybrid canola, 248 mt sorghum-sudan grasshybrid, and 70 mt millet seeds. Import of hybrid rice is shooting up and getting morepopularity among rice growers. MNSCs have a large work force (about 400) and anetwork of about 500 seed dealers across Pakistan with dominancy of business in Punjaband Sindh provinces followed by NWFP. As a part of technology transfer MNSCsorganized 160 farmers meetings and 225 field days during the year to train about 12500seed dealers and farmers.

4.2 Seed associations/societies in Pakistan

Due to awareness of quality seed and its emerging market, private seed sector hasestablished their associations to play more active role along with public sector (table 4.4).FSC&RD has played catalytic role in interaction between the public and private seedcompanies. Such organization will develop investment culture within the country andwith multinationals.


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Table-4.4. Seed development organizations/societies in Pakistan

Sr Name of organization/society Composition

1 Pakistan Society of Seed Technologists (PAKSSET)C/o Director General, Federal Seed Certification & RegistrationDepartment, G-9/4, IslamabadTel: 051-4449117,E-mail. [email protected]

Public and privateseed sectors,Pakistan

2 Seed Companies Association of Pakistan (SCAP)C/o Pioneer Pakistan Seeds Pvt. Ltd., 14-L, Model Town Extension,LahoreTel: 042-5164978Fax: 042-5166458

MultinationalSeed Companies,Pakistan

3 Chamber of Private Seed Industries (CPSI),K.L.P. Road, Chowk Bahadurpur Road, R.Y.KhanTel: 0731-674141-42Fax: 0731-674148

National PrivateSeed Companies,R.Y.Khan

4 Chamber of Private Seed Industries, Pothohar (CPSIP)P.O.Box No.1903, IslamabadTel/Fax: 051-2297821E.mail: [email protected]

National PrivateSeed Companies,Islamabad

5 All Sindh Private Seed Companies Organization (ASPSCO)Kamal Khan Market, Nasirpur Road, Tando Allahyar, DistrictHyderabad Tel: 02231-891622

National PrivateSeed Companies,Sindh

6 Chamber of Private Seed Industries (CPSI)22-A, Mumtazabad, MultanTel: 061-529069-524210Fax: 230017.

National PrivateSeed Companies,Multan

7 Seed Association of Pakistan (SAP)C/o Robert Cotton Associates, Sir William Roberts Road, CivilLines, KhanewalTel: 0692-53551, 51191Fax: 0692-53531

National PrivateSeed Companies,Khanewal

8 Association of Seed Companies of Pakistan (ASCOP)110-A, Government Officers Co-operative Housing Society, FaridTown, SahiwalTel/Fax: 0441-51049E-mail: [email protected]

National PrivateSeed Companies,Sahiwal

9 Chamber of Private Seed Industries (CPSI)C/o Mehr Muhammad Din and Sons, M.M.Din plaza,Sheikhupura Road, GujranwalaTel: 0431-273163-64Fax: 0431-273165E-mail: [email protected]

National PrivateSeed Companies,Gujranwala

10 All Pakistan Seed Merchants Trade Association (APSMTA)C/o Ch. Muhammad Siddique & Sons, P-167, New Grain MarketDijkot Road, FaisalabadTel: 092-041-612232, 634943Fax: 092-041-614175

Seed Merchantsand Traders,Faisalabad



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Chapter-5


5.1. Description of the mechanism and main weaknesses

Until 1961 multiplication and distribution of seeds of improved varieties was notsystematized on generation limitations system. So the seed production level did not meetthe farmer needs for the seed of new improved varieties.

On the recommendations of food and agriculture commission in 1961, the WestPakistan Agricultural Development Corporation (WPADC) was created. It continuedseed procurement and distribution till 1972. After dissolution of WPADC in 1972 allrelevant activities of seed including production, multiplication, procurement anddistribution were transferred to the provincial governments. Since the objectives ofproduction, processing and distribution of quality seeds were not being met adequately,the government of Pakistan initiated “Seed Industry Development Project” on therecommendation of World Bank Appraisal Mission’s Report which was providedlegislative support through Seed Act, 1976. This enactment provided regulatorymechanism for controlling and regulating the quality seed through setting up of necessaryinstitutional infrastructure which included National Seed Council (NSC), FSC&RD andProvincial Seed Councils (Figure 1). Table-5.2 shows the list of 31 seed testinglaboratories/offices of FSC&RD working at various locations in the country.

Wheat, cotton, paddy and maize are major crops grown and distributed in Pakistan bypublic seed sector. Marketing of various kinds of seeds by different sources is given inTable-10.

Following “institutional set up” exists under seed act 1976 which provides basis forseed policy framework as well as for seed industry:-

i) National seed council (NSC) with well defined functions including seed policy,regulation, import, seed movement, seed standards and investment issues.

ii) Federal seed certification and registration agency (FSCRA) along with seedregistration, certification and regulatory functions for quality control.

iii) Provincial seed councils functioning under the delegated powers of federalgovernment i.e. advice on seed standards, recommended changes in seed laws,development of seed production farmers etc.

These councils had a wider representation of major institution and stakeholdersconcerned with the seed industry, such as institutes, registration/certification agencies,seed producers and farmers. The Truth-in-Labeling (Seed), Rules 1991 were alsointroduced under the same Seed Act, to encourage the emerging private sector. Under theTruth-in Labeling (Seed) Rules of 1991, import and export of seed were allowed subjectto the following requirement.


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♦ All imported seed had to be labeled with information concerning crop/species,variety, quantity, lot number, purity percentage, germination percentage, other seedpercentage, month/year of production and date of expiry.

♦ Seed import was allowed only of those varieties that were approved in the Nationalregister for seed and crop production in Pakistan.

♦ Seed lots up to 10Kg were imported for experimental use upon approval of theMinistry.

♦ The importer needed to inform FSC&RD of probable date of arrival of theshipment, and notify FSC&RD for drawing sample for testing.

So these rules allowed the marketing of seed by declaring and correct labeling ofquality attributes and related information.

Seed production

Pakistan’s Seed Certification system recognizes various categories of seeds as givenin table-5.1. Pre-basic seed is produced by the breeders at their research centers andsupplied to Punjab Seed Corporation for further multiplication at Punjab SeedCorporation farms. The seed produced at the corporation farms (by planting pre-basicseed) is termed as basic seed. This seed is then supplied to registered growers forproducing certified seed. Export of certified seeds to various countries through variousinternational agencies during the years 2000-06 is given in the (Table-2.17).

Table-5.1. Various seed categories recognized in Pakistan

Category/

class of seed

Particulars Identification

Breeder NucleusSeed (BNS)

The purest seed of a particular varietyprepared by the breeder of a particularresearch station/institute

Not certified by FSC&RDso labels are not issued

Pre-basic seed Progeny of Breeder/Nucleus Seed (BNS),highest genetic purity seed produced by therespective research institutes/breeders

White colour labels withdiagonal violet line

Basic seed Progeny of pre-basic seed and produced by anorganization set up by the provincialgovernment

White colour labels ofFSC&RD

Certified seed Progeny of basic seed and is produced withthe registered growers of the seed producingagencies

Blue colour labels withdiagonal violet line

Approved seed Seed true to species as approved by theFSC&RD

Yellow colour labels withdiagonal violet line

TruthfullyLabeled seed

As imported by the importer and assurance ofthe quality lies on the importers

Pink colour labels withdiagonal violet line


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Seed is the primary and essential input in any crop programme and there is no

substitute for quality seed. To produce the right quality seed it is important that great care

should be taken right from the crop research and development programme through all

subsequent seed production operation namely, selection of sites and farmers, proper

fertilization, adequate water, sufficient isolation, adequate rouging, timely harvest, proper

threshing, drying and adequate storage. Furthermore, care should be taken to avoid

admixtures of seeds or plant material at various stages and to produce a typical crop of

the cultivar so that its genetic quality or trueness to type can be fully achieved.

Plant breeder produces pre-basic seed at his research station in small quantity and

after certification process on this seed of highest genetic purity it is passed on to the

public sector seed corporation for further multiplication as basic seed. It has been

observed that the plant breeders at the research station are not fully equipped to under

take seed production according to the demand. They neither have sufficient land to

produce seed nor controlled environment and seed storage facilities to store seed for a

longer period. While in the private seed companies place their demand with the seed

corporations for basic seed at least once year in advance, so that seed corporation could

make arrangement accordingly.

The private seed sector does not feel satisfied with the quality and quantity of basic

seed supplied by the seed corporation. Therefore, in order to meet the demand of

expanding private seed sector, it is proposed to allow basic seed production to private

sector seed companies, which are suitably equipped to under take the responsibility.

Fig-5.1. Institutional infrastructure of seed industry of Pakistan under Seed Act, 1976:

Ministry of Food, Agriculture & Livestock (MINFAL)

National Seed Council (NSC)

Four Provincial Seed CouncilsFederal Seed Certification &Registratin Department (FSC&RD)

Punjab Seed Corporation (PSC)Sindh Seed Corporation (PSC)Department of Agriculture, NWFPDepartment of Agriculture, Balochistan

Punjab Seed CouncilsSindh Seed CouncilsNWFP Seed CouncilsBalochistan Seed Councils


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Composition & functions of National seed council (NSC):

Composition of National Seed Council is as followed;

i. Federal Minister of Agriculture (FAM), MINFAL (Chairman)

ii. Secretary, MINFAL (Member)

iii. Chairman, Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) (Member)

iv. Secretary Agriculture (All Provinces)

v. Director General, FSC&RD

vi. Managing Director, Punjab and Sindh Seed Corporations

vii. Director Generals, Agriculture Department, NWFP & Balochistan

viii. Seed Grower Representative from each province

ix. Progressive Grower from each province

x. Four representatives of private seed sector

Functions of National Seed Council include;

Agricultural Development Commissioner (ADC), MINFAL (Member, Secretary)

i. Advice on policy for development, operation and regulation of provincial seedindustry

ii. Direct initiation of provincial seed projects

iii. Protect/ensure investment in seed industry, approve/ sanction seed standards,regulate inter provincial seed movement, advice on seed imports.

Composition & functions of Provincial seed councils:

Composition of Provincial seed council is as followed;

i. Provincial Minister of Agriculture (Chairman)

ii. Secretary Agriculture, Provincial Government (Member)

iii. Agricultural Development Commissioner (ADC), MINFAL (Member)

iv. Director General, FSC&RD (Member)

v. Director General, Agriculture Extension/Research (Member)

vi. Vice President, Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC)- Member

vii. Director General, National Agricultural Research Council (NARC) –Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) - Member

viii. Managing Directors, Punjab & Sindh Seed Corporations (Member Secretary)

ix. Representative of Seed Growers (Member)

x. Representatives of private seed companies (Member)


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Functions of Provincial seed council include;

Advice on policy for development, operation and regulation of provincial seedindustry

Recommend changes in seed law, advice on seed standards and quality control,advice on maintenance, multiplication, supply of pure and healthy seeds of new varieties,advice on development of seed production farms, recommend and preparation of selectednew varieties, recommend or withdrawal of certain deteriorated varieties

Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department (FSC&RD)

Composition and functions of FSC&RD

According to Seed Act, 1976 two independent departments were set up for seedservices in public sector named National Seed Registration Department (NSRD) andFederal Seed Certification Department (FSCD). For economic austerity measures, boththe departments were merged as Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department(FSC&RD). We may have achieved economic austerity but the work of both thedepartments was seriously affected due to merged seniority levels of both the wingswhich benefited one group more at the loss of others.

Though the result Composition of FSC&RD is shown below that reveals thatHeadquarter/Central seed testing laboratories of FSC&RD are located at the capital cityIslamabad with four regional offices at each provincial headquarter. The number of fieldstations/ seed testing laboratories in province is outlined in the table-5.2.

Various functions of FSC&RD as given in Seed Act, 1976 include;

Controlling the quality of seed

Registration of seed growers

Certification of seeds

Field crops inspection

Seed sampling and testing of seed lots


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Table-5.2. Seed testing laboratories/office of FSC&RD in Pakistan

Islamabad Punjab Sindh NWFP B.tan AJK** NAs**

1 14 6 5 2 2 2

Central SeedTesting

Laboratories,Islamabad

Lahore Hyderabad Peshawar Quetta Muzafar -abad

Gilgit

Bahawalpur* Karachi Abbotabad* Usta

Muhammad*

*Mirpur *Skardu

Bahawalnagar* Larkana* D.I.Khan - - -

Bhakkar* MirpurKhas*

Mingora(Swat)

- - -

D.G.Khan* Sakrand - - - -

Faisalabad Sukkur - - - -

Gujranwala* - - - - -

Khanewal - - - - -

Multan - - - - -

R.Y.Khan - - - - -

Sahiwal - - - - -

Sargodha - - - - -

T.T.Singh* - - - - -

Vehari* - - - - -

1 14 6 4 2 2 2

Total 31

* 11 newly established laboratories/offices during, 2005-06

** AJK & NAs means Azad Jammu Kashmir and Northern Areas


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Fig-5.2 : Organizational Chart of Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department

i.


264


Issuing of certificates in respect of seeds which meet the prescribed standards

ii. Carrying out post control trials on pre-basic, basic and certified seeds

iii. Arranging training courses for seed sectors

iv. Registration of crop/fruit plant varieties

v. Seed quality control through enforcement of Seed Act/Rules

vi. Miscellaneous

Total core staff strength of FSC&RD is 307 that include 81 officers and 226supporting staff. Total budget of FSC&RD during 2007-08 was Rs.65 million both forestablishment and operation charges.

Registration of seed companies

An inter-ministerial ‘Working group’ was constituted under ECC declaration that isresponsible for the registration of new seed companies in all the provinces of the countryand it comprises of the following;

i. Secretary, Agriculture of each province

ii. Chief Food & Agriculture – Planning Division

iii. Managing Directors, Punjab & Sindh Seed Corporations

iv. Secretary Agriculture – AJK

v. Director General, Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department

vi. Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (www.ipop.gov.pk )

vii. Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (www.secp.gov.pk )

According to Seed Bill 2008 “No person shall conduct seed business in Pakistanunless such person is registered to do so under section 22B, 22C 0r section 22D”.

So far 650 seed companies have been registered in Pakistan. Most of them are verysmall companies engaged in a business of a few metric tons of seed only. Most of othersare dormant while about 250 companies are more or less actively engaged in seedproduction/business in various parts of the country. Position of seed companies registeredso far is given in table 11. Province wise situation of seed companies is given in table 12.All the national seed companies are multiplier of public sector crop varieties and don’tinvest in research and development.

The multinational seed companies still keeping the country dependence on importedseed and then trading seed without serious efforts of local seed production. Their mainconcern is Plant Breeders Rights.


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Table-5.3. Status of registered seed companies in Pakistan

Number of Seed Companies up to 2009

Sector Punjab Sindh Balochistan NWFP Total

Public 1 1 1 1 4

Private 493 57 06 13 569

Multinational 4 - - - 4

Total: 498 58 07 14 577

Source: FSC&RD

Various kinds of seeds and planting material

Seeds of Major crops include wheat, cotton, paddy, maize etc. while minor cropsinclude pulses, fodders, oilseeds etc. Seeds of about more than fifty various kinds ofvegetables are common. Sector wise popularity of seeds is briefed in table-5.4.

Table-5.4. Marketing of seed & planting material in Pakistan

Sector Seed Source Crops

Formal Public sector Wheat, cotton, rice, maize, gram, vegetables

Private sector Wheat, cotton, rice, maize, gram, vegetables

Multinationals Hybrid maize, sunflower, fodders etc.

Seed importers Maize, sunflower, fodders, potato, vegetables

F r u i t s n u r s e r yplants(public/ private)

Citrus, mango, apple, walnut, date palm, guava, etc.

Informal Farmers’ own source Wheat, cotton, rice, etc.

Field crop inspection

Field crop inspection of the approved varieties is carried out according to prescribed

protocols by field offices of FSC&RD. Detail of acreage of various seed crops inspected

by FSC&RD during 2000-07 is depicted in table-5.5. During 2007-08, about 6,25,500

acres seed fields of various crops were inspected by field officers of the department.

Major crops include wheat, rice and cotton. Field crop inspection is a significant activity

of seed certification system and involves a lot of field work at both temperature extremes.

In crop inspection only fields are accepted to retain seed which are up to prescribed field

standards.


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Table-5.5. Field crop inspections carried out during 2000-08

Sr Crop/Seed Acreage inspected

2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

1 Wheat 231383 223407 282335 348446 321791 274584 417612

2 Paddy 6201 7011 14560 27332 26345 21217 32538

3 Maize 665 715 441 545 1854 2546 2591

Cereals 30249 231133 297336 376323 349990 298347 452741

4 Cotton 204506 136654 182540 178066 194312 180736 162467

5 Gram 1525 1528 1656 1153 536 791 1478

6 Mungbean 6181 6343 5028 0 1916 4448 5278

7 Lentil 0 0 35 0 6 6 2

8 Mash 0 0 0 0 3 0 0

Pulses 7706 7871 6719 1153 2461 5245 6758

9 Sunflower 256 36 41 0 1 0 0

10 Canola 145 35 49 0 404 389 750

11 Brassica/R&M 816 412 231 0 167 432 625

12 Groundnut 0 0 0 0 2 14 0

13 Soybean 311 575 5 0 1 0 0

14 Sesamum 0 0 0 0 123 0 0

15 Castorbean 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Oilseeds 1528 1058 326 312 698 835 1375

16 Fodders 578 858 867 0 154 1144 941

17 Vegetables 569 1613 1508 2459 838 1102 976

18 Potato 0 0 0 0 367 425 241

G.Total 4,53,136 3,79,187 4,89,296 5,58,313 5,48,820 4,87,833 6,25,499

According to protocols minimum 2-3 crop inspections are required but usually onlysingle crop inspection is carried out, due to fiscal and manpower constraints.

Seed sampling & testing

Seed sampling and testing of the various crops and vegetables seeds is carried out inboth the seasons by the field stations of the department. Crop-wise quantities tested (inmetric tones = 1000 kg) are given in table-5.6. About 375850 tonnes of seed of variouscrops was tested during 2007-08. The quantities tested also include the imported seed ofdifferent crop varieties. Local seed testing is usually carried twice for the same cropincluding ‘Before Processing’ (or Acceptance) testing and ‘After Processing’ testing. Incotton, testing after delinting is also practiced. Only those seed lots are accepted whichmeet prescribed seed standards.


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Seed availability: Crop-wise quantities of certified seed available and distributed tothe various seed markets during the years 2001-07 are given in table-5.7.

Table-5.6. Seed testing carried out during 2000-08

Sr Crop/seed Quantity of Ssed tested (mt)*

2001

-02

2002

-03

2003

-04

2004

-05

2005

-06

2006

-07

2007

-08

1 Wheat 185613 182591 240147 282673 261025 245889 277711

2 Paddy 6121 7891 11906 20812 20103 15880 27583

3 Maize 4061 4125 5198 236 8906 7867 7289

Cereals 195795 194607 257251 303721 290034 269636 312583

4 Cotton 46728 39059 42221 52116 48196 38211 36454

5 Gram 1048 1934 1342 653 129 206 107

6 Mungbean 469 497 874 439 451 962 1415

7 Lentil 0 0 16 0 3 79 1

8 Mash 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

Pulses 1517 2431 2232 1092 584 1247 1524

9 Sunflower 502 476 41 4 1618 1134 1206

10 Canola 173 103 49 1 102 12 97

11 Brassica/

R&M

4 4 28 93 72 122 224

12 Groundnut 0 0 0 0 1 7 6

13 Soybean 71 0 5 21 1 0 0

14 Sesamum 0 0 0 0 15 3 3

15 Casterbean 0 0 0 0 0 0 6

Oilseeds 750 583 123 119 1809 1278 1541

16 Fodders 6000 11338 5603 69 9890 11861 11923

17 Vegetables 3100 3095 4027 3681 7249 6143 6176

18 Potato 4667 4914 1920 1201 8543 8215 8348

G.Total 256290 253013 311022 360788 366305 363551 378549

* Includes both locally tested as well as imported seeds


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Table-5.7. Seed availability position during 2000-08

Crop/seed Seed availability (mt) = local + imported

2000

-01

2001

-02

2002

-03

2003

-04

2004

-05

2005

-06

2006

-07

2007

-08

Wheat 1,42,302 1,36,250 1,43,977 1,93,977 2,22,718

Paddy 4,830 4,864 10,282 10,239 11,526

Maize 3,974 3,320 4,038 5,398 8,867

Cereals 1,51,106 1,44,434 1,58,297 2,99,614 2,43,111

Cotton 31,370 39,870 34,523 37,923 40,756

Pulses* 758 782 2,234 2,107 1,048

Oilseeds** 746 530 583 1,174 1,566

Fodders 10,646 5,942 11,395 5,604 4,111

Vegetables 3,583 3,016 3,096 4,021 5,044

Potato 1,536 4,579 5,029 1,920 6,228

G.Total 1,99,745 1,99,153 2,15,157 2,62,363 3,01,864 3,16,888 2,93,565

*Pulses include gram, lentil, mungbean & mash.

** Oilseeds include sunflower, canola, brassica, and sesame

Source: FSC&RD

It is evident from table-5.8 that the availability of certified seeds improved inPakistan in 2007-08 was increased significantly by 144222 mt over that of the year 2000-01 which indicates about 38% increase in overall availability of certified seeds during theperiod.

Table-5.8. Progress in seed availability (mt) from 2000 to 2007-08

Sr Crop/seed 2000-01 2007-08 Change (+/-) %

1 Wheat 176029 277711 101682 36

2 Paddy 4594 27583 22989 83

3 Maize 4245 7289 3044 42

Cereals 184868 312583 127715 41

4 Cotton 31370 36454 5084 14

5 Gram 228 107 -121 -113

6 Mungbean 513 1415 902 64

7 Lentil 0 1 1 100

8 Mash 0 1 1 100

Pulses 741 1524 783 51

9 Sunflower 202 1206 465 39


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Sr Crop/seed 2000-01 2007-08 Change (+/-) %

10 Canola 212 97 -115 -118

11 Brassica/R&M 70 224 154 69

12 Groundnut 0 6 6 600

13 Soybean 0 0 0 0

14 Sesamum 0 3 3 300

15 Castorbean 0 6 6 600

Oilseeds 484 1541 1057 69

16 Fodders 10980 11923 943 8

17 Vegetables 3590 6176 2586 42

18 Potato 2294 8348 6054 73

G.Total 234327 378549 144222 38%

* includes both locally produced and imported seeds

Main activities and achievements of FSC&RD during 2008-09

The Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department (FSC&RD), an attacheddepartment of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture & Livestock, is engaged in providingseed certification and quality cover to both public and private seed sector, under theprovisions of Seed Act 1976, through its 31 seed testing laboratories and field officeslocated in various ecological zones of the country. The activities of the department during2008-09 are briefly given as under:

Functioning of new seed testing laboratories: Under development project‘Establishment of Seed Testing Laboratories and Rehabilitation of ExistingLaboratories’ (15) and ‘Establishment of Seed Certification System forVegetable Seed Production in NAs and AJK (4)Laboratories, have successfullystarted functioning to provide seed certification services to public and privateseed sector. Newly appointed project staff was trained by the senior staff in cropinspection, seed sampling and seed testing etc.

Registration of new seed companies: During the year 2008-09, 14 new seedcompanies were registered in the 43rd meeting of Working Group of MinFA heldon 22nd November, 2008, raising the total number of registered seed companiesto 682 in the country including four public sector seed companies and fivemultinationals. After deregistering some non-functional seed companies thenumber of functional companies is 639.

Registration of new varieties of various crops: 21 crop varieties were approvedthis year (wheat-8, cotton-1, maize-2, pulses-4, fodders-3, vegetables-3) 55 newcandidate lines of different crops were evaluated for registration (DUS) duringthe year 2008-09.


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Field crop inspection: During the period under report a total of 566760 acres ofdifferent crops offered by the various seed agencies were inspected forcertification purposes.

Seed sampling & testing: A total quantity of 344495 mt seeds of various cropswere sampled and tested for purity, germination and seed health purposes(planting value).

Pre and post control trials: Pre and Post Control Trials of all pre-basic andbasic seed lots while 20% of certified seed lots were carried out in the field todetermine the quality of seed distributed by various seed agencies and also tocheck the proficiency of the certification staff in the field.

Seed quality control in the markets: Under the provision of seed actenforcement, a total number of 360 cases were filed in the different Courts ofLaw against the seed dealers found selling substandard seeds.

Imported seed consignments: A total quantity of 21484.12 mt of imported seedof various crops/hybrids with a total value of Rs. 3430 million, was tested underTruth in Labeling Seed Standards during the year so far, at the port of entries i.e.Lahore and Karachi.

Seed health testing: A total number of 1290 seed samples of variouscrops/vegetables and fruits were tested at the Central Seed Health Laboratory,Islamabad for detection of fungal and viral diseases using latest diagnosistechniques and protocols.

Establishment of fruit certification system: A total of 62 fruits nurseries havebeen registered in the year 2008, to produce and distribute disease free andhealthy fruit plants to the growers. About 62000 certified fruit plants of apple andpeaches were distributed in NWFP through these nurseries during the year 2008.

Seed training/seminars/workshops etc: Twelve (12) short term on the jobtraining courses on Seed Health Testing, Vegetable Seed Production, FieldInspection and Seed Testing, were also arranged for Seed Certification Officers,private nurseries and staff of Provincial Agri. Extension Department.

Meeting of Federal seed registration committee (FSRC): Meeting of FSRCwas convened on 4th November 2008 for registration of developed varietiesduring last few years and to discuss various issues of seed industry of Pakistan.

Seed development projects: FSC&RD initiated a number of seed developmentprojects which were funded mostly through MinFA’s Public sector developmentprogramme (PSDP) during last five years. Detail is given in table-5.9.


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Table-5.9. A summary seed development projects of FSC&RD

Sr Project title Cost

(MillionPKR)

Duration/

period

1 Establishment of National Variety Data Bank 6.749 3 years Completed

2 Up-gradation of Seed Testing Laboratories to meetWTO requirement

6.791 3 years Completed

3 Establishment of Seed Testing Laboratories &Rehabilitation of Existing Laboratories(ESTL&REL)

81.284

3 years

July 2005 -

June 2009

4 Establishment of Seed Certification System forVegetables seed production in N.A.s and AJK(ESCS-VSP-NA&AJK).

37.545 3 years

July 2006 -

June 2009

5 Agri Business Diversification and DevelopmentProject - Fruits and Vegetables CertificationComponent

175.85 5 years

July 2005 to

June 2010

6 National Animal & Plant Health InspectionServices (NAPHIS) – FSC&RD Component

23.225 3 years

July 2006-

June 2009

7 Accreditation of Central Seed Testing Laboratoryfor ISO Certification

28.206 3 years

July 2005-

June 2008

8 Establishment of cultivars adaptability testing andregistration system

35.000 3 years

July 2006-

June 2009

9 Establishment of Facilitation Unit for ParticipatoryVegetable Seed and Nursery Production Program

450.000 5 years

July 2006-

June 2011

10 Production of medicinal herbs in collaborationwith private sector (Registration of medicinalherbs – FSC&RD Component)

4.550 5 years

July 2006-

June 2011

11 National commercial seed production programme(Mega project)

400.000 5 Years

July 2009-June2014

Under preparation


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Introduction of Fruit Certification System

Fruit certification system in Pakistan was introduced about 5 years ago withcoordination of FAO and Project for Horticulture Promotion (PHP) which was aimed atproduction of certified fruit plants which are true to type and free from diseases. ThreeGPUs were established for temperate, tropical and sub-tropical fruit plants (table-5.10).

Table-5.10. Fruit plants Germplasm units (GPUs):

Sr Type of

GPU

Group Location Crop/

fruit

1 Temperate Pome/

stone fruits

Baikan, Swat Swat Apple, Pear, Cherry, Peach, Plum,Apricot, Rootstock

2 Tropical Various D.I.Khan Datapalm, Mango, Guava, Ber, Falsa,Litchi

3 Sub-Tropical Various Dargai,

Swat

Citrus, Litchi, Guava, Louqat, Rootstock

Source: FSC&RD

Now the same activities have been taken up under the umbrella of “Agribusinessdevelopment and diversification project” of MinFA where three GPUs established byFAO/PHB collaboration are being strengthened besides establishment of new GPUs inPunjab, Sindh and Balochistan provinces for multiplication and distribution of diseasesfree and true to type certified seeds/planting material of mango, citrus, apple, grapes andother fruit plants.


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Chapter-6


6.1. Regulations to deal with seed production, handling and distribution

Seed Act, 1976 was predominantly public oriented to provide quality control cover to

public sector organization with main thrust on four major crops. Yet it has succeeded in

creating a growthful awareness among the private seed business companies and farming

community. The demand of certified seed rose steadily and farmers started demanding

certified seed of other field and vegetable crops also. The public sector organization due

to their limitation could not meet the demand of quality seed therefore the government

allowed the induction of private seed sector. Resultant to the change in the policy the

private sector welcomed the initiative and about 616 national and four multinational

companies have been registered and allowed to produce and market certified seed in the

country.

National seed policy and seed regulations

Laws regulating the seed system, Government policies, institutional infrastructuresand dynamics of public and private sector investment in seed technology developmentprovide the enabling environment for development of healthy, disciplined andcompetitive seed industry.

National seed policy

The “National Seed Policy” has been designed within the existing seed regulatoryframework i.e. Seed Act of 1976. This legislation established the requisite infrastructureto evaluate, approve/ release high yielding crop varieties, regulate and control the qualityseed being offered for sale in the country and enforcement of seed act through marketmonitoring by the notified seed inspectors. The Act provides mechanism for controllingand regulating the quality of seeds of various crop varieties mainly based on cropinspection and laboratory testing, to ensure that seed met minimum standards prescribedunder rules/regulations.

Existing set of seed regulations

Following Seed rules/ regulations have been notified to address the issues of seed andpropagating material of fruit plants.


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Table-6.1. Seed regulation in Pakistan

Sr Title of Seed act/rules Notified on

1 Seed Act, 1976 1976

2 Seed (Registration) Rules, 1987 1987

3 Amendments in Seed (Registration) Rules, 1987 5-6-2003

4 Amendments in Seed (Registration) Rules, 1987 1988

5 Pakistan Fruit Plants Certification Rules, 1998 28-2-1998

6 Amendment in Pakistan Fruit Plants Certification Rules, 1998 6-5-2003

7 Seed (Truth-in-Labeling) Rules, 1991 12-3-1991

8 Amendment Seed (Truth-in-Labeling) Rules, 1991 19-1-1998

9 Amendment Seed (Truth-in-Labeling) Rules, 1991 12-10-1993

10 Seed Amendment Bill – 2009 Under Process

11 Plant Breeders Rights Bill – 2009 Under Process

12 National Seed Policy Under Process

Seed Act 1976

National assembly of Pakistan passed this act No.xxix of 1976) on18th May, 1976.This is an Act that provides for controlling and regulation the quality of seeds of variousvarieties of crops. This is a brief seed act with 29 provisions including short title, extentand commencement, definitions, establishment of National Seed Council, function of theNational Seed Council, establishment of Federal Seed Certification Agency, functions ofFederal Seed Certification Agency, establishment of National Registration Agency,function of National Registration Agency, establishment of Provincial Seed Council,power to notify varieties or species of seed, regulation of sale of seeds of notifiedvarieties and species, appointment of registered growers, grant of certificate by FederalCertification Agency, period for which registration and notification shall be effective,cancellation of certification, appeal, seed analyst, seed certification officer, seedinspector, power of seed inspectors, procedure to be followed by seed inspector, report ofseed testing laboratory, offences and penalty, power of court to order forfeiture,cognizance of offence, etc., resumption as to order, indemnity, delegation of powers,power to make rules.

Seed Registration Rules, 1987 with amendments

These are the rules dealing with registration of newly developed varieties of variouscrops released by public sector. These rules called “S.R.O. 107 (I)/87” were passed by thefederal government of Pakistan on 24th February, 1987 in exercise of the powersconferred by section 29 of Seed Act, 1976.

The rules state the constitution, functions, etc. of “Federal Seed RegistrationCommittee (FSRC) under the chairmanship of Secretary, MinFA and membership of


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various stakeholders with the objective to facilitate the registration of newly developedcrop varieties and germplasm. The functions of the Committee include to assesssuitability of varieties for registration in regard to inter alia, distinctness, uniformity,stability and value for cultivation and use based on recommendations of the ProvincialGovernment; and to recommend for registration of new varieties and areas for theirsuitability.

Other provisions of the rules include powers of members of the committee,application for registration of a variety, refusal for Registration, conditions for grant ofregistration, procedure for grant of registration, effect of non-registration, denominationof new varieties, certificate of registration, duration of certificate of registration,cancellation of registration of a variety, registration and publication of lists, entertainmentof applications, etc., appeal, dealings in seed of a variety, files of registered variety,application for variety registration, certificates of varietal registration, crop available forvarietal registration, requirement for registration of a variety, determining suitability forregistration as a variety, requirements for crop variety registration trials, Plant varietysources, observation and assessment of characteristics, quantitative characteristics (ormaterial characteristics), quantitative characteristics, distinctness, uniformity andstability, crop variety description forms, pedigree and breeding history, maturity duration,seedling traits, plant parts etc.

Pakistan Fruit Plants Certification Rules, 1998 with amendments 1998

This include S.R.O. 123 (I)/98 with provisions including short title andcommencement, definitions, application and fees, pre-basic class (Foundation Block),basic class (Multiplication block), certified cases (Nursery Plants), registration,requirements, scion block, its location and acceptability, seed block, its location andacceptability, clonal rootstock block, its location and acceptability, nursery plants,rootstock and location, seeds, inspection and testing, inspection of nursery plants forcertification, issue of certificate, tagging, penalties, application for registration ofnurseries, certification standards for fruit plants, location and land requirements etc.

Seed (Truth in Labeling) Rules, 1991 with amendments

These rules facilitate the public and private sector to import seeds from othercountries and distribute under truthful labeling conditions. Aim was to increase the accessof local framers to the hi-value seeds available in the international market to boostagricultural production. Various provisions of the rules include conditions, methods ofdrawing samples, marking and labeling, labeling information, units of measurement, seedtreatment, seed components, objectionable and noxious weeds, minimum seed standardsfor truthful labeling, method of drawing samples, release of imported consignment,various forms etc.


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Brief on Seed (Amendment) Bill 2008

The Government of Pakistan realizing the importance of quality seed as the mostessential inputs for enhancing agricultural production promulgated the Seed Act in 1976.The Seed Act, 1976 regulates and controls the quality of crop seeds. However, productionand making sufficient quantities of quality seed available to the farming communitycould not take place due to certain limitation in the Seed Act.

The Seed Act 1976 is silent about the role of private sector in seed business;registration of private seed companies, seed dealers, definitions given in the Act are notcompatible with the advancement in the field of seed technology and trade; the NationalSeed Registration Department and Federal Seed Certification Department were merged in1997 and renamed as “Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department”. Thepenalties given in the Seed Act were not deterrent to curb the sale of substandard seed inthe market or mis-branded seed in the market has been proposed.

Accordingly through amendment in Seed Act, provisions have been made for;

a) renaming the department to meet legal proceedings in the court, and addition ofmore compatible definitions of various terms;

b) registration of private sector companies and seed dealers to settle arising legaldisputes;

c) production of basic seed by the private sector, provision for which did not existbefore;

d) the training of private seed sector personnel, especially to work under WTOregime;

e) enhancement of penalties/fines for effective seed enforcement;

f) promotion of research in seed science and technology to strengthen seedindustry;

g) strengthening the research based regulatory mechanism;

h) restriction on sale of unapproved/banned varieties and effectively control variouscheating practice through legislation on misbranding;

i) establishment of accredited seed testing laboratories in public as well as inprivate sector;

Ministry of Food and Agriculture took initiative and sought authorization from theEX- Provincial Assemblies regarding amendment in Seed Act, 1976. The requisiteauthorization from the EX- Provincial Assemblies of Balochistan, NWFP, Punjab andSindh was accordingly obtained during 2005-06 (5-6 years after submission). Theoutgoing Federal Cabinet also gave its approval in principle on 1st August, 2007. TheBill was submitted to Parliamentary Affairs Division but due to the dissolution ofNational Assembly on 15th November, 2007, they returned the “ Seed (Amendment) bill,2007” along with Notice, Statement of Objects and Reasons signed by Ex-FAM.However, with the establishment of new Government, the case was resubmitted to the


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Law Division for vetting who have advised MinFA to go for fresh authorization from thepresent Provincial Assemblies in terms of Article 144 to amend the Seed Act, 1976.Keeping in view the sensitivity of subject, the Ministry of Law was asked to help resolvethis matter as early as possible. Secretary, MinFA and AS-I personally met SecretaryLaw in his office and pleaded that fresh authorization from the Provincial Assembliesmay not be called for as their authorization was already available on record, in responsethe Law ministry insists for a fresh authorization from the Provincial Assemblies. It ispertinent to mention here that it had already taken very long to get authorization for theamendment in Seed Act, 1976 from the Ex-Provincial Assemblies and its re-reference toProvincial assemblies is likely to delay the matter further.

MinFA dated 23-12-2008 has requested the Secretary General, President Secretariatto intervene in the matter in consultation with Law Division, to review the observation ofLaw Division to avoid fresh authorization from the provinces. Secretary General,President Secretariat has sent the same note to Minister for Law & Justice, Islamabadvide President’s Secretariat (Public) U.No.178/Dir/DCS(IV)/2009 dated 30th January,2009 for Advice. MinFA dated 12-03-2009 has requested the Ministry of Law & Justiceto kindly intimate the Ministry the present status of the case. Action taken by Ministry ofLaw & Justice in this context is still waited.

FSC&RD with the cooperation of MinFA is pursuing to National Assembly StandingCommittee on Food and Agriculture (NASCFA) to seek the favour of this crucial legalbody to expedite the re-authorization and approval process of the new seed legislations.

These amendments have been proposed to make the seed legislation more effectiveunder the changing scenario of WTO and to meet the requirements of the private sectorand of the emerging seed industry. The Private Seed Sector and Multinationals withoutthe promulgation of the Seed amendment bill are unable to invest and go for local seedproduction. Pakistan will remain a seed importing country with extreme high cost andconsequently increasing the cost of production and keeping our farmers at stress incompetitive agrarian economy.

Plant Breeders Rights Bill 2008

Pakistan is member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Under the Article27.3b of the WTO agreement on Intellectual Property Rights, (TRIP’s) the membergovernments are obliged to provide suitable legal protection to the Plant Breeders of thenew plant varieties. To comply with WTO agreements, the Government of Pakistan hasalready introduced several new laws in areas such as patents, copy rights, industrialdesigns, designs of integrated circuits and trademarks through an Ordinance. PlantBreeder’s Rights area however remains deficient as regards legislative course. Thisamounts to relegating our position to be non-compliant with WTO agreement on thisissue.



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The bill has been drafted to broaden the scope of regulation business, enhanceparticipation and investment of private sector in seed industry and safeguard farmersinterest. It will provide for;

1. Availability of Pre-basic seed to the private sector

2. Establishment of Accredited Seed Testing Laboratories in private sector

3. Registration of Seed Companies/ Dealers and Processing Plants

4. Enhancement of penalties/fines for effective seed act enforcement

5. Restriction on sale of unapproved/banned varieties and misbranding

6. Registration of the Persons/ Organizations associated with Seed Business

In pursuance of this international obligation, the Ministry for food took the initiativeand got authorization from the Ex-Provincial Assemblies of Balochistan, NWFP, Punjaband Sindh to proceed further as the instant matter falls in the Provincial list. The out-going Federal Cabinet also gave its approval in principle on 14th February, 2007 with themodification that Plant Breeder’s Rights Registry will be established in the IntellectualProperty Organization of Pakistan. The draft was modified in the light of the decision ofthe Cabinet and was submitted to the Ministry of Law and justice for vetting. However,with the establishment of new Government, the Ministry of Law and Justice has nowadvised MinFA to go for fresh authorization from the Provincial Assemblies in terms ofArticle 144 to enact the law relating to Plant Breeder’s Rights.

It is pertinent to mention here that it had already taken a very long time to getauthorization of the Plant Breeder’s Rights legislation from the Ex- ProvincialAssemblies and its re-reference to Provincial Assemblies is likely to delay the matterfurther.

Keeping in view the sensitivity of subject, the Ministry of Law was asked to helpresolve this matter as early as possible. Secretary, MinFA and AS-I personally metSecretary Law in his office and pleaded that fresh authorization from the ProvincialAssemblies may not be called for as their authorization was already available on record,in response the Law ministry insists for a fresh authorization from the ProvincialAssemblies.

In this context briefing was made to the President of Pakistan on 13th December2008, regarding follow up action on the outstanding initiatives with the Government ofChina. During the discussion it was pointed out that inordinate delay in the enactment of“Plant Breeder’s Rights” was a hindrance in the inflow of foreign investment in variousfields of Agriculture. The President desired that the Secretary General, PresidentSecretariat should intercede and resolve the matter.

MinFA dated 23-12-2008 has requested the Secretary General, President Secretariatto intervene in the matter in consultation with Law Division, to review the observation ofLaw Division to avoid fresh authorization from the provinces. Action taken by SecretaryGeneral, President Secretariat is still awaited. However, MinFA dated 14-03-2009 has


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reminded the PS to Secretary General, President’s Secretariat Public to kindly intimatethe Ministry the action taken in the matter.

The promulgation of Plant Breeders Rights legislation is urgently required to avoidfurther delay in the investment in seed industry, otherwise Pakistan will remain a seedimporting country with extreme high cost and consequently increasing the cost ofproduction and keeping our farmers at stress in competitive agrarian economy.

6.2. Regulations for IPR and Use of Genetically Modified Seeds

MinFA prioritized the indigenous crop biotechnology R&D for the release of GMcrop/cotton varieties. In the meanwhile MinFA believes that a level playing field will beprovided to MNSCs and international stakeholders. Biotech policy of MinFA centersaround four (4) main legislations;

Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997

The act provides for protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of theenvironment, prevention and control of pollution, promotion of sustainable developmentand for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. For more informationwww.moenv.gov.pk

Under the provision of article 31 (power to make rules) of this Act, the followingRules/Guidelines related to human, animals and environmental biosafety werepromulgated in Pakistan;

Pakistan Biosafety Rules, 2005

“Pakistan Biosafety Rules, 2005” are Federal Government Rules approved as S.R.O.(1)/336(1)/2005 dated 21st April 2005 under Section 31 of Pakistan Environmentalprotection Act, 1997.

These rules apply for manufacture, import and storage of microorganism and genetechnological products for research under public or private sector, all work involved inthe field trial of genetically manipulated organisms, import, export, sale and purchase ofLiving Modified Organisms (LMOs, substances or cells and products thereof forcommercial purposes.

Pakistan Biosafety Rules/Guidelines provide three tires for the monitoring andimplementation mechanisms for the release of GM crop varieties. These include;

a. Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

b. Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and

c. National Biosafety Committee (NBC)


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National Biosafety Guidelines, 2005

SOPs for Biotech Crop Varieties

These include Standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for testing, evaluation,monitoring, approval, release and registration of genetically modified candidate plantvarieties in Pakistan. The SOPs have been prepared by the author of this reportand dulyapproved by National Biosafety Committee.

Pakistan Biosafety Rules, 2005 and National Biosafety Guidelines, 2005 effectivelycover the introduction, research and development activities related to the field ofagricultural biotechnology. There was found a missing link when a few indigenousbiotech crop varieties were developed and were to be released. Standardized OperatingProtocols (SOPs) for testing and release of these varieties were urgently needed that weredeveloped by Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD) onbehalf of Ministry of Food, Agriculture & Livestock (MINFAL).

Pakistan Biosafety Rules/Guidelines provide three tires for the monitoring andimplementation mechanisms for the release of GM crop varieties. These includeInstitutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) andNational Biosafety Committee (NBC). Physical location, composition and functions ofthese committees are as explained in the sections 4-9 of Biosafety Rules, 2005 as well asin National Biosafety Guidelines, 2005.

Four possible categories of GM crop varieties could be offered forrelease/registration by the breeder as given in Table 1. SOPs provide a fast trackapproach to make possible the expedite release/registration of transgenic crop varieties.For Category A containing ‘notified varieties with known gene’ (pre-released,commercialized for more than thee years who Biosafety has already been confirmed)total two years testing will be conducted, one year in-house/containment trial by TACwhile one year large scale Biosafety trials by NBC will be mandatory for biosafetyclearance. For varieties of Category B & C (candidate varieties with known/tested geneand approved varieties with novel gene, respectively) only one year trial by TAC and twoyears trials by NBC shall be required with a total testing period of three years. Forvarieties of Category D (new strains with new gene(s)) two years trials by TAC and twoyears trials by NBC shall be required with a total testing period of four years.

The SOPs mention detail the role of Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), detailof Biosafety parameters, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), National BiosafetyCommittee (NBC), plans for field trials, phases of testing to release a Geneticallymodified (GM) variety, recommendation, approval and release of GM variety,registration and notification, seed multiplication and production, labeling, post releasemonitoring, enforcement activities for quality control, capacity development, publicawareness etc.


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Table-6.2. Four possible types of GM crop varieties

Official status of the Years of biosafety trialsCategoryVariety Gene/event TAC NBC Total

A Notified Known/Tested 1 1 2

B Candidate “ 1 2 3C Notified New Gene 1 2 3

D Candidate “ 2 2 4

Table-6.3 Phases of testing to release a GM variety

Official status of the Phases of trials to releaseTesting-I Testing-II Testing-III

Category

Variety Gene/event TAC NBCVCUDUS

FSC&RDproduction/

importA Notified Known/tested 1 2 1

B Candidate “ 2 2 1C Notified New gene 2 2 1

D Candidate “ 2 2 1

Status of approval of GM crop varieties in Pakistan

Pakistan is still a non-GMO country and has only authorized the testing of Bt cottonvarieties only for possible commercial release. NBC has recommended the large scalefield testing of about eight (8) Bt cotton varieties of Chinese and local origin.

Monsanto Pakistan has also been allowed to test 20 Bt cotton hybrids of Indian originfor their expeditious release. Various Chinese seed companies and Bayer CropScience arealso trying to introduce their material in the country formally.


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Applicant

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) National and Provincial AgriculturalResearch System

To note, approve, recommend and to seek approval of TAC

Technical AdvisoryCommittee (TAC)

Monitoring & Evaluation Sub-Committee (MESC) of TAC

Ministry ofEnvironment

TAC

To note, approve, recommend generation of appropriate biosafety & agronomic data

MESC

To visit trial sites, analyze data, inspect facilities and recommend safe andagronomically viable transgenics to TAC. MESC will also technically review allapplications for licensing and ensure that the GMOs or any product underconsideration has gone through proper risk assessment under these guidelines.

National Biosafety Committee (NBC) Ministry of Environment

To approve for large scale use, open release into environment

VEC of National SeedCouncil

MINFAL/PARC/PCCC

To generate complete agronomic data and to recommend forcommercial release of GM crops

Provinces

Provincial Seed Council

Approval of Varieties for cultivation in the Province

Post Release Monitoring

Provincial Seed Corporation/Research System FSC&RD

Early Generation Seed Production

Public/Private Seed Sector

Seed Act/Rules

Commercialization of Variety

Fig-6.1. An Outline of procedure for approval of biotech crops in Pakistan


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Unauthorized/Informal Bt cotton and its consequences

Until now there has been a huge spread of unscrupulous Bt cotton varieties ofunknown origin during last 2-3 years. About 60% of the total area under cotton isreported to be occupied by informal Bt cotton varieties. No concerned department is inposition to control this dangerous spread due to lack of legal basis for the check. There isabsolutely no know how of concerns of biotech products/GMOs. About 40 Bt cottonvarieties being reported grown up to 40% of the total cotton area in Punjab and Sindh.Varieties are of unknown origin multiplied and distributed informally by the cottongrowers. Some OPV Bt cotton varieties have been informally imported, multiplied anddistributed by some farmers/breeders. Source of gene/event used is not known.Expression of proteins is variable. Informal Bt cotton business has become a lucrativebusiness for breeders/growers. Enforcement is difficult or sometime impossible due tovarious reasons. Post facto approval has been granted to different institutes variousbiotech activities carried before promulgation of National Biosafety Regulations.

Informal Bt cotton varieties has following adverse affects;

♦ Sale of illegal seeds is a blatant violation of International agreements/treaties,biosafety norms and business ethics

♦ Violation of national rules/regulations (PEPA,BA,SA,CCA)

♦ Spurious producers are not accountable for purity, performance and safety

♦ Credibility of the product/technology is spoiled – Bad name to technology

♦ No investment on R&D activities, sell at smaller price

♦ It affects confidence and enthusiasm of the law abiding technologydevelopers/seed companies

♦ Tax revenue is lost at the government levels

♦ Farmers are misled and confused

♦ No zoning – essential protocols not followed - No refuge crops

♦ Planting seasons are disturbed

♦ Seed production systems are disturbed

♦ Seed certification system is paralyzed

♦ Violation of ethics/international agreements/treaties

♦ Farmers may hesitate to accept the genuine Bt seed after its introduction in the nearfuture

Dilemma is that no public research institute or public or private seed company ordepartment is interested to adopt a proper protocol for official testing and release of Btcotton varieties. They prefer short cut for fiscal benefits. No genuine product withpotential to release as Bt cotton variety is actually available.


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Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and agriculture of Pakistan

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is perhaps the most contentious issue that dividesthe developing and developed World under the prevailing scenario of global free marketeconomy. It highlights the vast differences in the context, realities and paradigms and theworld views of those in developing countries and highly industrialized nations. Theindustrialized World uses IPRs as powerful tool to control the direction of development,redefines the meaning of property and value of life itself whereas developing nationsused to be strictly confined to technological advances in industrial applications andliterary work. Today IPR is officially and globally accepted as an indispensable factor inthe discussion of trade and even of biodiversity. So application of IPRs are movingforward from inanimate machines to microorganisms, plants and now, to human cells canbe attributed to advancement in biotechnology. An adequate protection of IPR reducestrade distortions and impediments to international trade, in particular trade in counterfeitgoods and pirated copyright goods. IPR give the frame for a free and fair competition.IPRs also protect consumers as they become able to make choices between various goodsand services available. It supports creativity by being the means through whichimagination, ability and inventiveness are rewarded. It promotes creations, inventionsexpression of ideas and distinctive signs to create healthy competition through theirapplication in trade, industry and cultural development.

On April 15th 1994, the Uruguay Round of Trade Negotiations concluded theestablishment of World Trade Organization (WTO) which replaced GATT. One of theAgreements under WTO included Trade Related Aspect of Intellectual Property Rightsfor the first time in multilateral trade negotiations (TRIPs Agreement). It is the mostcomprehensive international agreement in the field of Intellectual Property Rights. Theagreement establishes minimum standards in terms of both the availability of intellectualproperty rights (the substantive aspect) and in terms of enforcement (the proceduralaspect). Globalization, expansion of International Trade, and competition, increasedforeign direct investment and growing international pressure specifically of industrializedcountries on many developing countries to enhance their IPR protection. At the sametime these countries face a rapid rise in number of IPR related disputes.

Under TRIPs Agreement all developing countries were supposed to introduceIntellectual Property Rights by January 1st, 2000. From the date, developing countrieshave an additional five years to extend patent protection over products in those areas oftechnology for which they offered no protection when the WTO Agreement entered intoforce. The least developed countries have a total of ten years within which they mustimplement TRIPs.

In Pakistan, the implementation of TRIPs Agreement called for substantial changes inthe legal framework. Pakistan, being a developing country and member of WTO,however, availed the transitional period of five years provided in the agreement for theimplementation of the TRIPs Agreement. By the January, 2000, a legal frameworkcompatible with TRIPs provision in the field of patents, copy rights and related rights,industrial designs, designs of integrated circuits and trademarks was required to be inplace.


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At present, five laws/amendments have been promulgated, leaving the area of PlantVariety Protection (Plant Breeders Rights) which is in final stages.

1. Patents Ordinance

Under Patent Ordinance the plants are not covered. The Ministry of Food, Agricultureand Livestock for the protection plant variety is presently involved in the preparation andvetting of the relevant IPR law (Plant Breeders Rights). Most biotechnology inventionsare filed as utility patents and not as plant patents. Utility patent is the most commonpatent used by universities and companies to protect their results of research anddevelopment. As a utility patent, it is possible to protect plant genes rather than just theplant and to control the use of genetic material of number of plants and for multiple usessuch as disease resistance, herbicide resistance, Pharmaceutical or oil production, etc.

2. Trademark Ordinance

3. Geographical Indications

In Pakistan, Ministry of Commerce has prepared draft legislation on GeographicalIndication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Ordinance, 2001 but it is still processof finalization. According to the draft the “Geographical Indication” in relation to goods,includes an indication which identifies such goods, or the ingredients or components ofsuch goods, as originating or manufactured or produced in a territory or a region or alocality of a country, where a given quality, reputation or others characteristics of good,or the ingredients or components, is essentially attributable to its geographical originand in the case of manufactured goods one of the activities of either the production orprocessing or preparation of the goods concerned takes place in such territory, region orlocality as the case may be, whether or not registered. Under goods it include anyagricultural, natural or manufactured goods or goods of any industry or handicraft or anyfood or drink product, whether in raw, processed or semi-processed or semi-finishedform.

4. The Copyrights Ordinance

5. Industrial Design Ordinance

6. Registration of Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits Ordinance

IPRs in agricultural plant varieties

An enduring and ironic theme to introduce Intellectual Property Rights wasconstituted in USA by nursery men and seed men due to heavy investment in PlantBreeding and in turn evolution of superior plant varieties. During 1930, Plant Patent Actwas re introduced covering asexually propagated plant species. American Seed TestingAssociations also emphasized to include sexually reproducing species in this Act.Legislators were also sympathetic to eliminate existing discrimination between plant


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varieties developer and industrial inventor. The European plant breeders, pushed for plantbreeders rights (PBRs), which were more comprehensive in the coverage of varieties tobe granted legal protection. It was their efforts that led finally the formation of the UnionInternational pour la Protection des Obtentions Vegetales (UPOV) or The InternationalUnion for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants in 1961, which then represented theconsensus among five European countries on how to introduce PBRs.

Breeding of new plant varieties requires a substantial investment in terms of skill,time, labour, material resources and capital. Generally it takes 10-12 years for thedevelopment of a new variety. The estimated cost on variety development, collected fromplant breeders and reported in literature is as follows:-

Table-6.4. A comparison of a plant variety development cost

Crop Country Estimated cost (Mill.PKR)

Sugarcane Pakistan 8.00

Cotton Pakistan 6.78

Wheat Pakistan 3.0

Maize Pakistan 2.80

Fodder Pakistan 2.30

Oilseed Pakistan 1.25

Vegetables Pakistan 0.685

Soybean/wheat USA 0.6 (US$)

Maize (hybrid) USA 0.9 (US$)

Sugarbeet/wheat Holland 4 (Guilders)

There is every liability that a variety developed through so capital intensive andpainstaking efforts once released may fall into the hands of other competitors who canreadily reproduce and market depriving the original breeder, investor or the owner of theopportunity to profit adequately from his investment.

Seed is widely recognized as the main vehicle for the transfer of new technologyembodied in a new cultivar. The primary objective is therefore to ensure that seed of anynew cultivar is disseminated commercially as quickly and as widely as possible. Theabsence of protection for intellectual property might be the key barrier to more privatesector involvement in Technology Transfer. So it is important to adopt stricter IPRs toencourage greater private investment in agricultural R&D, and greater involvement intechnology transfer to increase agricultural research funding. Many (particularlydeveloped) countries have adopted stricter intellectual property rights (IPR) regimes foragrochemicals, agricultural machinery and biological innovations. A rationale foradopting stricter IPRs is to increase private appropriability of research benefits and toencourage greater private sector investment in agricultural R&D and greater involvementin technology transfer. Although evidence from the United States suggests that increasedplant variety protection has stimulated private R&D and adoption of improved crop


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varieties, the issue of IPRs for genetic resources remains controversial. Particular areas ofcontroversy are farmer and research exemptions to IPR protection, and whether and towhat extent IPRs should be extended to developing countries. Recent theoreticalliterature suggests that there may be limits to how far IPRs should be extendedinternationally.

The TRIPs Agreement requires WTO member’s countries to provide protection toplant varieties under Article 27.3(b). This article states that:

Member states may exclude from patent ability plants and animals other thanmicroorganisms and essentially biological process for the production of plants or animalsother than non-biological and microbiological process.

Members shall provide protection to plant varieties by patents or by effective Suigeneris system or by any combination thereof.

A Sui generis system is a flexible system designed by an individual country, whichsuits to their seed industry and variety development programmes. There are threeinterpretations that can be considered as an effective “Sui generis system” of plantvarieties protection.

Effective enforcement: The Trips Agreement provides an indication of a possiblemeaning of the term “effective”. The TRIPS employs the term “ effective” in particular inthe context of the national enforcement of rights and procedures for the multilateralprevention and settlement of disputes, in which the rights to be conferred by an IPR areeither defined in detail or as equitable remuneration”. This formulation argues that a suigenersc system needs to allow effective action against any act of infringement, asrequired by the relevant articles of the TRIPs Agreement. The major limitation of thisapproach is that the effectiveness of sui generis system thus assessed does not depend onthe requirements for, or on the level of protection.

UPOV as an “effective” system. Both the WTO and UPOV secretariats have givenclear indications that they would consider the frame work provided by UPOV as aneffective sui generis system. Even before the language of the Agreement on TRIPs wasfinalized a member of the secretariat off the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade(GATT) said that TRIPs would oblige parties to provide for the protection of plantvarieties, but would leave them free to decide whether to grant such protection throughpatents, through an effective sui generis system such as UPOV system, or through anycombination of two. This statement identifies UPOV system as an effective sui generissystem. Major association of plant breeders like (International Association of PlantBreeders for the Protection of Plant Varieties) ASSINSEL for the have also argued infavour of the UPOV frame work. For ASSINSEL, a sui generis system for protectingplant varieties can operate only if varieties are defined in terms of uniformity, stabilityand distinctness. Without these qualities, any variety is vague and quite unsuitable forbeing the subject matter of legal rights.

Protection available as indicator of “ effectiveness” According to this the legal framework that can provide protection to the largest range of new varieties developed can be


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alone be considered an effective system. This criterion can only be met if protection isextended to include all the stake holders involved in plant breeding in various i.e formalplant breeders- the focus of UPOV and traditional farmers who continue to play asignificant role in the development of agriculture across countries.

Pakistan and Biodiversity in CBD perspective

The interpretation and application of this provision on plant variety will havesignificant implications for the implementation of CBD. Pakistan as a part of the sub-continent is very rich in all aspects of bio-diversity and genetic resources. The biologicaldiversity is the source of livelihood of local communities comprising of farmer’slivestock keepers, fisherman, artisans and herbal doctors etc. The conservation andutilization have been through the commutative and continuous efforts, knowledge andcollective innovations of the communities based mostly village level. Biodiversityinnovations and knowledge have traditionally been freely available among thecommunity members and between the communities.

The text of the convention on Biological Diversity was agreed and opened forsignature on 5th June 1992 at the United Nation Conference on Environment andDevelopment (the Rio “Earth Summit”).

Pakistan is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since 1994together with more than 171 other countries, M/o Environment, Local Government andRural Development is being declared focal point of Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD). According to CBD, each member country is required to take “legislative,administrative or policy measures to regulate access to biological diversity resources”.Moreover, the member countries are required to respect preserve and maintain knowledgeinnovation and practice of indigenous and local community.

To address the genetic resources issues the Plant Genetic Research Institute of PARCworking under MINFAL has prepared draft legislation on “Access to BiologicalResources and Community Rights” which is under consideration with Ministry ofEnvironment.

The draft legislation is very much concerned about the following issues:

i. Access to genetic resources and benefit sharing.

ii. Protection of traditional Knowledge, innovations and creativity associated withgenetic resources;

Objectives of the draft legislation include;

♦ Project and support the rights of local communities over biological resources andtheir knowledge, innovations and practice with respect to the conservation and useof biological resources.


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♦ Ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources and {related}knowledge and technologies in order to maintain and improve their diversity as ameans of sustaining the support and health care system of the country.

♦ Provide an appropriate system of an access to biological resources/ knowledge andtechnologies as based on mutual agreed terms and subject to prior informedconsent of state and local communities.

♦ Promote appropriate mechanism for fair and equitable benefit sharing arising fromthe use of biological resources, knowledge and technologies as well as ensuringparticipation and agreement of concerned communities in making decisions asregards the distribution of benefits derived from the use of biologicalsources/knowledge/technologies.

Impact of IPRs on agriculture

Agriculture is a world-wide critical strategic resource that feed the world. Yet,agriculture is most directly affected by climate change through increased variability aswell as temperature and moisture changes. Agriculture's adaptation to climate change willrequire new genetic stocks, improved irrigation efficiency, improved nutrient useefficiency and improved risk management and production management techniques. Thedemands and the development of instruments to extend IP protection to agriculture areclosely linked to the growth of the commercial seed industry and trade. The rationalebehind this protection is the same as for industrial property, e.g patents. Such protectionis expected to give incentives in research and development (R&D) to develop new andbetter plant varieties.

The debate on this issue is quite polarized. Proponents of IPR protection in agriculturethrough strong PBRs argue that this is necessary to provide incentives for investment inresearch and development of new and better varieties, which will lead to productivitygrowth. The opponents, on the other hand, point out that there is no conclusive empiricalevidence to this claim. They also argue that strong IPR protective in agriculture has led tothe very high degree of concentration in the seed industry and has had an adverse impacton seed prices, claims which are in turn hotly disputed by proponents. No data isavailable to objectively verify these claims in the context of Pakistan. However, Seedsare the critical input into agriculture and the delivery mechanism for agriculturaltechnological developments. A review of public and donor sector policy shouldrecognize the role of the private sector and withdraw from activities which the privatesector can recover its investments.

Following is an attempt to look at each of these issues in the context of somedeveloped countries where data is available and studies have been conducted


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6.3. Exchange of genetic material and seed through international centers andthrough local centers or institutions in SAARC as well as other countries

Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Islamabad has the provision of

exchange of germplasm including segregating material, designated lines/strains, inbred

lines, pure lines, varieties and hybrids with other research institutes of various countries.

Most important sources for receipt and exchange of germplasm include the international

research system institutes of CGIAR (Consultative Group for International Agricultural

Research) origin.

Harmonization of regional seed regulations under ECO forum

FSC&RD is a focal department where regional seed and quarantine laws are being

reviewed for the sake of harmonization of these laws under the common platform of

Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) with the collaboration of FAO and ICARDA

seed unit.

Pakistan also hosted “First ECO workshop on harmonization of regional seed

regulations held in Islamabad (17-19 January 2007). Three workshops in the series have

been convened and process of harmonization of seed regulations is in progress.


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Chapter-7


7.1. Farmer seed practices by crops

There is no specific research work for production of seed crop of a particular species.However, proper production and protection technology has been developed andrecommended for each major and minor crop. More emphasis is given to the productiontechniques of major crops. Mostly for the seed crops, the same crop managementtechnique is followed as used in general crop production but specific operations for seedcrops are carried out on mandatory basis like a healthy stand establishment, plantprotection, isolation (in case of cross-pollinated crops) and rouging etc. There is need todevelop crop specific and variety specific seed production technology in all the species.

7.2. Extent of farmer-to-farmer exchange of seed

As discussed in informal sector, about 80% of the total seed requirement in Pakistanis met informally through farmer to farmer exchange or purchase of seed (healthycommon grain) from local markets. However, with the advancement in agriculture theuse of formal certified seed is expected to take sudden rise in next few years.

Astonishingly, more than 50% of the Bt cotton seed presently under cultivation inPakistan is informal and being rapidly from one farmer. Some seed companies are alsoinvolved in the spread of unscrupulous Bt cotton seeds as these companies are reluctantto follow the prescribed variety testing and evaluation procures and prefer to follow ashort cut for earning money.


Majority of the farmer select the seed on the basis of general repute of the varietiesamong the farming community. However, progressive farmers prefer to use certifiedseeds even imported hybrid seeds at very high costs as reflected from the figures ofdistribution of certified seeds and quantity of imported seeds that is rising progressively.The progressive farmers believe that seed which is high yielding and superior is neverexpensive.

7.4. Farmers’ knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system

Great majority of the farmers is not aware of the real concept of a ‘variety’ or ‘seed’.Many seed companies and seed dealers have been using the seed market with the name of‘New Variety’ in major crop belts of the country. The reason behind is the lucrativebusiness that the new variety will gain in the market but these new varieties suddenlymove out the market due to introduction of further new (so called) varieties and system isstill running successfully to non-seriousness of both seed companies and the farmers aswell as the concerned government department.

There is poor farmers’ knowledge about commercial seed system. There is a hot needof running a campaign throughout the country to popularize the certified seed business inthe country. It is the only way through which significant achievements in yield andquality of various crops can be achieved. The seed system also needs overhauling as untilnow it is indiscipline. The approval of new seed legislations and restructuring andstrengthening of FSC&RD is the only way to bring discipline in seed industry ofPakistan.


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Chapter-8


8.1. Involvement of academic and research institutions for HRD throughcurriculum development and project support

Agricultural universities and colleges have done very little with respect to seedresearch and development. Unluckily, there is no agriculture university in the countrywith Seed Technology department/institute though a couple of courses on seedtechnology /seed production are taught in the main universities either in agronomy orplant breeding departments. Two universities are preparing proposals for establishment ofa seed technology department. FSC&RD persons are also in struggle to establish a centreof excellence of seed science and technology. Such department or centre for exclusivedealing with seed are need of the agrarian country and can play a tremendous role inboosting agricultural production and for socio-economic development of the countrybesides alleviation of rural poverty.

As far as research institutes are concerned, it is regretted to state that they are mostlyinterested in selection from various introductions received mostly from the researchinstitutes of CGIAR (Consultative group for international agricultural development)system. There is very little work of hybridization and handling of segregating population.If some volunteers work, the premature material with still significant segregation isreleased commercially. There are only few varieties which have been bred usingappropriate breeding protocols. Breeders don’t bother to take up systematic breedingprogrammes and prefer to release a new immature variety every year to earn profit.

There is a dire demand for capacity building in seed research and development,testing, evaluation and release, production, processing, packaging and distribution. Thereare no registered seed sellers, seed growers and even registration process of seedcompanies is substandard and needs to be streamlined in the light of recommendations ofnew seed legislations.

Punjab province is rather advance is understanding the concept of seeds. About 85%of the total seed production and seed business activities prevail in the Punjab province.Sindh province is getting momentum followed poor progressive performance in NWFPprovince. In the largest Balochistan province there is a huge scope of vegetables seedproduction and fruits multiplication. Law and order situations in provinces other thanPunjab in the last many years restricted the development of seed industry in these areaslike other developments.

Multinational seed companies played a great role in popularizing the low volumehigh cost seeds in the country but their interest are mostly limited to seed import anddistribution. They prefer seed trade on the local development of seed infrastructures. Thismay also be attributable to the lack of proper seed legislation especially the plant varietyprotection laws.


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There is no independent authority or department in existence for independentevaluation of the newly developed/candidate crop varieties in the country throughadaptability testing. Research system has established their own system of Varietaldevelopment as a result of which most of the varieties released don’t earn popularity fromthe farming community and are out of the field within a couple of years. The need ofestablishing a national variety evaluation system on scientific lines is felt very seriously.

The big landlords which are also strong political figures of the states and country takea leading role in maintenance and commercialization of newly developed varieties. ManyLords have also imported germplasm throughout the world and just multiply anddistribute the seeds without registration of varieties and certification of seeds forprofiteering only. This has resulted in very serious violation of phytosanitary measuresand breach of quarantine laws as a result there is huge infestation of exotic insect pestsand diseases which have become serious biological hazards these days. Americanbollworm, wheat rusts, cotton leaf curl virus are the key examples.

8.2. Training of farmers and extension workers through the initiatives of public,private or donor agencies

Though private sector has emerged very aggressively in the country but due to lackof a stringent official quality control legal basis and seed system in the country, theirperformance is not satisfactory though it can be improved with a little attention by thegovernment authorities. Very little has been done so far for public private partnership inseed sector in the country. Multinationals have only preferred seed trade. Donors likeFAO/USAID contribution to the sustainable development of seed industry are almostnegligible. However, all credit for establishment of seed industry of Pakistan go to WorldBank and FAO in 1976 after which there is long dormant spell for seed industry ofPakistan.

8.3. Areas for skills and capacity building

Main areas of skill and capacity building in seed sector include basic and appliedresearch and development activities, Varietal production according to plant breedingprotocols, scientific variety evaluation, testing and release mechanism, early generationseed production, restricting to limitation of generation system, maintenance breeding,Varietal improvement, hi-tech seed production including hybrid andtransgenic/genetically modified seeds of various crop species, seed processing, storage,treatment, delinting, packaging, transportation and distribution.


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Chapter-9


The whole study on seed industry of Pakistan can be reviewed by the followingSWOTS analysis.

9.1. Strengths of Pakistan seed industry

♦ Suitable and diverse agro-climatic conditions for the production of high qualityseeds of various crops, fruits and vegetables.

♦ high percentage share of private seed sector in the seed availability

♦ well established infrastructure both in public and private sectors for quality seedproduction.

♦ highly favorable and flexible government policies for seed industry

9.2. Weaknesses of Pakistan seed industry

♦ lack of research and development in private seed sector

♦ least attended variety breeding programme in vegetables, fodders and oilseeds.

♦ most liberal seed import policy

♦ lack of training opportunities for public/private seed sector in seed businessmanagement.

♦ lack of elite genetic material

♦ financial and technical constraints

9.3. Opportunities in Pakistan seed industry

♦ existence of high potential for the production of quality vegetables, oilseeds andfodders seeds in specific geographical area of the country.

♦ possibility of huge joint venture for production of hybrid seed with private sectorhaving sufficient financial resource, manpower and marketing network.

♦ a very liberal seed policy can be taken as an opportunity to enter into seed businessin Pakistan.

9.4. Threats to Pakistan seed industry

♦ Most free and liberal seed import policy is a threat for local seed productionprojects especially in case of vegetables and hybrid seeds.

♦ unpredictable natural calamities like windstorms, hailstorms, frost, heat waves, etc.


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9.5. Recommendations (Solutions/ Strategy)

Following recommendations/proposals/ plan has been devised for progress of seedindustry of Pakistan.

A. Improved Plant Variety R&D Activities - Variety development, evaluation,release and registration

Development, evaluation and release system of various crop varieties is becomingmore significant under the new WTO scenario of Intellectual property rights. Followingweaknesses exist in this system which need to be addressed properly and effectively byall stakeholders.

♦ Collection of biologically diverse germplasm of various agricultural crops andvegetables and development of genetically diversified varieties.

♦ Development of varieties which are more productive, superior in quality and areresistant/ significantly tolerant to all biotic and abiotic stresses. A significantnumber of varieties of each crop/vegetables must be maintained for seedproduction as well as maintained as a valuable genetic resource. This needs acomprehensive variety maintenance programme in the form of seed bank etc.

♦ Development of varieties according to standardized breeding protocols ensuring itsmeeting to the standards of Novelty, Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability.Varieties prior to release still have not attained uniformity and are released as such.Such varieties need 2-3 additional years attain desired uniformity before enteringto formal seed production system.

♦ Pre-mature deliberate release of newly developed varieties without passing throughregistration and certification system need to immediately checked by the concernedbreeders/institutes which is upsetting the formal seed certification system.

♦ Variety evaluation system that is usually carried out through the coordination ofvarious stakeholders should be standardized and strengthened for more effectiveand efficient evaluation the candidate varieties offered for release and registration.Adaptability testing of the varieties as well as their performance under variousagro-environmental conditions as well as stress conditions for proper scientificevaluation of the varieties.

B. Research & development of Non-conventional/modern seed technologies

1. Hybrid seed technology

More emphasis should be given to the research and development of hybrid seeds ofmaize, sunflower, canola, fodders (sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, mazenta hybrid, bajra-napiergrass hybrid, hybrid Pearlmillet etc.) and vegetables etc. This will include thefollowing;


296


♦ development of pure lines/ inbred lines

♦ Induction of male sterility in parental lines

♦ Improvement of these lines

♦ multiplication of lines and their seed production

♦ registration and protection of parental lines

♦ classification/ designation of lines

♦ utilization of these parental lines in production projects etc.

♦ in-vitro development of inbredlines/ purelines

Joint ventures for R&D (basic and applied) of hybrid seed production need to bedeveloped and encouraged between public sector research institutions and foreignstakeholders to popularize this technology in the best public interest.

2. Biotech/ Genetically modified seed

Joint ventures for R&D of biotech seed production need to be developed andencouraged between public sector research institutions and foreign stakeholders topopularize this technology in the best public interest.

C. Strengthening indigenous seed production programmes

There is a daring need to strengthen the local entrepreneurs through initiation ofindigenous seed production programmes for almost all the crops especially vegetables,oilseeds, fodders and pulses. This should include all types of seeds like Open-pollinated,hybrid and biotech varieties. Prioritized program for private sector led seed and nurseryproduction according to international best practices need to be initiated.

Hybrid seed production projects of maize, sunflower, canola, fodders (sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, mazenta hybrid, bajra-napiergrass hybrid, hybrid Pearlmillet etc.) andvegetables etc. should be initiated. Joint ventures of public research institutes and privatesector seed companies are a good option to promote hybrid seed.

Production of biotech seeds of various crops on local basis independently as well asthrough joint ventures with foreign stakeholders should be promoted to encourage andpopularize the biotech seed industry.

Fruit seed certification system should be extended throughout the country forproduction and distribution of true to type and disease free fruit plants of improvedvarieties.

Flower/ Ornamental seed certification system should also be initiated to regulate andpromote the local production and distribution of ornamental crop/plant varieties.


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D. Strengthening FSC&RD

1. Streamlining seed regulations

All prevailing seeds rules and regulations should be critically reviewed and amendedaccording to the requirements of international/regional environment. The work is alreadyin active progress and a comprehensive National Seed Policy is being prepared. There isa need to develop bioterrorism act on expeditious basis.

2. Extension of seed registration and certification services

Establishment and strengthening of regular field stations and seed testing laboratoriesdown to the district levels of each province/region, to extend the variety registration, seedcertification and seed act enforcement activities/services of the department will be helpfulfor overall promotion of seed industry and agricultural development of the country aswell.

3. Seed quality control in the market

No stone should be left unturned to check the illegal spread of seed throughout theresearch, production and marketing system. For this purpose effective enforcement ofSeed Acts/Rules need to be followed quite from research stations to seed markets.

Immediate approval, promulgation and more effective enforcement of SeedAmendment Act, 2007 and Plant Breeders Rights, 2007 will ensure guaranteeddevelopment of seed industry of Pakistan and will bring about a disciplinary revolutionthat is actually need of the time.

Establishment of a separate directorate for seed act enforcement activities, with allrequisite facilities, under FSC&RD is strongly suggested, to effectively tackle thoseinvolved in chronic illegal seed business activities and promote certified seed business.

E. Others

♦ Development of well regulated and organized seed markets

♦ Incentives for international investment & joint venture

♦ Establishment of quarantine infrastructure – Sanitary & Phytosanitary measures.

♦ Facilitating the establishing of seed industry especially in NWFP, Balochistan,AJK and Northern Area.

♦ Retaining existing policy for duty free import of seed other than cotton seed andthen gradual reduction in import with the improvement in local production.

♦ Multilateral arrangements with regional organizations like SAARC and ECO andparticipation in CWANA seed network and OECD seed schemes.


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References

10. References

Agreement between the WIPO and the WTO.1995. World Intellectual PropertyOrganization, Geneva, 1997

Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan, 2007-08. Economic Wing, Ministry of Food andAgriculture, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad. www.minfal.gov.pk

Ahmad, S.I.(1993) Crops and Seeds Certification Standards, Federal Seed Certification &Registration Department, Ministry of Food, Agriculture & Livestock, Governmentof Pakistan, Islamabad.

Ahmad, S.I. (1996) Seed Industry Development in Pakistan, Proceedings of three daysNational Seminar on Seed Industry Development, held from 4-6 June, 1996 atIslamabad, Pakistan, Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department,Ministry of Food, Agriculture & Livestock, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad.

Ahmad, S.I. (1999) Seed Industry in Pakistan, Focus on Seed Programmes, Vol.13 (July)Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department, Ministry of Food,Agriculture & Livestock, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad.

Annual Report for the year 2005-06, Data Management Cell, Federal Seed Certification& Registration Department, Islamabad www.pakseeds.gov.pk

Biodiversity and Intellectual Property Rights: Reviewing Intellectual Property Rights inLight of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Buanec.B, 2005, Impact of International Treaties and Agreements on Seed Trade

Dhar B, 2002, Sui Generis Systems for Plant Variety Protection, A Discussion paper.

Federal Bureau of Statistics (National Accounts), 2004-05, Government of Pakistan,Islamabad.

Bhutta A.R., and A.S.Irfan (1997) National Seed Programme Development in Pakistan,Science Technology and Development, 16(3)-July-September.

“Fragile seed supply system in Pakistan and depleting farmers’s rights”, ActionaidInternational, Pakistan. M.Boota Sarwer. March 2007.

Fruits, vegetables and condiments statistics of Pakistan 2007-08, Economic Wing,Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad. December2008

Granting of Plant Variety Rights.1988. Plant Variety Journal, Australia: 2.1-2.25.

Hussain, A. 1985. Variety Sources and Evaluation, Registration, Listing and Release.First FAO/DANIDA Seminar on Design and Implementation of Seed Programmes,Islamabad, Pakistan: 75-100.

Hussain. A.1998. Plant Breeder’s Rights and Its Significance in Agriculture with SpecialReference to WTO

Hussain, A., and A.R. Bhutta. 2002. The Pakistan Seed Industry. Seed Info No.13. Focuson Seed Programmes. Seed Unit of International Centre for Agricultural Researchin Dry Area (ICARDA).


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References

Hussain A. 1985. Variety sources and evaluation, registration, listing and release. FirstFAO/DANIDA seminar on design and implementation of seed programmes,Islamabad, Pakistan: 75-100.

Hussain A, and M.A. Tajammal. 2005. National Directory of Seed Companies, FederalSeed Certification & Registration Department, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Hussain A, and M.A. Tajammal. 2005. Cotton Varieties of Pakistan, Federal SeedCertification & Registration Department, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Hussain A, and M.A. Tajammal. 2005. Wheat Varieties of Pakistan, Federal SeedCertification & Registration Department, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Intellectual Property Rights, the WTO and Developing Countries. The TRIPS Agreementand Policy Options. Carlos. M.Correa, 2000

Kelly, A.F. 1988. Seed Production of Agricultural Crops, Longman Scientific andTechnical, New York: 11-35.

Multilateral Trade Negotiations on Agriculture, A Resource Manual (IV) TRIPsAgreement. FAO Rome, 2000

National Directory of Seed Companies, Federal Seed Certification & RegistrationDepartment, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Pakistan Economic Survey, 2004-05, Government of Pakistan, Finance Division,Economic Advisor’s Wing, Islamabad www.finance.gov.pk

Pakistan’s Trade Interests and Suggested Positions On issues to be discussed at theSeattle WTO Ministerial Negotiations. 1999

Personal experience in public (FSC&RD) and private seed industry (Pioneer PakistanSeed Limited)

Proceedings of “International Seminar on Seed” held on 14-16 December at Islamabad,Pakistan.

Rashid S. K, 2003, Pakistan Trips Study, Chapter one, Agriculture and Food Security

Seed Act, 1976. Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department, Ministry of Food,Agriculture & Livestock, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad

“Task Force on Food Security – Final Report, February 2009” Planning Commission,Government of Pakistan

Thomson, J.R. 1979. An Introduction to Seed Technology, Leonard Hill, Scotland: 168-176.

UPOV.2005. UPOV Report on the Impact of Plant Variety Protection

Website of FSC&RD, www.pakistanseeds.gov.pk

Website of Intellectual Property of Pakistan www.ipo.gov.pk

WWF International & CIEL, Joint Discussion Paper, March,2001

Year Book, 2007-08. Economic Wing, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Government ofPakistan, Islamabad. December 2008.


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Quality Seed in Sri Lanka

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303

QUALITY SEED IN SRI LANKAPRODUCTION, PROCESSING, LEGAL AND QUALITY


Dr. G. M. W. ChithralDeputy Director

Seed and Planting Material Development CentreDepartment of Agriculture

Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

December 2009


304

Content

C o n t e n t

Topic PageChapter 1 : Introduction 305Chapter 2 : Agriculture and seed scenario 309

2.1 Agrarian Structure and land Uses 3092.2 Trends in crop yields 3152.3 Seed requirements, and seed replacement rates 3172.4 Importance and trends of seed trade 3202.5 Summary and Conclusion 324

Chapter 3: Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Public Seed System 3253.0 Background Information 3253.1 Structure of Public Seed System 3263.2 Functioning of the Public Seed System 3353.3 Capacity of the public seed system 3403.4 Seed outputs of and constraints faced by the public seed system 344

Chapter 4 : Structure, Capacity, and Functioning of the Private 355Seed Sector in Sri Lanka4.1 Private Seed Agencies and Their Infrastructure Facilities 3554.2 Organizations of Seed Activities and their Operations 3584.3 Crops Covered and Scale of Operations and Sale of Seed 3594.4 Future Directions 361

Chapter 5 : Quality assurance mechanisms 364Chapter 6 : Seed regulations and their effectiveness 402

6.1 Regulation dealing with seed production, handling and distribution 4026.2 Regulation for IPR and use of GMS 4246.3 Exchange of genetic material and seeds 426

Chapter 7 :Farmer Seed Management Practices 4417.1 Farmer Seed Practices by Crop 4417.2 Extent of Farmer-to-farmer exchange of seed 4437.3 Farmer seed selection and procurement behavior 4447.4 Farmers’ knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system 444

Chapter 8 : Human Resources Development and Capacity Building 4488.1 Involvement of academic and research institutions for HRD through 448 curriculum development and project support8.2 Training of farmers and extension workers through the initiatives 449 of public, private or donor agencies

Chapter 9 : Conclusion and Recommendations 451


305

Introduction

Chapter 1

1. INTRODUCTION

Sri Lanka is a tropical island situated in the Indian Ocean between the latitudes 6-10north and longitudes 79-81east. The total land area of the country is 65,610 squarekilometres out of which about 23,560 sq. km are agricultural land. Administratively thecountry is divided into 9 provinces and 25 districts. Total population of Sri Lanka,according to the latest Census, is 19.04 million, of which 38.2 per cent were engaged inagriculture, including animal husbandry. The proportion employed on the land hasdecreased by 14.8 per cent over the four decades from 1960 to 2000, showing a tendencyfor people to seek employment in sectors other than agriculture. The contribution fromagricultural sector to employment has decreased from 36.8 percent in 1995 to 30.5percent in 2005. About 80 percent of Sri Lanka’s population lives in rural areas. Therural poverty rate was 25 percent in 2002, which is more than three times the poverty ratein urban areas. The rural poor account for 95 percent of the county’s poor. However, percapita income has increased from US$ 709 in 1995 to US$ 856 in 2000 due not only toproductivity increases in the agricultural sector but also to increasing employment inother activities that have a greater capacity to generate foreign exchange.

Sri Lankan Agricultural structure consists of a wide range of crops, livestock andforestry. The crop sector includes both perennials and annuals. Rice being the staple iscultivated throughout the country except in high elevations. The leading export crops tea,rubber and coconut are perennials mainly confined to the Wet zone. Spices and beveragecrops are also raised primarily in gardens of the Wet zone. A wide variety of annual cropsconsisting of cereals, pulses, oil crops, condiments, tuber crops and vegetables arecultivated throughout the country. Temperate vegetables are grown predominantly in theup country areas. A wide variety of fruits are found in homesteads of the country thoughlarge scale orchards are rare.

Similar to that in most developing countries achieving food security is one ofthe most important challenges faced by the country. After the severe foodshortage during World War II, mainly due to overdependence on imported food,greater attention was paid to promoting food production, mainly rice production.Therefore, all governments elected since independence in 1948 have paid theirhighest attention to ensure food security. Accordingly, large scale investmentswere made in areas such as irrigation, land development and settlement,improvement of support services, input supplies such as credit, subsidizedfertilizer, free irrigation water, free land and floor price for produce of farmersetc. Despite Sri Lanka being considered an agricultural country, the contributionto GDP from agriculture, forestry and fisheries was 20.5 per cent in 2000. Maincontributors within the agricultural sector, ignoring plantation crops, are rice,


306

Introduction

vegetables and subsidiary food crops, which in year 2000, contributed 3.2 percent, 4.3 per cent and 1.9 per cent to the GDP respectively. The contribution fromanimal husbandry to the GDP was slightly less than 2 per cent with forestry andfisheries together amounting to 4.6 per cent.

A major factor contributing to decreasing income in the food crop sector is the lowyield per unit area of land obtained by the farmers. This is due to their failure to useimproved technology and this lead to the food insecurity in the country. However,sustainable increase in agricultural production and productivity largely depend on thedevelopment and release of new and improved varieties with tolerance to environmentalstress, pests and diseases, improved harvest index and improved quality of end product.It is also necessary to have an efficient system for supply of quality seed of theseimproved varieties to farmers. Quality seed is a small component of most of agriculturalsystems but is the indispensable input for all agricultural production. They determine theupper limit on yield potential and therefore the productivity of other inputs. Seed alsodetermine the requirement for inputs for crop cultivation such as fertilizer,agrochemicals, and agricultural technology. In addition, improved seed can frequentlymake a substantial contribution to agricultural productivity and sustainability, atrelatively little cost, independent of these other inputs. The best technological packagethat farmers could adopt is the use of quality seed and planting materials of adaptedvarieties combined with appropriate agronomic practices. Under favorable environmentenhanced productivity through better adaptation can give higher profits to the farmer.However, these quality seeds should be produced in required quantities, distributed in atimely manner, priced appropriately, and planted properly by farmers to achieve theabove benefits, a situation often referred to as seed security. Therefore, use of qualityseed and planting materials can play a crucial role in increasing agricultural productivityand production, improving farmers’ income and livelihood and lead to food security inthe country. Therefore, seed security can be identified as a critical factor to increasingfood production at farm level as well as at national level in the country. Hence, Sri Lankahas given high priority for seed security as to achieve sustainability of agriculturalproduction, fundamental in raising the efficiency of other inputs and achieving foodsecurity in the country.

A seed industry is the aggregate of plant breeding and seed research, seed production,processing, bagging, storage and seed marketing together with seed handlers (growersand seed suppliers) in a country. The organized seed production commenced in1958 bythe Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka (DOA) after introduction of improved highyielding rice varieties. Before late 1980’s, the production, importation and distribution ofseeds of improved crop varieties was the sole responsibility of the Department ofAgriculture. However, with increasing demand for quality seed the government at thedawn of the decade 1990 took the initiative to involve the private sector such asindividual seed producing farmers, farmer organizations, co-orperative societies, private


307

Introduction

seed companies in seed production and distribution. Other agencies such as provincialand inter provincial extension (with the implementation of the Provincial Council Act of1987, agriculture has been devolved to the provincial councils), Mahaweli Authorityformed under the accelerated Mahaweli river diversion project also organized seedproducing programmes with farmers. Therefore, it has become necessary to provideguidelines to promote and encourage the private sector participation in developing theseed industry. Thus in 1996, the government introduced the National Seed Policy (NSP)which was a precursor to the seed act No. 22 of 2003. The agricultural policy of the“Mahinda Chinthana” a pledge made before the presidential election 2005 by hisExcellency, the president of Sri Lanka also emphasized the need for a programme touplift the seed industry in the country. The main objective of the NSP is to establishviable seed enterprises to facilitate farmers to gain easy access to high quality seed while“Mahinda Chinthana” also assured to increase production and supply of quality seed atcheaper prices. Seed Act, 2003 intends to regulate quality of seed and planting materials.Hence, the seed industry in Sri Lanka has changed in recent times and continues tochange in the future.

There are several laws with a bearing on the seeds and planting material supply inand out of the country. Seed Act Number 22 of 2003, Plant Protection Act Number 35 of1995, Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, aresome of those. Implementation of the Seed Act has taken a considerable time due todelays in the formulation of regulations. Important provisions of the Seed Act, the mainobjective of which is to regulate quality of seed and planting materials, are establishmentof a National Seed Council and an Appeals Panel, compulsory registration of all seedhandlers and compulsory labelling of all commercially available seeds and plantingmaterial. Moreover, certification of seed and planting material has been made theexclusive right of the Department of Agriculture under this act. Though, certification ofplanting material is not obligatory, adherence to minimum quality standards is expectedby all seed producers.

Although Sri Lanka is a member of the WTO and a signatory to TRIPS there is noPlant Variety Protection legislation in Sri Lanka. It is also not a member of UPOV-78 orUPOV-91 though it has been in contact with the office of the union with a view todeveloping legislation in line with the UPOV Convention. Although a Plant Breeders’Rights Act is presently being drafted, (draft 2007) progress has been slow due to variousconsiderations. Breeders’ right includes granting of IPR to breeders providing themexclusive rights in respect of the variety to produce or reproduce (multiplication),marketing, export of the seed of new plant varieties. A farmer rights includes their rightto save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange, share or sell his farm produce including seed of avariety protected under this Act in the same manner as he was entitled before the cominginto force of this Act provided that the farmer shall not be entitled to sell branded seed ofa variety protected under this Act. Patent protection of new inventions in Sri Lanka is


308

Introduction

provided through the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003. Plants, animals and microorganisms other than transgenic micro organisms and essentially biological processes forthe production of plants and animals other than non-biological and microbiologicalprocesses are excluded from patent protection.

A successful seed supply system strategy should ensure availability of quality seedsof locally-adapted varieties for farmers in a timely and affordable fashion. It also shouldhave the capability to buffer the ill effects of periodic disasters and emergency situations.Constant re-orientation of the strategy is essential in order to match the changing socio-economic scenarios associated with agriculture. In this regard, the broad objective of thisstudy is to assess the weaknesses and strengths of the existing seed supply system alongwith detailed documentation on seed production, processing, storage, quality control,supply of quality seed to the farmers and the seed related legal framework. Suchdocumentation can portend corrective action needed and provide the basis for futuredevelopment strategies of the seed sector.

The specific objectives of the proposed study are given below.

• To document the production and supply of quality seed and seed replacement ratein the country.

• To study the current structure of seed system including public, private and farmerseed management practices in Sri Lanka.

• To study the infrastructure and technical facilities available in the public andprivate seed sector in the country.

• To study present status of seed quality and health control system, the implicationof plant quarantine act with its strength or weakness and mechanism forexchange of germplasm.

• To examine the present status of seed regulations, testing and release of new cropvarieties, and protection of intellectual property rights.

• To suggest ‘good regulatory’ practices for seed system development, includingthose governing development and use of Genetically Modified Organisms(GMO) and management of intellectual property rights (IPR).


309


Chapter 2


2.1. Agrarian Structure and land Uses

Administratively Sri Lanka is divided into 9 provinces and 25 districts. With theimplementation of the Provincial Council Act of 1987, land administration, irrigation andagriculture have been devolved to the provincial councils.

A fair degree of climatic diversity exists in the country. The rainfall in Sri Lanka islargely determined by monsoons giving rise to a bimodal pattern. Of the two croppingseasons, Maha, the main cropping season is determined by the northeast monsoons givingrain from October to March. Yala, the minor cropping season arises due to southwestmonsoons which are largely limited to the wet zone of the country and is spread overApril to September. Agro-climatologically the island has been divided into Wet,Intermediate and Dry zones. The Wet Zone encompasses the area, which receivesrelatively high mean annual rainfall of over 2,500 mm without pronounced dry periods.The Dry Zone is the area, which receives a mean annual rainfall of less than 1,750 mmwith a distinct dry season from May to September. The Intermediate Zone demarcates thearea, which receives a mean annual rainfall between 1,750 to 2,500 mm with a short andless prominent dry season. The Wet and Intermediate Zones are further subdivided intoLow, Mid and Up countries based on the altitude as low temperature is an importantclimatic factor determining crop growth. Low country is demarcated as the land below300m in elevation and the Mid-country between 300-900m in elevation and Up-countryabove 900m in elevation. All three categories of elevation are represented in the Wet andIntermediate zones while the Dry zone is limited to the Low-country. Accordingly sevenagro-climatic zones are delineated altogether. These seven agro climatic zones havefurther been divided in to 46 Agro-Ecological Regions based on rainfall regime, terraincharacteristics, predominant soil types, land use and vegetation. (Figure 2.1)

Soils belonging to 14 Great Soil Groups have been identified within the country.Among these Reddish Brown Earths, Red Yellow Podsolic soils and the Low HumicGley soils are the most abundant. Most physical properties of the major Soil Groups suchas Reddish Brown Earths, Red Yellow Podzolics, Red Yellow Latosols and ReddishBrown Latosolics are favourable for plant growth. Soils of The Wet Zone are poor inchemical fertility due to extensive leaching caused by high rainfall. Most of these soilsare characterized by low Cation Exchange Capacity values and require the use of organicmanure and special fertilizer management practices. The base saturation of the Dry Zonesoils remains at a higher range. In general, soils of Sri Lanka do not pose major problemsfor crop production.


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Figure 3.1 Agro-Ecological Regions in Sri Lanka.

Highly developed irrigation schemes have been in existence mainly, in the Dry Zoneof Sri Lanka from ancient times. They have been constructed as a series of smallreservoirs or a chain of tanks at successive locations down a single watercourse forming acascade of tank systems. In addition there are many irrigation schemes of recent origin.Altogether there are 521 schemes of which 307 are storage irrigation schemes, 104 arediversion irrigation schemes while 110 are drainage, flood control or salt-water exclusionschemes. There are 12 schemes in operation with lift irrigation facilities. Total irrigableextent under major irrigation schemes is nearly 340,000 ha while it is 162,000 ha underminor irrigation schemes. Groundwater constitutes a significant contribution for irrigationwater in Sri Lanka. Though shallow wells have been used over a long period in the Jaffnapeninsula they have become very popular in the Dry Zone in recent times.

Sri Lankan agriculture sector is traditionally categorized as (a) Plantation Crop sub-sector, and (b) Non-plantation crop or peasant sub-sector. The former sector includes tea,rubber, and coconut whereas the latter sub-sector comprises an assortment of domesticfood crops such as paddy, vegetables, fruits, condiments, coarse grains, oil seeds, grain


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legumes, Minor Export Agricultural Crops such as pepper, coffee, cinnamon, cardamom,cocoa, citronella, and vanilla, sugarcane, cashew, and other crops. Sri Lanka is a netexporter of the produces of the crops belonging to the plantation crops sub-sector that hasbeen initiated and developed during the English colonial rule. During this period, thetraditional export crops of the country such as cinnamon, pepper and cardamom becameminor export crops. The colonial rulers paid more attention towards the plantation cropsub-sector during their rule and little attention was paid to the development of thedomestic peasant agricultural sub-sector. Most of the domestic food requirements weremet through imports during the colonial rule. After receiving independence in year 1948,the successive governments of Sri Lanka attempted to develop the domestic peasantsector. With substantial public investment on expansion of irrigated land area, research,extension, seed production, farmer incentives, coupled with borrowing exotic technology,Sri Lanka was able to increase rice production by more than five folds during the post-independence era of around sixty years spanning from 1948, and the country has becomevirtually self sufficient in rice. Still, the country is a net importer of most of the food andfeed crops such as chilli, onion, potato, maize, green gram, cowpea, etc. Paddy, tea,coconut, and the group of crops known as Other Food Crops that include fruits,vegetables, root and tuber crops, pulses, oil seeds, condiments and coarse grains are themost important contributors to agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The peasantsub-sector contributes to about 75% of the Agricultural GDP including forestry, andlivestock and excluding fishing operations. The balance 25% of the Agricultural GDP isgenerated by the plantation crops sub-sector (Table 2.1).

Table 2.1. Contributions of important crops to agricultural Gross DomesticProduct (Excluding Fishing) of Sri Lanka in year 2008

Crop/ Crop CategoryGDP

contribution Rsmillion

% Contribution to GDPof Agriculture, livestock

and Forestry

Tea 27,628 11

Rubber 5,743 2

Coconut 31,375 12

Minor Export Crops 10,478 4

Paddy 43,321 17

Other Food Crops 89,536 35

Other crops, Forestry andLivestock

50,199 19

Total 258,881 100

Source: Central Bank, 2009


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English colonial government categorized most of the lands for which the localinhabitants could not prove ownership as crown lands and sold them to planters toestablish plantations. After then independent state of Ceylon was renamed withconstitutional changes as the Democratic and Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 1972, thegovernment took over lands belonging to locals and foreign companies exceeding 20hectares in size, distributed a section of the lands to private citizens, and kept a portioncompletely under government ownership and control. Later, sections of the plantationestates belonged to government were leased to the private sector due to difficulties ofmanaging them. Accordingly, there are government owned and private-owned plantationestates at present. The successive governments of Sri Lanka have distributed substantialextents of lands at different periods of times as Land Development Ordinance Lease (99year or 30 year lease) permits, Swarna Boomi grants, Jaya Boomi grants, etc. Theabsolute ownership has been kept with the government and the land recipients have beengiven user rights for different periods starting with annual permits given for a period ofone season/year to unlimited periods of time depending on the land allocation scheme.Various restrictions on transferring user rights have been imposed in different landallocation systems although gradually these restrictions have been relaxed over time toallow usage of lands practicable. However, most of the lands in Sri Lanka still remain asstate (public) property. At the period of Agricultural Census of year 1982, 84% of thelands (World Bank, 1995) were categorized as government land and the situation has notchanged much even thereafter. Because of the difficulty of transferring property rightand/or user right of land, informal land market transaction systems of userrights/ownership have developed in Sri Lanka.

The employees and workers of the plantations generally live within the plantation(Estate). The majorities of the estate workers are descendents of labourers migrated fromIndia during English Colonial rule, and have income, consumption, and expenditurepatterns different from rest of the population live in rural and urban areas. Similarly, thereare differences in employment, income, consumption patterns, and expenditure patternsof the rural and urban sectors. Accordingly, Sri Lankan population can be categorized asestate, rural, and urban sectors. In 1981, the latest year of a complete census1, 21.5% ofthe population lived in urban areas, 72.2% of the population lived in rural areas and thebalance 6.3% of the population lived in estate areas (Central Bank, 2009). Plantationestates are plantations above 8 hectare in size and lands below 8 hectares are consideredas small holdings. Generally, employees and workers of small holding sub-sector alsobelong to the rural sector. Around 56% each of the extents grown to tea and rubber, and18% of the coconut extent belonged to estate plantations, and the balance percentages ofthese lands to small holdings in year 2002 (Ministry of plantation industries, 2008).

1 There was a Population and Housing Census conducted in year 2001, but it did not include alldistricts


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Sri Lanka has a land area of 6.56 million hectares with a population of 20.22 million(Central Bank, 2009). The agricultural land extent in Sri Lanka is around 4.25 millionhectares. Accordingly, the per capita availability of land is around 0.33 ha, and per capitaagricultural land availability is 0.23 hectare. With an average family size of about 4.2, theper-household land availability is around 1.4 hectare and agricultural land availability is0.92 hectare. The land availability could also be viewed from the point of regionaldisparity. The wet zone, particularly, the western province, is densely populated. TheColombo district which has a land area of 69,900 ha has a population of 2.49 million(Central Bank, 2009). Therefore, the per capita land availability in Colombo District isabout 0.03 ha whereas Mannar and Mulativu districts have per capita land areas around1.9 hectare.

North Central (NCP), Uva, Eastern, Northern, and North-western (NWP) are theprovinces having above average per capita land availability from the nine provinces in SriLanka. The Northern, North Central, and Eastern provinces have relatively high ratios offorest area to total land area (Table 2.2).

The general land use type in Sri Lanka is given in table 2.3. The percentage of landremaining after allocation for forest cover, inland waters, barren land, and urban lands is65%. About 22% of this land is sparsely used land for crop cultivation. Therefore, onlyabout 43% of the land is generally used for production of agricultural crops. About 16%of these lands are used as homesteads where both perennials and annual crops are grownon the land remaining after usage for dwellings and other purposes. The plantation cropsand other perennials cover about 13% of the land. Although, paddy lands cover about13% of the lands, a portion of these lands also are used for cultivation of other crops.

Table 2.2. Land availability situation in the nine provinces in Sri Lanka

Province Populationin year 2008

‘000 s

Landarea Sq.

km

Forest areaSq. km

Approximate per capitaland availability for

agriculture and other useha/person

Western 5,758 3,593 195 0.06

Central 2,628 5,575 1,402 0.16

Southern 2,443 5,383 932 0.18

Northern 1,172 8,290 3,946 0.37

Eastern 1,515 9,361 3,030 0.42

North Western 2,295 7,506 1,002 0.28

North Central 1,209 9,741 3,326 0.53

Uva 1,291 8,335 2,000 0.49

Sabaragamuwa 1,906 4,921 765 0.22

Sri Lanka 20,217 62,705 16,598 0.23

Source: Central Bank, 2009


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2.1.1. Land tenure

Paddy lands in Sri Lanka are cultivated by both owner-farmers and tenants. ThePaddy Lands Act of 1958 and the following Agrarian Services Acts fixed land owner’sshare of the harvest, and fixed user right of the land for the tenant. This has made land-owners reluctant to give lowlands for sharecropping in formal market. Additionally, thechanging profitability of rice farming has made land rents fixed by the Agrarian ServicesActs economically irrational. Further, fragmentation of lands by transferring ownershipof blocks of lands, constraining water supply by irrigation authorities in water-shortageseasons, need of transferring user-rights of state-owned lands allocated to farmers, etchave led to development of different land tenure systems.

Table 2.3: Land use types in Sri Lanka in year 2007

Land use type Extent (hectares) % Extent

Urban Lands 36,620 **

Agricultural Land 4,253,757 65

Homesteads 1,028,600 16

Tea 189,800 03

Rubber 183,200 03

Coconut 313,700 05

Mixed and perennial crops 164,325 02

Paddy 844,000 13

Sugarcane 13,800 **

Sparsely used crop land 1,439,532 22

Other crop land 76,800 01

Forest Lands 1,887,255 29

Water 303,068 05

Barren Land 80,300 01

Total 6,561,000 100

** Below 1%

Source: Socio Economics & Planning Centre, DOA

Thattu-maru, Kattimaru and Bethma cultivation are semi-formal user-right transfers.The former two are found, generally, in privately held lowlands. When a parcel of land isjointly owned by several owners with some of the owners owning very small shares,partitioning of the land becomes unrealistic. Then arrangements are made to temporallypartitioning user-right evading spatial partitioning that would result in fragmentation.Each owner gets the user-right within a user-right cycle in conformity with theproportionate share he/she owns. This system is called Thattumaru. When the different


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blocks of jointly owned land have varying fertility, Kattimaru system is used. Then theland is partitioned to different blocks, and each joint owner gets user-right of differentblocks consecutively in a cycle. In the irrigation schemes where water reservoir is acommon property resource, it is difficult to provide irrigation to all lands coming undercommand area in seasons of water shortage. In such seasons, officials responsible forwater distribution arrange to distribute water to head-end section of the command area.All the farmers who have a claim for water in the reservoir get land parcels for cultivationin the particular season in the area receiving irrigation according to proportionate landownership. All these three systems are theoretically legally binding as arrangements aretransparent and accepted by community including all stakeholders. The semiformalarrangements of Thattumaru, Kattimaru, and Bethma serve to preserve social justice andto avoid social ill effects and conflicts. The former two provide few incentives formaintenance and improvement of land for the owners of small proportionate shares buthelp reduce fragmentation and costs of litigation over land disputes and facilitate ownersof smaller land parcels to engage in other jobs during seasons of non-cultivation.Perpetuation of the above mentioned semi-formal user-right arrangements indicate thattheir beneficial effects outweigh the adverse effects of the external diseconomiesassociated with them.

About 60% of the land under paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka has been provided withirrigation facilities. Most of the irrigated settlement schemes were established afterreceiving independence from colonial administration in 1948. Initially, 1.2 hectares oflowlands were given by the state to settlers and later it was reduced to 1 hectare. Severalamendments to initial Land Development Ordinance (LDO) and subsequent Land Actswere passed in parliament, but the initial condition imposed on unitary succession to landwas not changed. Further, the land recipients are not allowed to sell their lands in openmarket, but they can transfer the ownership with the permission from the DivisionalSecretary of the area who is the ex officio representative of the Commissioner of Lands.Land is the major asset for most of the land recipients in irrigated settlement schemes andthe prevailing social customs compel parents to transfer wealth to next generationequitably. Further, employment opportunities around the settlement schemes did notexpand adequately to provide employment sufficiently to next generation of settlers.Even though the land is transferred legally to only one member of the next generation,more than one member cultivate the land making transfers outside of formal marketwhere operating mechanisms are based mainly on mutual trust.

2.2 Trends in crop yields

Exponential trend equations for yield during period starting from 1990 to 2008 werefitted for important crops.

tAeY .β=

where, y is yield, t is number of years starting from 1990. Since the trend equationused is exponential, the β coefficient represents average yield growth rate during theperiod (Chiang, 1984).

Some crops did not show any yield trends. The yield trends of crops that showed


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some exponential trends are presented in table 2.4. Productivities of rubber and tea havegrown around 3% annually whereas productivity of coconut has grown by only 0.61%per annum. Paddy yield has grown around 1.33% annually. Tomato, egg plant, radish,capsicum, okra, and Ash Plantain (banana cultivar used as vegetable) have shownmoderate growth of yields. In the fruit crop sub-sector, only pineapple has shown amoderate growth rate whereas papaw, orange, banana, lime, and mango have exhibitednegative yield growth rates during the reference period of 1990-2009. Perhaps, recentfruit expansion programs might have led to increase in ratio of non-bearing plants inthese crops and consequent negative yield growth on average. Excepting chilli, all cropscategorized as Other Field Crops (green gram, black gram, cowpea, soybeans, groundnut,sesame, finger millet, maize, Shallot (red onion), and onion (big onion) have recordedpositive yield growth during the reference period. The annual variation of the yield of bigonion has been high until very recently due to high usage of poor quality seed, andtherefore does not show an exponential growth with time. The multiple correlationcoefficient of linear trend equation of big onion is only 0.14. Accordingly, only 14% ofthe yield variation is explained by the linear trend equation of big onion that indicate 198kg/ha annual growth (table 2.4).

Table 2.4: Yield trends of some important crops duringthe period starting from 1990 to 2008, Sri Lanka

CropUnit of

measure ofyield

Right HandSide of

EquationR2

Average Annualyield growthpercentage

Rubber kg/ha 525.18e0.0278t 0.61 2.78

Coconut ‘000 nuts/ha 5870.4e0.0061t 0.15 0.61

Tea kg/ha 1038.8e0.0259t 0.50 2.59

Paddy t/ha 3275.7e0.0133t 0.90 1.33

Tomato t/ha 6.4773e0.0181t 0.66 1.81

Egg plant t/ha 6.6048e0.0133t 0.62 1.33

Radish t/ha 8.2922e0.0131t 0.53 1.31

Capsicum t/ha 3.8067e0.0084t 0.52 0.84

Ash Plantain t/ha 6.0303e0.0093t 0.22 0.93

Okra t/ha 4.8698e0.0134t 0.76 1.34

Pineapple ‘000 fruits/ha 7.1706e0.0141t 0.46 1.41

Papaw ‘000 fruits/ha 14.224e-0.0501t 0.90 -5.01

Orange ‘000 fruits/ha 8.5761e-0.0164t 0.48 -1.64

Banana ’00 bunches/ha 7.9307e-0.0113t 0.63 -1.13

Lime ‘000 fruits/ha 22.795e-0.0171t 0.40 -1.71

Mango ‘000 fruits/ha 23.275e-0.0221t 0.69 -2.22


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CropUnit of

measure ofyield

Right HandSide of

EquationR2

Average Annualyield growthpercentage

Sesame t/ha 0.4747e0.0186t 0.67 1.86

Ground nut t/ha 0.4808e0.0288t 0.64 2.88

Soya beans t/ha 0.7354e0.0417t 0.61 4.17

Black gram t/ha 0.6477e0.027t 0.69 2.70

Green gram t/ha 0.8232e0.0074t 0.68 0.74

Cowpea t/ha 0.8374e0.0085t 0.76 0.85

Finger millet t/ha 0.5836e0.0246t 0.69 2.46

Maize t/ha 0.8913e0.0279t 0.57 2.79

Chilli (Dried) t/ha 1.6328e-0.0231t 0.29 -0.23

Red Onion t/ha 6.2606e0.0194t 0.57 1.94

Big Onion t/ha 0.1981t + 4.6229 0.14 198 kg/ha

Data Source: Department of Census and Statistics

2.3. Seed requirements, and seed replacement rates

Annual seed replacement rate (SRR) is computed by using the following equality.

SRR i = [Annual seed supply by the formal sector in crop i]/[Annual seedrequirement of the crop i]

The estimates on seed requirements and seed replacement rates have been preparedconsidering the average annual crop extent grown during the period starting from 2004 to2008 and recommended seed rates. There was a problem of estimating annual seedrequirements as average seed rates used by farmers are sometimes, substantially differentfrom recommended seed rates. Unfortunately, average seed rates used by farmers are notavailable for all crops, and therefore, the recommended seed rates need to be used in mostoccasions. Accordingly, the seed rates recommended by the DOA are generally used tocompute seed requirements, and when there is evidence that these rates are different fromthe seed rates used by farmers, additional information on seed requirements based onseed rates used by farmers also are presented.

Data on seed issued by the private sector are not available and only data on seedimports and domestic seed productions by the private sector are available. Therefore,seed replacement rates were computed considering two scenarios. In the first scenario, itwas assumed that all of the seed imported and produced by the private sector are issued tofarmers. In the second scenario, it was assumed that 60% of the seed imported / producedby the private sector are issued to farmers. Seed requirements and seed replacement ratesof some of the important annual crops are presented in table 2.5a and 2.5b. When thereare two rows in table 2.5b presenting seed requirements and seed replacement rates of acrop, the first row is based on DOA recommended seed rates and the second row is based


318


on average seed rates used by the farmer. There is no formal private sector seedproduction in group of crops known as OFCs (excepting in chilli ) that includeblackgram, cowpea, green gram, chilli, onions, maize, finger millet, soybean, and sesame.Therefore, the basic seed issued by the Seed and Planting Materials Development Centre(SPMDC) is used either for seed production or production of consumption produce.Therefore, both basic and certified seed of OFCs issued by the SPMDC are used incomputation of seed replacement rates. However in vegetable seed sub-sector whereformal private sector actively participates, only the standard seed issued by the SPMDCis reckoned in computation of seed replacement rates.

Rice that covers the main portion of the annual food crop extent has a very high seedrequirement of which 15% is replaced by quality seed produced. The seed replacementrates are low in the Other Field Crops sub-sector excepting maize of which importedhybrids are often used by farmers. The big onion seed imported is not quality assuredones. Therefore, there is a tendency for farmers to use true seed produced in Sri Lanka,although price is high and supply is low. Red onion is generally propagated throughbulbs. These bulbs are not generally quality assured by some certification. However,there is no considerable deterioration of genetic purity as the crop is vegetativepropagated. The seed tuber replacement rate is fairly high for potato due to availability ofimported seed.

There is not adequate data on use of quality planting materials in the fruit crop sub-sector. However, when farmers establish new plants, they tend to grow budded plants ofimproved selections, and there are many private sector nurseries catering to this demand.Only a small portion of the production of these planting materials is certified. Generally,in vegetative propagated crops such as banana, Ash Plantain, manioc, and sweet potato,farmers use suckers or cuttings taken from existing cultivations (Table 2.5a).

Vegetable seed are mainly produced or imported by the private sector. The seedsupply of beet root, carrot, knol khol, okra, cucumber, snake gourd, and leeks exceed thereported seed requirements. One reason for this apparent contradiction is that lands usedfor these crops are continuously cultivated. The statistical investigators find it is verydifficult to collect data on actual crop extents as continuous cropping is practiced.Therefore, the actual annual extent is underreported in some of these crops. Further, as arisk management strategy, importers have to import seed above annual requirement totackle unpredictable annual fluctuations of the extents of these crops. Generally, the seedreplacement rates of vegetable sub-sector are relatively high due to their cash intensivenature from demand side, and operation of private sector in this lucrative market insupply side (Table 2.5b).

Because of the perennial nature of plantation crops: tea, rubber, and coconut, it isvery difficult to estimate planting material replacement rates. In tea and rubber, almost allof the planting materials used are quality assured ones. When traditional exportagricultural crops: cocoa, coffee, cardamom, cloves and pepper are grown under subsidysponsored by the government, farmers use quality certified planting materials. Since mostof the new plantings of traditional export agricultural crops are associated with agovernment subsidy scheme that makes it necessary for the farmer to use certifiedplanting material, use of quality planting materials in this sub-sector is high.


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Table 2.5a: Requirements and replacement rates of seed/planting materials of rice,Root & Tuber Crops, Other Field Crops in Sri Lanka by the formal seed sector in

period starting from year 2004 to year 2008

Crop AveragecultivatedExtent in

year2004-2008

Measurementunit

AnnualSeed/planting

materialrequirement

Amount ofcertified/standard

seed/plantingmaterials issuedby DOA duringyears 2004-2008

SeedImports

byprivatesector

Privateseed

production

FormalSectorSeed

supplyScenario

1

FormalSectorSeed

supplyScenario

2

Seed/plantingmaterial

replacementrate

Scenario 1


replacementrate

Scenario 2

Paddy 899184 000 Bu 4496 45 646 691 433 15% 10%

Potato 5319 T 11319 227 3941 900 5068 3131 45% 28%

Manioc 23396 # 28309160 na na na na na na na

Sweet Potato 6686 # 11420030 na na na na na na na

Sesame 8950 kg 44751 989 989 989 2% 2%

Ground nut 10650 kg 1065040 16512 16512 16512 2% 2%

Soya beans 2309 kg 58187 6239 6239 6239 11% 11%

Black gram 6578 kg 131552 11923 11923 11923 9% 9%

Green gram 9016 kg 180316 19194 19194 19194 11% 11%

Cowpea 10897 kg 217940 8105 8105 8105 4% 4%

Finger millet 5808 kg 29041 3033 3033 3033 10% 10%

Maize 33984 kg 679688 42276 318132 360408 233155 53% 34%

Chilli 15017 kg 15017 759 836 18982 20577 12645 137% 84%

Red Onion 5403 kg 7158445 na na na na na na na

Big Onion 5106 kg 24407 na na Na na na na

Pineapple* 1004 # 4747124 na na na na na na

Papaw* 5618 # 1050804 na na na na na na

Orange* 4549 # 429572 38817 na 50000 na na na na

Banana* 49719 # 268712 na na 250,000 na na na na

Lime* 9563 # 37477 na na na na na

Mango* 26279 # 384188 50755 na na na na na na

*Source: Ministry of Agriculture & Agrarian Services, 2009; SEPC, DOA; SPMDC, DOA; SeedProducres Association of Sri Lanka)


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Table 2.5b: Average requirements and replacement rates of seed/plantingmaterials of vegetable crops in Sri Lanka by the formal seed sector in period

starting from year 2004 to year 2008

Crop

AveragecultivatedExtent inyear2004-

2008

Measurement unit

AnnualSeed/planting

materialRequirement

Amount ofcertified/standard

seed/plantingmaterials issued byDOA during years

2004-2008

SeedImports

byprivatesector

Privateseed

production

FormalSectorSeed

supplyScenario

1

FormalSectorSeed

supplyScenario

2


Replacement rate

Scenario 1

Seed /plantingmaterial

Replacementrate Scenario

2

Tomato 6865 kg 2574 532 868 345 1744 1259 68% 49%

Egg plant 10228 kg 3580 362 703 2585 3650 2335 102% 65%

Egg plant 10228 kg 5942 362 0 2585 2947 1913 50% 32%

Radish 2826 kg 14129 675 11244 5004 16924 10424 120% 74%

knol khol 1489 kg 1965 6762 6762 4057 344% 206%

Capsicum 3245 kg 3245 302 527 829 618 26% 19%

Okra 6706 kg 30175 1792 1191 28032 31014 19325 103% 64%

Bitter gourd 4025 kg 24148 716 6321 2774 9811 6173 41% 26%

Bitter gourd 4025 kg 11985 716 6321 2774 9811 6173 82% 52%

Cucumber 2985 kg 2985 161 1928 2754 4843 2970 162% 100%

Pumpkin 7548 kg 7548 40 5152 3131 0% 41%

Snake gourd 2760 kg 7177 665 7474 8139 5149 113% 72%

Beans 7915 kg 514449 6442 95694 102136 63859 20% 12%

Beetroot 2389 kg 14335 18692 18692 11215 130% 78%

Cabbage 4312 kg 1294 1216 1216 730 94% 56%

Carrot 3224 kg 12897 30606 30606 18363 237% 142%

Carrot 3224 kg 17527 30606 30606 18363 175% 105%

Leeks 1895 kg 7108 7682 7682 4609 108% 65%

Luffa 2742 kg 12338 383 3324 2929 6637 4135 54% 34%

Domestic seed availability of some of these crops exceeds the reported domestic requirement.Underreporting the extents and importing seed exceeding expected sales by the private sector might have ledto this untenable situation

+Production data of members of the Seed Producer’s Association of Sri Lanka only are available andproduction by non-members is not available. Since seed issue data are not available, the some of import andproduction data are used as seed availability to farmers from the formal private sector.

Data Sources: Department of Census and Statistics, SCPPC, DOA, and Seed Producers’ Association of SriLanka

2.4 Importance and trends of seed trade

As previously mentioned in this report, there are no official records of seed issues bythe private sector. Therefore, one can come to a rough estimate only on percentagecontributions to seed supply by the DOA, and private sector seed production and seedimports. Further, information on the section of the domestic seed production contributedby non-members of the “Seed Producers’ Association of Sri Lanka” are not available inthe records. Therefore, available information on the private sector seed production by themembers of the “Seed Producers’ Association of Sri Lanka” and imports figures takenfrom records maintained at Seed Certification and Plant Protection Center, DOA are used


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to compute percentage contributions of the DOA, imports, and private sector seedproduction to domestic seed supply of agricultural crops. Because of the paucity ofaccurate information, these computed estimates may not be accurate and best ones.

The percentage contributions to seed availability by the formal sector seed productionis presented in table 2.6. In addition to crops that depend 100% on seed imports such asknol khol, beet, cabbage, carrot, leeks, and the contributions from seed imports is high forseed supply of beans, maize, potato, bitter gourd, and tomato. The contribution todomestic seed supply by private sector seed production is high in okra, egg plant,capsicum, pumpkin, and luffa. Private sector participation in seed production of OtherField Crops is very low excepting maize that has a relatively large seed demand and chilliwhere seed quality concerns of farmers is high. Therefore, almost all of the formal sectorseed production of sesame, ground nut, soybeans, black gram, green gram, cowpea, andfinger millet is carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka.

Imported seed plays an important role in production of most of the vegetables. Someof the vegetable seeds are not produced in Sri Lanka and farmers depend completely onimported seed. Potato and maize seed imports are the major seed trade activities. Potatoextents fluctuate annually and decided mainly by the net protection offered for domesticpotato production by the government. Therefore, one can not expect a trend in potatoseed imports. However, there is an increasing trend in domestic maize production due torecent relative rise of world prices of maize. Table 2.7 presents the trends of seed importsof some vegetables during the period starting from 2003 to 2008. Both exponential andlinear trend equations are presented in table 2.7. The exponential trends show the averagegrowth rate during the period whereas the linear trends show the annual average growth.Generally, beans seed comprises the largest quantity of vegetables seed imported.However, bean seed have not been imported in some years. Therefore, beans seed wasexcluded in estimating trend equations of vegetable seed trade. The vegetable seed(excepting beans seed) imports have annually grown at a rate of 7% or by around kg 6669per year during the period stating from 2003 to 2008. Imports of seed of long beans,bitter gourd, pumpkin, egg plant, and cucumber have shown relatively high growth ratesduring this period. Growth of seed imports of pumpkin, long bean, carrot, and okra haveconsiderably contributed to the overall growth of annual vegetable seed imports.


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Table 2.6. Contribution to formal sector annual seed supply by the department ofAgriculture, imports, and private seed production during years 2004-2008

Crop

Average amount (kg) ofcertified seed issued byDOA annually during

years 2003-2008**

Average seed imports(kg) annually duringyears 2003-2008**

Average annual private +

seed production (kg)during years 2003-2008**

Paddy* 45 (7%) (00%) 646 (93%)

Tomato 532 (31%) 868 (50%) 345 (20%)

Egg plant 362 (10%) 703 (13%) 2585 (71%)

Radish 675 (04%) 11244 (66%) 5004 (30%)

Knolkhol 6762 (100%)

Capsicum 302 ( 36%) 527 (64%)

Okra 1792 ( 06%) 1191 (04%) 28032 (90%)

Bitter gourd 716 ( 07%) 6321 (65%) 2774 (28%)

Cucumber 193 ( 04%) 1928 (40%) 2754 (56%)

Pumpkin 40 5152 na

Snake gourd 665 ( 08%) 7474 (92%)

Beans 6442 ( 06%) 95694 (94%)

Beetroot 18692 (100%)

Cabbage 1216 (100%)

Carrot 30606 (100%)

Leeks 7682 (100%)

Luffa 383 ( 06%) 3324 (50%) 2929 (44%)

Sesame 989 (100%)

Ground nut 16512 (100%)

Soybeans 6239 (100%)

Blackgram 11923 (100%)

Greengram 19194 (100%)

Cowpea 8105 (100%)

Finger millet 3033 (100%)

Maize 42276 ( 12%) 318132 (88%)

Chilli (Dried) 759 ( 4%) 18982 (96%)

Potato 227 ( 4%) 3941 (78%) 900 (18%)

* = Paddy measured in ‘000 bushels ** = Figures within parenthesis are percentages from formal sectorseed supply.+ = Production data of members of the Seed Producer’s Association of Sri Lanka only are available andproduction by non-members is not available. Since seed issue data are not available, the sum of import andproduction data are used as seed availability to farmers from the formal private sector.Source: SPMDC, DOA; Seed Producers’ Association of Sri Lanka; SCPPC, DOA


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The private sector was permitted to import seed starting from year 1994, andconsequently seed imports have gradually expanded. Three seed farms previouslymanaged by the DOA have been transferred to private ownership and managementpaving way for domestic private seed industry to grow. The role of the DOA was mainlyrestricted to production of basic seeds, and the DOA is also involved in production orprocurement of certified/standard seed. There is a tendency to reduce the subsidies togovernment seed farms in order to reduce treasury burden and also to allow the privatesector to play in a level playing field. The DOA expanded seed certification facilities bybuilding two new seed laboratories. However, the participation of the private sector inobtaining government certification on quality of seed is low, and seed firms sell theirseed under the label “quality assured’ seed. The Seed Act of year 2003 has made it ismandatory for all seed handlers to register them-selves at the Seed Certification Service(SCS) of the DOA, and empower the SCS to make random checks on quality, and takelegal action if seed quality is below stipulated standards. Although, these regulatoryfunctions came into effect with a delay after the gradual evolution of the private seedmarketing, implementation of the Seed Act is likely to result in unscrupulous seed firmsto reduce their market shares and farmers to receive higher quality seed.

Table 2.7. Trends of seed imports of some crops duringthe period starting from year 2000 to year 2008

Crop Trend Equations on importsEstimated annual growth

rate of seed importsR2 of theequation

Eggplant 76.486t - 28.2 76.5 kg/year 54%

12.925e0.67t 67% 65%

Okra 598.14t - 1101.3 598 kg/year 75%

Bitter gourd 364.86t - 222.67 365 kg/year 94%

16.733e0.9495t 95% 61%

Pumpkin 1356.3t - 594.93 1356 kg/year 89%

141.58e0.7832t 78% 62%

Carrot 1179.7t + 26330 1179 kg/year 55%

26504e0.0386t 4% 54%

Cucumber 333.69t + 443.93 339 kg/year 35%

101.65e0.6241t 62% 47%

Long bean 1273.4t - 2840 1273 kg/year 67%

15.605e1.0346t 103% 70%

Melon 645.69t + 428.6 645 kg/year 77%

989.85e0.2517t 25% 76%

Vegetable seedexcepting beans

6668.9t + 74819 6669 kg/year 48%

75721e0.0703t 7% 54%


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2.5 Summary and Conclusion

The Sri Lankan Agriculture Sector is generally categorized as the plantation sub-sector that include tea, rubber, and coconut, and the peasant sub-sector that covers paddy,fruits, vegetables, Minor Export Agricultural Crops, and Other Field Crops. The peasantsub-sector contributes to about 75% of the Agricultural GDP and the balance 25% isgenerated by the plantation crops sub-sector. The state is the absolute owner of above80% of the lands in Sri Lanka. A section of these lands have been allocated to the publicunder various land allocation schemes and because of the difficulty of transferringproperty right and/or user right of land allocated under different land allocation schemesby the state, informal land market transaction systems of user rights/ownership havedeveloped in Sri Lanka. The reported urban, rural and estate population percentages arearound 22%, 72%, and 6% respectively. Around 56% each of the extents grown to teaand rubber, and 18% of the coconut extent belong to estate plantations, and the balancepercentages of these lands belong to small holdings. The percentage of land in Sri Lankaremaining after allocation for forest cover, inland waters, barren land, and urban lands is65%. of which about 22% is sparsely used land for crop cultivation; about 16% is used ashomesteads, 13% is used for paddy cultivation, and another 13% is allocated for theplantation crops. Productivities of rubber, tea, coconut, tomato, egg plant, radish,capsicum, and Ash Plantain, green gram, black gram, cowpea, soybeans, groundnut,sesame, finger millet, maize, red onion, and big onion have grown whereas productivitiesof papaw, orange, banana, lime, and mango declined during the period of 1990-2008.Rice that covers the main portion of the annual food crop extent has a very high nationalaggregate seed requirement of which 15% is replaced by quality seed produced.Generally, seed replacement in the vegetable sub-sector is satisfactory. Poor seedreplacement is observed in the OFC sub-sector. Vegetable seed are mainly produced orimported by the private sector. Seed of Knol khol, carrot, cabbage, beet, and leeks are notproduced in Sri Lanka and seed requirement is completely met through imports. Privatesector participation in seed production of Other Field Crops is very low excepting maizeand chilli. Therefore, almost all of the formal sector seed production of sesame, groundnut, soybean, black gram, green gram, cowpea, and finger millet is carried out by theDepartment of Agriculture, Sri Lanka. The vegetable seed (excepting beans seed) importshave annually grown at a rate of 7% or by around kg 6669 per year during the periodstarting from 2004 to 2008. Imports of seed of long beans, bitter gourd, pumpkin, eggplant, and cucumber have shown relatively high growth rates during this period. Growthof seed imports of pumpkin, long bean, carrot, and okra have considerably contributed tothe overall growth of annual vegetable seed imports.

Lack of accurate data on actual roles played by private sector producers andimporters in seed marketing has made very difficult to take suitable policy decisions onseed industry. The situation will improve with effective implementation of the Seed Act.Yet, accurate data on seed issues will not be available. Therefore, it is necessary todevelop an accurate data-base on seed use in Sri Lanka.


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Chapter 3

3. STRUCTURE, CAPACITY AND FUNCTIONING Of PUBLIC SEEDSYSTEM

3.0. Background Information

The public sector involves in plant breeding and varietal development,recommendation of improved varieties for general cultivation, purity maintenance and,basic and certified seed production of released varieties, seed quality control,maintenance of seed buffer stocks, seed promotions, and regulating and facilitating seedfunctions by formulation and implementing seed laws. The share of the private sector inseed production, supply, marketing and distribution has grown rapidly after allowing theprivate sector to enter seed production and marketing activities in the late 1980s. Still thepublic sector institutes remain as the main agencies responsible for producing breeders’seed, and basic seed (foundation and registered seed) of all locally recommendedvarieties of paddy, vegetable, other field crops and potato and conducting research anddevelopment activities of food crop varieties in Sri Lanka.

Crop varieties developed in Sri Lanka over the past have been mostly inbreds, openpollinated varieties or clones or vegetative propagated varieties. Regarding some fruitcrops, the scientists have embarked on selecting promising plants surveyed at variousland races. Recent interest has shifted to the development of hybrids in many cropspecies. Genetically modified crop varieties have not come up in the past largely due toinsufficient facilities for their development and testing. Furthermore, it is the policy ofthe government to discourage entry of such varieties into the country from outside.

Introduction and adaptation of new varieties has been a key strategy in addition tocrossing, selection and testing in variety development. Collaboration with internationalagricultural research centres has helped introduction of completed or partially completedbreeding material. The selection of satisfactory plant types among local varieties andlandraces has contributed significantly to variety development efforts in the past.

Rice breeding programme of the country has been an outstanding success in the past.It has been instrumental in raising the average farmer yields considerably through severaldecades from its onset. Among field crops, rice is the crop in which a maximumproportion of farmers are cultivating improved varieties. Locally released varieties areavailable in most of the food crops as well as plantation crops. However, farmers in thehill country depend on exotic varieties for the cultivation of temperate vegetables forwhich the breeding programmes have not been very strong. Identification and release ofdesirable types among locally cultivated fruit crops have been currently givenimportance.

Crops grown in Sri Lanka can be separated in to three categories according to theireconomic or commercial values as given Table 3.1

Table 3.1 Major crops grown in Sri LankaCategory 1. Fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants


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Category 2. Plantation crops such as tea, rubber, coconut, cacao, cinnamon etc.Category 3. Field cropsI. Major grain crop: RiceII. Other field crops (OFC)

a. Course grains eg. Maize, Finger milletb. Oil crops eg. Sesame, Groundnutc. Grain legumes eg. Cowpea, Greengram, Blackgram, Soybeand. Spices eg. Chilli, Onione. Sugar crops eg. Sugarcanes

All crops included in category one, the group of crops identified as ExportAgricultural Crops and included in category 2, and all crops in category 3 exceptingsugar crops are included in the mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture Development andAgrarian Services. The plantation crops included in category 2 are under the mandate ofthe Ministry of Plantations Industries. Sugar crops come under the administrativepurview of the Ministry of Supplementary Plantation Crops Development. Accordingly,the structure of the public seed system encompasses institutes/departments functioningunder a few line ministries of the Central Government. Additionally, the localadministration in Sri Lanka has been devolved to provincial councils, anddepartments/institutes coming under these provincial councils also are involved in publicsector seed activities in minor scale.

3.1. Structure of Public Seed System

3.1.1 Ministry of Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services (MADAS)

Different departments and statutory bodies such as Department of Agriculture,Department of Agrarian services, National Seed Council, Sri Lanka Council forAgricultural Research (SLCARP), Department of Export Agriculture (DEA) are the mainimplementing agencies for research and development of crop verities, seed productionand distribution activities.

3.1.1.1. Council for Agricultural Research Policy

The Council for Agricultural Research Policy (CARP) established in 1987 is anumbrella organization of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS). With theSecretariat at Colombo, CARP serves as an organization in an advisory capacity forcoordinating and consolidating research efforts within Sri Lanka NARS, funding researchprojects, and promoting scientific research linkages in prioritised areas both nationallyand internationally.

3.1.1.2 National Seed Council (NSC)

This was established under the Seed Act No. 22 of 2003. Seed laws commonlyregulate the tasks of a NSC. Although, NSC is under the administrative purview of theMADAS that is mandated to cover a section of the domestic agriculture, the NSC isexpected to cover seed activities of the all agricultural crops.

The seed council shall consist of♦ The following ex-officio members, namely,♦ The Secretary of the Agriculture and Agrarian Services


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♦ The Director General of Agriculture♦ The Director in charge of the Seed Certification in the Department of Agriculture♦ The Executive Director of the Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Policy.♦ The Director General of the Sri Lanka Standard Institute established by the Sri

Lanka Slandered Institute Act No. 6 of 1984

Not more than four members appointed for a period of three years by the Minister ofAgriculture and Agrarian Services from seed produces, seed users and seed importer (twoof such persons shall be appointed to represent farming community who are seed users)

Major functions of the NSC are given below:

♦ To establish guidelines and principles to ensure production and distribution ofseed and planting materials of the highest quality.

♦ To undertake periodic review of the progress of seed and planting materialsproduction

♦ To advise Minister on all matters regarding production and supply of seed andplanting materials.

♦ To periodically review the quality standard of seed and planting materials fordeveloping the seed and planting materials industry in the country.

♦ To determine the minimum labeling requirement for seed containers and forplanting materials available in the market.

♦ To determine the quality and minimum size of the seed containers for eachspecies and or variety of seed available in the market.

♦ To determine the quality and minimum quantity of each species or variety ofseed available in the market.

♦ To take appropriate action with regards to the production of new plant varieties.

3.1.1.3. Department of Agriculture

The DOA has aimed at breeding new varieties and developing crop protectionmethods and sustaining production systems to achieve self-sufficiency in major foodcrops, without adversely affecting the environment. Crop improvement, breeder seedproduction, basic and certified seed and planting materials production and distribution ofall the crops in 1st and 3rd category except sugarcane are handled by the Department ofAgriculture, Sri Lanka.

The DOA is headed by the Director General of Agriculture (DGA), and there are nineinstitute/centers/divisions each headed by a director. Present structure of Department ofAgriculture is shown in Figure 1.The major institutes/centers involved in seed functionsare:

♦ Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI)♦ The Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute (HoRDI),♦ Field Crops Research & Development Institute (FCRDI)♦ Seed Certification and Plant Protection Centre (SCPPC)♦ Seed and Planting Materials Development Centre (SPMDC)♦ Extension and Training Division (ETD)


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Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI)

The Rice Research and Development Institute, located in Bathalagoda is responsiblein the country’s rice sector by releasing new high yielding rice varieties and introducingimproved rice production and protection technologies to help farmers realize the yieldpotentials of the varieties that they grow. There is a three Regional Research andDevelopment Centres and, two Agricultural Research stations coming under theadministrative purview of the Director, RRDI.

The Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute (HoRDI),

The Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute (HoRDI), Gannoruwa isvested with the responsibility of technology development concerning vegetables, fruits,root and tuber crops and floriculture. The research programme focuses on thedevelopment of improved crop varieties, new propagation methods, post harvest and foodprocessing methods, the use of protected culture and ensuring better plant health withfewer defendants on chemicals. There are three Regional Research and DevelopmentCentres, three-Agricultural Research Stations and three Centres and coming under theadministrative purview of the Director, HoRDI..

Field Crops Research & Development Institute (FCRDI

Field Crops Research and Development Institute (FCRDI), Maha Illuppallama ismain centre to conduct research and development programs on field crops aiming atdeveloping new technology, and facilitating the technology dissemination forenhancement of production and productivity in the field crop sector. Field crops includecondiments (chilli and onions), grain legumes (greengram, cowpea, blackgram, pigeonpea and chickpea), oil seed crops (groundnut, soybean, sesame and sunflower) and non-rice cereals (maize, sorghum, finger millet and other minor millets). There are threeRegional Research and Development Centers coming under the administrative purview ofthe Director, FCRDI.

Seed Certification and Plant Protection Centre (SCPPC)

The mandate of Seed Certification and Plant Protection Centre (SCPPC) is to ensureplant protection, seed quality and the management and conservation of Plant GeneticResources in Sri Lanka. SCPPC with its director oversees the functions of SeedCertification Service (SCS), National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS) and PlantGenetic Research Centre (PGRC), which are directly related to seed system in thecountry. Therefore, SCPPC is responsible for providing important services to farmerssuch as quality control of seed and planting materials, evaluation of characterization andconservation of plant genetic resources of food crops and plant quarantine activities.Regulatory functions under the plant Protection Act No.35 of 1999, the control ofPesticide Act No.33 of 1980 and the seed act No.22 of 2003 are also carried out by theSCPPC.

The SCS has been a member of ISTA since year 1974 and international recognitionfor seed testing in Sri Lanka was obtained from year 1985. The activities of the SCS isfocused towards promoting development of the seed industry by assuring the quality of


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locally produced and imported seeds and planting materials available to the farmers.There are 28 regional Seed Certification Units each headed by an Officer-In- Charge(SCS), four seed testing laboratories (one each at Central Province, Uva Province,Southern Province and North-central Province) and four post control fields. In 2007, 147technical staff has involved in the SCS activities. Entire seed paddy productionprogramme of the SPMDC, OFCs, vegetable seed, and seed potatto are certified by theSCS.

The mandate of the National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS) of Sri Lanka is tofacilitate the import and export of pest free plants and plant products for the developmentof agriculture and related industries in the country. There are plant quarantine units atAirport of Katunayaka, Seaport of Colombo, and in Gannoruwa.

The Plant Genetic Research Centre (PGRC), Gannoruwa is the focal point tocoordinate the activities related to conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food andAgriculture and to promote their use for the benefit of present and future generations inthe country

Seed and Planting Materials Development Centre (SPMDC)

The SPMDC is the leading agency in the seed industry responsible for ensuringproduction and supply of adequate quantities of quality seed & planting material of fruitsand vegetables, rice, potato and other field crops (OFCs) (except sugarcane) developedby DOA (Table 3.1). Over the years, farmers have learnt to trust seeds and plantingmaterial produced by the SPMDC. In order to fulfill the above responsibility it operatesseveral programmes through 12 regional Assistant Director (Seed and Planting Materials)(Table 3.2) offices, 18 seed farms (Table 3.3a and 3.3b), 11 seed processing centers(Table 3.4) normal and conditioned stores (Table 3.5), and 13 seed sales centers belongsto the division (Figure 2 and 3).


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Figure 2. Assistant Director (Seed and Planting Materials) and seed salescenters belongs to SPMDC.


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Figure 3. Seed and planting materials farms of SPMDC


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Extension and Training Division (ETD)

Agriculture extension is a subject, generally, devolved to nine Provincial Councils.Since the command areas of the major irrigation schemes cover more than one province,such command areas are called inter-provincial areas. The extension programme in theseinter-provincial areas is still under the administration of the ETD of the DOA, and thereis an office of a Deputy Director (IP) to handle extension programme in each inter-provincial area. However, the extension programme in these provincial areas comesunder the administration of the Provincial Director of Agriculture in each province. Bothprovincial and inter-provincial extension services facilitate informal sector seedproduction.

3.1.1.4 Department of Agrarian Services

Department of Agrarian Services has established about 400 sales outlets to supplyseed and other inputs required for farmers at Agrarian Service Centres located at differentparts of the country. They sell seed supplied both by public and privates seed produces.

3.1.1.5 Department of Export Agriculture (DEA)

The Department of Export Agriculture (DEA) is responsible for research anddevelopment on beverage and spice crops. It is responsible for the Research andDevelopment by means of productivity, production and quality improvements of a groupof perennial Export Agricultural crops (EAC): namely, cinnamon, pepper, cardamom,clove, nutmeg, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, betel, citronella, lemon grass, and arecanuttraditionally grown in Sri Lanka The DEA is basically a technical Department andfunctions are focused on Research and Development activities of the EAC sector. TheDEA develops and distribute basic quality plants and planting material to private sectornurseries, produces planting material, and administers a subsidy scheme on supply ofplanting materials.

3.1.2 Mahaweli Ganga Development Programme (Mahawali Authority of SriLanka)

The Mahaweli Ganga Development Programme, the largest integrated ruraldevelopment multi-purpose programme ever undertaken in Sri Lanka was based on waterresources of Mahaweli and allied six river basins. Increased agricultural productionthrough opening up of new lands and providing assured irrigation facilities and openingup of new employment opportunities in agricultural sector by settling landless farmerswith the assurance of high standards of living conditions are main objectives of theprogramme. The Mahawali Authority of Sri Lanka carries out extension programme ofthe areas under rapid Mahawali development. Programme. Rice is the predominant cropgrown in Maha Season (September to March) while other crops like chilli, onion, maize,soybean cowpea green gram and vegetables are grown in addition to rice in Yala Season(April to August) Banana and papaya are two fruit crops successfully grown in Mahawelisystems and production is available through out the year. They also produced seed byarranging farmer groups of their purview.


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3.1.3 Research Institutes for other crops and their contribution to plantingmaterials production and distribution.

Three research institutes were established to handle research on the three mainplantation crops, rubber, tea, and coconut in 1913 (as a rubber research scheme), 1925and 1929 (as a coconut research scheme) respectively and operate under Ministry ofPlantation Industries. Sugarcane Research Institute was a later addition to thesecommodity based research institutes.

3.1.3.1 Tea Research Institute (TRI)

At present TRI having five regional centres. One of the major activity include toaccelerate development of location specific planting materials with desirable attributesfor provision to commercial, estate and smallholder nurseries. Tea Small HoldingDevelopment Institute (TSHDA) established on 1977, issue permit for tea nurseries,subsidy schemes for replanting and infilling of tea etc. In 2006, 900 registered teanurseries were in the country.

3.1.3.2 Rubber Research Institute (RRI)

One of the main activity of the RRI is to establish source bush nurseries from theplanting materials from latest clone introductions and issue quality certificate for allplanting materials issued to stake holders. Department of Rubber Developmentamalgamated with the Advisory Board of the Rubber Research Institute supply plantingmaterials to small holders and also nursering recommended clone of rubber to cater theneed of small holders.

3.1.3.3 Coconut Research Institute (CRI)

The CRI is at present semi autonomous research institute. One of the main objectiveis to establish and maintain of mother plant nurseries. Coconut Cultivation Boardestablished in 1971 also introduced high quality and high yielding seedlings varieties togrowers by its regional offices and seedling nurseries.

3.1.4 Provincial Department of Agriculture

The Provincial Director of Agriculture (PDA) heads agricultural organization in thenine provinces in Sri Lanka. The institutes and centers of DOA are expected tocoordinate their work with the provincial council, which has complete operationalresponsibility for agricultural extension. The coordination with the provincial Councilwill be facilitated through the Provincial Technical Working Groups (PTWG) chaired bythe PDA in each province. The Directors of the DOA institute and center or the heads ofassigned Regional Research stations carrying out programmes in any particular provincewill participate in the PTWG meeting of that province. The PTWG will meet before thetwo cultivation seasons each year to discuss the field problems of the area and availableresearch results. It will also contribute to planning future research programme and decideon extension recommendations. There are several seed farms handed over to provincialcouncils by SPMDC are now managed by respective Provincial Department ofAgriculture and are given below.


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Seed farms of provincial councils of Sri Lanka

Name of theProvincial council

Name of the farm Main area of production

Northern Province Vavuniya Paddy, Vegetable, OFCs andPlanting materials

Eastern Province Karadiyanaru (Part) since 2008 Paddy

Central Province Nalanda Paddy

Wayaba Province Wariyapola and Galgamuwa Paddy, OFC, Vegetable andPlanting Materials

Uwa Province Occampitiya Paddy, OFC and PlantingMaterials

3.2 Functioning of the Public Seed System

In Sri Lanka, the development of crop varieties has been largely the domain of theDepartment of Agriculture and the commodity based research institutes rather than theUniversities. Private sector is just emerging as a contributor to variety developmenteffort.

3.2.1 Identification of breeding objectives

The objectives of variety development are formulated on the basis of feedback fromthe agricultural extension as well as personal experience of the breeders. In theDepartment of Agriculture, there is a system of working groups for different crop groups.A coordinator has been appointed for each crop group. A crop leader is also designatedfor each crop. There is a working group meeting for Plant breeding (There are otherworking groups such as Plant Pathology, Entomology, Soil Science, Fruit Crops etc.).From time to time there will be requests from agricultural extension or the industries forspecific type of varieties. Ultimately, the need for new plant varieties is identified as aresult of discussions in many forums. These decisions are incorporated into breedingobjectives of a crop as the outcome of various programme planning sessions. In the past,yield improvement and breeding for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses has beenprominent among breeding objectives.

3.2.2. Recommendation of varieties for general cultivation

There are some differences between the variety testing procedures adopted fordifferent crop groups. The procedures are the most extensive for crops such as rice, othercereals, pulses, oil seed crops, condiments and vegetables. After genetic purity is attainedand desired traits are fixed, the breeder enters the new variety in preliminary and majoryield trials conducted at the research centre. Good performers are then entered intonational coordinated variety evaluation trials conducted for several seasons and years inresearch stations across the country. Variety Release Committee stipulates minimumnumber of seasons of testing in these trials. Furthermore, testing in farmer verificationtrials known as Variety Adaptability Test Trials (VATT) are required before a newvariety is considered for release. For rice, which being the staple grown in a wide range


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of environments, two levels of farmer testing are favored. Large scale adaptability testsare conducted with large plots in order to verify the economic adaptability of newvarieties in addition to the ordinary VATT aimed at studying the environmentaladaptability.

Despite the absence of variety protection legislations in place, the presence ofInternational Seed Testing Association (ISTA) approved stations require Distinctness,Uniformity and Stability (DUS) test results for acceptance of new entries in the abovecrops. The breeders usually submit entries for DUS tests, which are conducted by theSeed Certification Service, at the same time as for VAT trials. Less stringent varietytesting procedures are allowed for perennials such as fruit crops. Applications for DUStests and variety release are made on standard pro forma. Agronomic data shouldaccompany other reports such as cooking quality and disease resistance data wheneverapplicable. A formal variety name is assigned to a new release facilitating itsmultiplication and seed certification.

While a large number of exotic crop varieties are imported especially by the privatesector and grown by the farmers, currently, they undergo minimal local testing prior toextensive cultivation. At present there is scope for the liberal introduction of cultivarsbased on their cosmetic appeal but poorly adapted to local conditions. As a result ofmiserable failure of certain imported vegetable seeds and build up of pest infestations, onfarmers protest, the DOA has now adopted a policy that no commercial level imports ofnew varieties are allowed unless researchers recommend the suitability of the variety tolocal conditions. Perhaps, the regulations to be brought in regarding the introduction ofnew cultivars consequent to implementation of the Seed Act No. 22 of 2003 maystrengthen this aspect.

3.2.3. Seed Certification

The SCS is responsible for seed certification in the DOA. The SCS is responsible for:

♦ Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing of proposed new varieties ofcrop before release

♦ Certification of Breeder, basic and certified seed of seed paddy, OFC, vegetableseed, seed potato and planting materials produced by public sector institutes.

♦ Certification of certified seed of seed paddy, OFC, vegetable seed, seed potato andplanting materials produced by private sector institutes

♦ Testing of imported seed for conformity to required standards.♦ Post control quality testing of imported and locally produced seeds♦ Training of relevant seed personnel including growers, nursery men, seed men and

officers.♦ Conducting research on seed technology.

3.2.4. Implementation of the Seed Act

The SCS is responsible for the implementation of the Seed Act. The SCS implementsSeed Act by implementing the following functions.


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♦ Exercising the exclusive right to certify seed and planting materials grown in SriLanka.

♦ Issuing of seals, stickers, stamps, and labels with the mark or seal of SCS.♦ Monitoring of seed production, processing, conditioning, and storage facilities.♦ Checking of registers of seed movement and identity.♦ Ensuring that certified seed are packed sealed and labeled in the prescribed

manner.♦ Sampling of locally produced and imported seeds and checks conformity with

prescribed standard.♦ Implementing standards for seed certification.♦ Maintaining and publishing a list of producers and supplies of certified seed and

planting materials.♦ Certifying seeds that followed approved procedure.♦ Prohibiting sales of any seed as certified seed unless adhered to the prescribed

standards.

3.2.5 Plant Quarantine Service

The NPQS is responsible for plant quarantine activities. There are three main units ofNPQS and their major functions are given below.

Plant Quarantine Unit, Airport, Katunayaka

♦ Inspection of exports and imports plants and plant products at entry points.

♦ Issuing phytosanitory certificates.

Plant Quarantine Unit, Seaport, Colombo

♦ Inspection of exports and imports plants and plant products at entry points.

♦ Issuing phytosanitory certificates.

♦ Supervision of fumigations undertaken by private fumigators.

Plant Quarantine Unit, Gannoruwa

♦ Issuing phytosanitory certificates

3.2.6 Plant Genetic Resources Conservation

The responsibility of Plant Genetic Resources Conservation lies on PGRC. Toachieve this centre explores, collects, introduces, conservers, evaluates and documentsthe genetic diversity of food crops and their related species. By 2007, around 11779accessions belonging to17 crop group are presently available in the centre. The PGRC isinvolved in the following activities.

♦ Exploration collection and introduction of genetic resources♦ Conservation, evaluation and documentation of genetic resources♦ Survey and conservation of Crop Wild Relatives.♦ Establishment of on-farm conservation programs using landraces and utilized


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crop genetic resources.♦ Documentation of collection data, Passport data of Plant Genetic Resources♦ Conducting awareness programs for students, (Schools, Universities, Technical

Schools) farmer groups, NGO's, and Government officers.♦ Establishment of crop herbarium.♦ Exchange of genetic resources.

3.2.7 Seed and Planting Materials Development at DOA

The SPMDC is the leading public agency in the seed industry responsible forensuring production and supply of adequate quantities of quality seed & planting materialof fruits and vegetables, rice, potato and other field crops (OFCs) developed by DOA.

The SPMDC offers the following services

♦ Supply of basic seed for the production of certified seed of Paddy, OFC and localvegetables

♦ Supply of superior quality planting material in the form of grafted, rootedcuttings and seedlings

♦ Training on quality seed and planting material production to private sectorenterprises

♦ Offering seed processing and storage facilities

Every year, the following activities were conducted in order to fulfill the objectivesof the center.

♦ Production of basic and certified seeds and planting materials in governmentfarms

♦ Supply of basic seed to seed producers♦ Multiplication of certified seeds through contract growers and supply for

commercial cultivation♦ Management of government seed farms♦ Seed enterprise development and co-ordination♦ Maintenance of buffer seed stocks♦ Co-ordination of seed and planting material supply

3.2.7.1 Taking seed production decisions in the SPMDC

There is no exact mechanism to assets the potential demand for seed and plantingmaterials for the country. However, the SPMDC uses amount of seed sales, seeddemand, national extent of crops cultivated, available financial resources and the seedrequirement and also technical advise of seed demand from agricultural extension staffmainly provincial and inter provincial agriculture extension to estimate the seed demandduring the seed production planning session of seed and planting materials productions.Based on this data, the annual breeders’ seed requirements are determined at the annualCrop Coordinators Group Meetings held with participation of plant breeders twice per


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year just before the cultivation seasons. Majority of varieties that SPMDC produce areopen pollinated varieties. However, recently, DOA has recommended a six hybrid ofRice, maize, Brinjal and tomato and the SPMDC has taken the initiative in producing itshybrid seed in close collaboration with the respective breeders.

The production of certified seed of different crops follows a generation systembeginning with a small quantity of breeders’ seed produced under the supervision of theplant breeder at three crop research institutes. This seed is multiplied further and thegeneration that follow are foundation seed, registered seed and certified seed. Foundationand registered seed are produced by the DOA on its farms under the supervision of thetechnical staff of SPMDC and SCS to preserve seed purity and quality. The main factorsthat determine the crop and the number of varieties cultivated in each farm depend on thesuitability of agro-ecological conditions, available land and other resources mainlyirrigation water, season, ability to maintain seed certification standards, and the demandfor seed of a particular varieties.

Due to unavailability of suitable farms and related resources, most of the most of thecertified seed of paddy, vegetable, and OFCs are produced through selected contractgrowers and also provincial council farms (Occampitiya, Galgamuwa, Nalanda andWariyapola) working with the SPMDC. They also multiply foundation seed of rice andOFCs. Contract seed growers are the better farmers of an area, and agree to produce seedaccording to the regulations of the DOA. In return, they receive a production incentive ofapproximately 30-40% over the market grain price for their harvest if it meets minimumquality standards. A regional Assistant Director of Agriculture (Seed and PantingMaterials) supervises all activities related to contract growing such as registration ofcontract seed farmers, issue of registered seeds, provision of technical guidance, fieldinspection, sampling and testing, with help of SCS officials, purchase and payment of apremium price in his area of authority. However, some contract growers are not reliablebecause they sometimes divert seed for alternative uses thereby negatively influence theachievement of production target and profitability of the operation since SPMDC spentmoney in supervising the field operations.

3.2.7.2 Financing seed production of the SPMDC

The activities of seed farms, processing, and seed sales centers under seed farms ofSPMDC were financed and operated through advanced account namely FarmMaintaining and Seed Sales Advanced Account. Unavailability of required fund on timeis the major constraint on implementation of successful seed production programme inthe farms. Assistant Director of Agriculture (Seed and Planting Materials) offices and itssales centers and processing units are operated with capital and recurrent funds from thegovernment. However, contract-growing schemes handled by ADA (Seed and PlantingMaterials) at present are funded by the special project operated by giving the fund fromthe treasury. However, contract growers tend to sell their certified seed to neighboringfarmers for cultivation or on open market if market price is high during harvesting,delayed payment, delayed issue of seed certification reports etc. hamper the progress ofcertified seed production activities.


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The three research agencies under the Ministry of Plantation Industries focusing onexport crops (tea, coconut, rubber) are mainly financed through a sales levy (cess),although coconut research is supplemented by considerable additional governmentsupport.

3.2.7.3 Seed pricing at DOA

Since seed production required technical and infrastructure facilities, the price ofquality seed is always higher as compared to grain used for consumption. The price ofhybrid seed is even higher than that of self-pollinated or cross-pollinated seed variety.Similar to most of the developing countries, subsidies on agricultural inputs such as seed,fertilizer can be seen in Sri Lanka. Government that invests directly in service orientedseed programme and sell at very competitive price with private sector produced seedsmay increase the demand for improved seeds. Pricing structure of various crops varies toyear depending on the cost of cultivation and consumption seed prices of the crops.However, in Sri Lanka, Government no longer controls the pricing of seed in the market.

3.2.7.4 Marketing and distribution of DOA seed

Until the establishment of provincial council system in 1982, the agriculturalinstructors (AI) in the extension division of the Department of Agriculture handled seedmaketing and distribution activities. However, the seed sales were taken out from AIafter establishment of provincial DOA, which greatly affected the seed sales.

Presently, SPMDC supplied seed through its 12 seed sales centers, 12 ADA (Seedand Planting Materials) offices, and over 360 seed sales agents appointed by SPMDCcalled “Lak Krushi Beeja” dealers.

3.3 Capacity of the public seed system

3.3.1 Field, laboratory and greenhouse facilities

An extensive system exists within the county of field, laboratory and greenhousefacilities spread over different research establishments. Although the level ofcollaboration among the different establishments may not be the optimum, there is somedegree of complementation by one institute for the lack of infrastructure facilities in theother. Additionally, there are many institutes catering to specific research areas such asfood research, plant genetic resources, virus indexing and plant quarantine that somehowcontribute to the variety development and seed multiplication activities directly orindirectly.

Biotechnological tools are marginally utilized in variety development programmesmainly owing to the lack of facilities as well as trained personnel. Rapid multiplicationtechniques for vegetatively propagated crops have been successfully used in severalcrops. However, techniques such as molecular marker assisted selection are yet tobecome standard components of breeding programmes. Facilities required for GeneticallyModified Organism (GMO) or Living Modified Organisms (LMO) technology have notbeen sought after due to reservations regarding its net benefits.


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3.3.2 Physical resources of SPMDC

The government of Sri Lanka developed the seed industry with strong support frominternational agencies. During 1970s, the first set of processing plants of capacity 1ton/hr was installed with the financial support from German government. At present 24seed processing machines operated and details are given in Table 3.4. All seedprocessing centers have seed stores and some have including conditioned stores (Table3.5). These facilities are also shared with the private seed producers. Seed are usually nottreated while storage but dried sufficiently to maintain the moisture content.

The objective was to distribute high quality seeds of improved varieties to farmers ontime. The seed industry in Sri Lanka is rapidly maturing into a dynamic and effectiveforce to bring the best and most adapted varieties of crops and horticultural plants to thefarmers and home.

3.3.2 Human resources at SPMDC

The coordination of seed multiplication, transport, processing, bagging, storage andmarketing require enormous managerial and technical skills to maintain the qualitythrough the production period requires competent technical officials and technical staffworking in the division are given below.

Technical staff and their Educational Qualifications ofTechnical Staff (as at 2008.12.31 )

Higher Educational /Professional Qualifications

Category No.PhD Mphill MSc

Postgrad.Diploma

MA BScAg.

DiplomaOther

Agriculture Officer 19 01 06 09 03

Research Officer 02 01 01

Agriculture Instructor 97 01 89 07

Farm MechanicalInstructor

01 01

Agriculture MonitoringOfficer

02 02

Programme Assistant 03 03


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Table 3.2. Regional stations under SPMDC.

Province designation Current ADA (Seed) office and processing center

1. Northern 1. Vavuniya

2. Eastern 1. Kantale2. Ampara

3. North central 1. Maha Illuppallama2. Polonnaruwa

4. North Western 1. Nikawaratiya

5. Central 1. Pelwehera2. Kundasale3. Nuwara Eliya

6. Uva 1. Alutharama

7. Southern 1. Bata-ata

8. Sabaragamuwa -

9. Western 1. Colombo

Table 3.3a. Total extent total cultivable extent (ha) and major cropsgrown of Government seed farms of SPMDC

Total Cultivable Extents (ha)Province TotalExtent

(ha)Paddy Uplands Total

Crops Cultivated for SeedProduction

Aluttarama Paddy, OFC, Vegetable and PM

Ambalantota Southern 28 20 0 20 Paddy

Ambepussa Western 60 13 13 Vegetable and PM

Bata-ata Southern 196 18 49 67 Paddy, OFC, Vegetable and PM

Kantale Eastern 80 58 4 62 Paddy, OFC, Vegetable and PM

Karadiyanaru -do- 232 150 82 10* Paddy

Kundasale Central 74 18 18 OFC, Vegetable and PM

Mahailuppallama North Central 181 98 23 121 Paddy, OFC, Vegetable and PM

Malwatte North Central 152 102 21 123 Paddy, OFC and PM

Middeniya Southern 76 28 28 OFC and PM

Murunkan North 40 32 1 32 Paddy

Paranthan North 36 32 4 32 Paddy

Polonnaruwa North Central 200 115 10 125 Paddy, OFC and PM

Kandapola Central 30 18 18 Potato

Meepilimanna -do- 163 24 24 Potato

Piduruthalagela -do- 133 51 51 Potato

Seethaeliya -do- 155 70 70 Potato

Udaradella -do- 98 59 59 Potato

Total 2161 687 536 995

PM = Planting materials; * = extent cultivated by SPMDC


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Table:3.3b DOA Farms specialized in Planting Materials Production

Administrative District Seed farm Major fruit plants produced

Anuradhapura Maha Illuppallama Mango, Pomegranate, Guava

Alutharama Mango, Orange, Mandarin

Bibile* Mandarin, Orange, Mandarin, JackBadulla

Ulpothagama** Mandarin, Orange, Mango, Jack

Nuwara Eliya Rahangala Mandarin, Pears,

Ambepussa Avocado, Rambutan, Star fruit, Durian, Jack, Guava

Pasyala** Rabutan, JackGampaha

Walpita** Guava, Rambutan

Bata Ata Mango, Orange, Pomegranate, PapawHambantota

Middeniya Mango

Bandaragama** Jack, RambutanKalutara

Horana** Rabutan, Guava, Star fruit, Durian

Kundasale Avocado, Durian, Star fruit, Mandarin, Jack, Guava

Ambetenne** DurianKandy

Gannoruwa** Durian, Rambutan, Avocado

Matara Weerapana ** Mango, Rambutan

Trincomalee Kantale Mango, Star fruit, Jack, Guava

Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa Mango, Pomegranate, Guava

Ampara Malwatta Mango, Mandarin, Guava

(* = Administrative control under Extension and Training Division of the DOA; ** =Administrative control under HoRDI, Gannoruwa)

Table 3.4. Availability of Seed processing machines with SPMDC

Type of Machine and processing capacitySeed Farm

Rober Petcus -P 100 (300

kg/hr)

Rober Petcus– K 541 (300

kg/hr)

Crippen(350 kg/hr)

AgroSawDelux

Goldsaat

Crop handled

1Aluththarama 2 2 Paddy and OFC

Ambalantota 1 1 Paddy

Bata atha 2 Paddy and OFC

Malwatte 3 Paddy and OFC

Kantale 3 Paddy and OFC

Maha Illuppallama 3 1 1 Paddy and OFC

Polonnaruwa 3 1 Paddy and OFC

Murunkan 1 Paddy

Kundasale 1 Vegetable and OFC

Nikawaratiya 2 2 Paddy and OFC

Pelwehera 2 2 Paddy and OFC

Total 21 4 6 1 1



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Table 3.5. Conditional Seed Storage facilities for Potato, vegetableand OFC seed of SPMDC/DOA

CenterNumber ofconditioned

store

Capacity ofconditioned store

(mt))Crops storage

Pelwehera 01 5 OFC seeds

Kundasale 02 25 OFC and Vegetable seeds

Gannoruwa 01 30 Vegetable seed

Nuweara Eliya 01 80 Seed potato

Nikawaratiya 01 3 OFC and vegetable seed

Matara 01 0.8 Vegetable seed

Colombo 01 0.5 Vegetable seed

3.4. Seed outputs of and constraints faced by the public seed system

SPMDC is currently involved in the production of foundation, registered andcertified seed of 27 verities of paddy and 30 varieties (including 1 hybrid) of 9 OFCs,basic and standard seed of 52 varieties (including 4 hybrids) of 18 vegetables crops inseed farms by using breeder seed produced by the three research institutes. It alsoproduces high quality potato seed (Go, G1, G2, G3 and certified classes) by using tissueculture techniques. At present, it is confined to two varieties and will supplement theseed potato supply, which is mainly looked after by the private sector throughimportation. Production and supply of planting material of superior quality of nearly 60varieties of fruit crops also mandated to this center.

3.4.1 Seed Paddy Production and distribution

A systematically designed seed paddy production programme was launchedfollowing the generation of seed multiplication after the release of H4 during year 1957.Being a stable basic (Foundation and Registered) rice seed production is the main areaunder government seed industry. Breeders’ seed of rice are produced by RRDI atBatalagoda or its regional research institutes located at Amabalantota, Bobuwala andBentota. RRDI also produced and supply of parental materials of hybrid rice variety H407. Basic seed of regionally required or lower demanded varieties also produced byRRDI and sell seed directly to end-users.

Seed paddy produced over the last five years from 2004 is given in Tables 3.6.Collaborative quality assured seed paddy production during 2004 – 2008 includingprivate sector is given in Table 3.7. According to the table 3.7 average formal seedpaddy availability is around 15% and the balance is from the informal seed sector.

3.4.2 OFC seed production and distribution

OFCs can be categorized in to four major commodity groups: course grains (maizeand finer millet), condiments (Chilli, onion and shallots) grain legumes (green gram,black gram and soybean) and oil crops (ground nuts, and sesame) are important


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component of human diet in Sri Lanka. About 30 verities of OFCs are popular amongfarmers. These varieties were maintained and multiplied by the breeders at FCRDI, MahaIlluppallama and Oil Crops and Grain Legume Research and Development Institute atAngunukolepellessa.

In general, seed production of all OFCs except chilli were confined to the SPMDC inDOA due to lower profitability of these groups. Seed farms in the SPMDC, mainlyconcentrate on the production of basic seed of OFCs. Almost all the certified seedproductions are carried out with contract growers by issuing registered seeds. However,a fair amount of registered seed also produced with contract growing system to avoidlimitations in irrigable uplands in the seed farms. Private sector and the othergovernment sectors are involved in seed production of chilli and onion in the country.Onion seed production was carried out only by the provincial and inters- provincialextension, agricultural extension section of the Mahawali authority and few private sectorcompanies and individual farmers. Importation of high amount of hybrid Maize andchilli seed were carried out by the private sector.

Seed production and issued during 2004 to 2008 are given in Table 3.8 and 3.9.Although certified seed production in table 3.8 represent the amount purchased by theSPMDC, the actual amount produced under contract growing was much higher than theamount given in table 3.8 for each year. Since payment for the quality seed were paid tocontract growers after receiving the “A” seed report and also after seed processing, somefarmers are tend to sell their seed to neighboring farmers for cultivation and someinstances under open market for consumption. Unavailability of funds on time alsocreates difficulties to payment for contract growers on time. Percent seed supplies givenin Table 3.9 showed that formal SPMDC seed supply for different OFCs is vary from 2 to9%.

3.4.3. Vegetable Seed Production and distribution

Seed farms of the SPMDC produced total requirement of basic vegetable seeds andsubstantial amount of certified seeds of locally recommended vegetable varieties.However, most of the certified seed are produced through contract growing. Temperatevegetable crops such as carrots, leeks, beets etc were imported totally to the country bythe private sector. All the vegetable seed produced locally by SPMDC are stored underconditioned store to maintain their quality.

Vegetable seed production and supply during 2008 to 2008 are given in tables 3.10 to3.12. Percent formal seed supply by the SPMDC is varying from 2 to 22% (table 3.12).

3.4.4. Potato Seed Production and distribution

Five SPMDC farms located in the Nuwara Eliya district produces seed potatobelongings to two varieties, namely Granola and Desiree. The seed potato productionprogramme is a collaborative effort between the research division (HoRDI) and SPMDC.Starting from year 1998, basic seed potato production by using tissue culture techniquehas been continued and four basic seed (G0, G1, G2 and G3) generations and certifiedseed were produced (Figure 4). Quantities of basic and certified seed produced during


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year 2004 to 2008 are given in table 3.13. Average annual basic and certified seedproduced over the same period are 112 mt. and 225 mt. respectively.

Virus free Tissue culture Invitro plants

Rooted Stem Cuttings (Net house)

Pre basic seed production (Poly Tunnel)

Basic Seed (G 1) Open Field

Basic Seed (G 2)

Basic Seed (G 3)

Certified Seed (C1)

Figure: 4 Seed potato production in government seed farms

3.4.5 Planting Materials ProductionPlanting Materials of grafted, rooted cuttings, suckers and seedlings were produced in

SPMDC farms, HoRDI farms and a farm belongs to extension and training division ofDOASL. Around 70 varieties of 29 crops were used for planting materials production.

Over the last five years, total amount of 337,484 planting materials were producedand of which 228,910 plants were issued to farmers Table 3.14)

Beside the production and multiplication activities, SPMDC carry out programmes inSeed industry development and seed promotion activities along with the seed andplanting material coordination in order to assist farmers gaining access to quality seeds.

3.4.6 Major constraints faced by the public seed system:

♦ Insufficient funds, unavailability of incentives for employees and lack of properseed marketing facilities.

♦ Insufficient trained staff.

♦ Lack of infrastructure facilities in seed farms for seed production of large numberof varieties.


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♦ Lower productivity and high cost of cultivation in government farms. This maybe due to unsuitable lands, lack of proper irrigable facilities, non-availability ofinput at right time etc.

Table: 3.6 Production and Issues of basic seed Paddy during 2004-2008 by SPMDC.

Year and amountActivity

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Average(2004-2008)

Mt. 1,863 4,090 3,737 2,518 1,522 2,746Production(Basic) Bu. 90,878 199,520 182,352 122,928 74,263 133,988

Mt. 1,854 2,275 2,326 2,703 1,427 2,117Issues (Basic)

Bu. 90,419 110,976 113,536 131,918 69,595 103,289

Total Annual AverageExtent (ha) Cultivated

778,542 937,181 910,493 816,716 1,053,000 899,186

Seed Rate (Bu/ha) 5 5 5 5 5 5

Seed requirementaccording to the extentCultivated (Bu)

3,853,783 4,639,046 4,506,940 4,042,744 5,265,000 4,450,973

Percentage of basic seedsupplied by SPMDCaccording to the Extentcultivated

2.3 2.4 2.5 3.3 1.3 2.3

Extent to be cultivatedfrom basic seeds (Ha)

18,266 22,419 22,937 26,650 13,919 20,866


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Table: 3.7 Collaborative quality assured seed paddyproduction during 2004 – 2008 by SPMDC

Amount (Bu.)Agency

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Average

SPMDC* 0 73817 57532 26952 22556 36171

Provincial*/Inter Provincialextension*

154054 159740 89680 185045 165063 150716

Mahawali Authority* 40390 33530 21280 59203 12588 33398

Cooperatives* 76078 76860 63920 67639 30638 63027

Agrarian cervices*/ FarmerOrganizations/ Individualfarmers

257205 317310 275440 223636 260491 266816

Companies 159415 127330 206720 170638 41420 141105

Total 687141 788587 714572 733113 532756 691234

Total 1annual extent (ha)cultivated

778,542 937,181 910,493 816,716 1,053,000 899186

Seed rate (Bu) 5 5 5 5 5 5

Seed requirement accordingto the extent cultivated (Bu)

3,853,783 4,639,046 4,506,940 4,042,744 5,265,000 4461503

Percentage of quality assuredseed produced against theextent cultivated

18 17 16 18 10 15

(* = Public agencies)


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Table: 3.9 Seed supply, average extent (ha), seed requirement (kg) and percentOFCs seed supplied by SPMDC during 2004 to 2008

Seed Supply (Kg)

Crop2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Aver.

Av. Extent(2004-2008)

Seed rate(Kg/ha)

Av. Seedreq. (kg)

(2004-2008)

Percentseed supply

againstAverageExtent

(2004-08)

Black gram 6,699 14,999 7,275 14,196 16,448 11,923 6,578 30 197,328 6

Chilli 324 251 397 1,324 1,501 759 15,035 1 15,035 5

Cowpea 5,305 8,335 3,340 11,600 11,943 8,105 10,899 40 435,960 2

Sesame 141 465 1,074 1,859 1,408 989 8,950 6 53,702 2

Green gram 17,190 19,881 13,585 22,021 23,292 19,194 9,016 25 225,390 9

Ground nut 10,258 13,313 17,030 30,126 11,831 16,512 10,650 100 1,065,040 2

Finger millet 2,081 2,106 1,883 4,342 4,753 3,033 5,804 6 34,826 9

Maize 50,785 46,331 36,933 47,649 29,684 42,276 33,985 20 679,700 6

Soybean 3,548 1,995 7,297 4,888 13,468 6,239 2,309 55 127,006 5

Grand Total 96,330 107,676 88,814 138,005 114,328 109,031 103,226 2,833,988


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352




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Requirement (kg) and percentvegetable seed supply by SPMDC during 2004 to 2008

Quantity Issued (kg) For year 2004 to 2008

Crop2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Average

Seedrate

(kg/ha)

Averageextent(Ha)

AverageseedReq.(kg)

Percentsupplyagainstaverageextent

Amaranthus 78 98 171 401 255 201 NA

Beans 9,419 11,837 7,999 8,285 2,716 8,051 65 7,915 514,475 2

BitterGourd

501 746 571 1,037 1,100 791 6 4,025 24,150 3

Brinjal 271 351 315 552 414 381 0 10,228 3,580 11

Bushitao 714 1,181 915 2,287 1,854 1,390 1 NA 0

Capsicum 165 246 228 650 264 310 1 3,245 3,245 10

Cucumber 96 123 130 292 351 198 1 2,985 2,985 7

Luffa 223 318 413 802 653 482 45 NA 0

Yard longbean

758 1,189 1,202 2,042 1,446 1,327 NA 0

Okra 1,320 1,672 1,890 2,531 2,942 2,071 5 6,705 30,173 7

Radish 577 480 590 1,202 631 696 5 2,826 14,130 5

Snakegourd

516 664 614 949 1,268 802 4 2,760 11,040 7

Tomato 690 554 427 648 535 571 0 6,825 2,559 22

Wingedbean

236 287 306 927 762 504 NA 0

Spinach 379 148 267 368 186 269 NA 0

Sweetmelon

23 29 54 34 45 37 1 NA 0

Pumpkin 55 100 7 30 26 1 7,547 7,547 0

Total 16,021 20,023 15,927 22,634 15,447 18,081 135 613,884

(NA = Not available)


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Table: 3.13 Seed Potato Production and Issues during 2004-2008 by SPMDC.

Annual Production in mt.Activity

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Average

Pre Basic G-0 6 7 8 6 0.29 5

G-1 43 8 39

G-2 21 128

G-3

27

46

32

55

163 112Basic

Basic Total 70 74 32 222 163 112

Certified C-1, 2, 3 290 512 228 56 193 256

Total Seed Potato Production(mt)

366 593 268 284 356 373

Seed Issues (mt) 290 374 228 56 187 227

Annual Extent Cultivated (ha) 5495 5601 5294 5336 4869 5319

Seed rate per ha (mt) 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5

Total Seed Requirement (mt) 13738 14003 13235 13340 12173 13298

Percent supply against ExtentCultivated

2.1 2.7 1.7 0.4 1.5 1.7

Table: 3.14 Planting Material Production and issues during 2004-2008 by SPMDC

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 AverageType

Prod. Issues Prod. Issues Prod. Issues Prod. Issues Prod. Issues Prod. Issues

Grafted 168,738 119,896 181,471 144,867 165,181 131,963 204,441 156,072 181,167 120,565 180,200 134,673

Seedlings 139,813 90,713 170,135 89,656 145,323 11,544 98,799 102,399 128,877 97,386 136,589 78,340

RootedCuttings

13,223 7,732 11,416 6,933 20,876 14,940 19,354 14,433 15,295 10,933 16,033 10,994

Suckers 2,328 2,186 4,613 4,177 11,833 11,833 6,358 6,324 5,026 4,904

Total 324,102 220,527 367,635 245,633 343,213 170,280 322,594 272,904 331,697 235,208 337,848 228,910


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Structure, Capacity and Functioning of the Private Seed Sector in Sri Lanka

Chapter 4

4. STRUCTURE, CAPACITY AND FUNCTIONING OF THE PRIVATESEED SECTOR IN SRI LANKA

Seed production, importation and supply had been the domain of the governmentuntil the decade of 1980. The formal seed program in Sri Lanka, originated in late 1950s,developed and matured within the state sector. All infrastructure developments includingseed farm establishment, storage structures, seed conditioning plants and manpowerdevelopment took place in the state sector under many foreign funded projects. Technicaland financial assistance for the national seed program was received mainly from thegovernments of the USA, Japan, the Netherlands, Germany and Australia. Successivegovernments too actively supported the seed industry development.

Responsibility of supplying quality seed and planting materials requirements of thecountry had been entrusted to the Department of Agriculture (DOA). However, during1980s, the seed program became a more complex commercial activity and theDepartment of Agriculture found it increasingly difficulty to manage it single handedly.Being a service-providing agency, the DOA had many limitations in handling a dynamicactivity such as seed production and distribution. After many rounds of deliberations, thepolicy makers identified the need to broad-base the national seed program with theinvolvement of the private sector. As an initial step in this direction, the government in1984 decided to liberalize the seed importation with a view to getting the private sectorinvolvement in the local seed industry.

Even though the doors were open for the private sector to get into the national seedproduction, the private sector involvement was initially limited only for the importationand supply of seed and no adequate interest was shown in initiating local seedproduction. In the meantime, the government made several initiatives to entice the privatesector into the local production. They even offered some state owned seed farms to theprivate sector to commence local seed production. As a positive response, in early 1990smany medium to large-scale private companies came forward to commence local seedproduction. A couple of co-operatives too followed in producing rice seed with thetechnical support of the DOA.

4.1. Private Seed Agencies and Their Infrastructure Facilities

Private sector now handles almost 100 % of the seed importation and approximately75% of local seed production in Sri Lanka. In addition, the private sector is responsiblefor the production and distribution of over 70% of the fruit plants. The only area theprivate sector has not yet stepped in is the production of course grain and grain legumeseeds. The inherent inefficiency of the production system and lower profitability of cropsin this group has resulted in this. An Initial government thrust is needed to push theprivate sector into this direction.

Over the years the private sector has built up its own infra-structure facilities toundertake the seed business. These facilities include following major areas,

♦ Seed conditioning plants♦ Seed production farms


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♦ Storage structures (both ambient and controlled)♦ Packing plants♦ Quality assurance labs♦ Tissue culture labs♦ Seed distribution networks♦ Field level advisory services

Almost all private seed enterprises have employed advisory teams at grass root levelto demonstrate the benefits of most modern hybrids/varieties developed both locally aswell as internationally. Every year the private sector screens hundreds of new varietiesdeveloped by best international seed companies in the world, which has helped the SriLankan farmers to enhance their productivities immensely.

A number of state sector officials trained in seed technology have retired and joinedthe private sector in the recent past. However the private sector still lacks the adequatetrained manpower to steer the seed programs. In the past the country received manylevels of training programs in seed production and quality assurance under donorsponsored projects. However this facility is no longer available for the local seed sector.Therefore a need has come for providing training facilities for officers working both inprivate and public sector seed enterprises.

List of large scale seed farms that were leased out to the private sector and capacitiesof seed processing plants available with the private sector is given below.

Table 4.1: Government farms leased to private sector for seed production

FarmExtent

(Ha)

Year

privatizedCompany

Kinds of Seed

Produced

Katugasthota 18 1994 Ceylon Agro Development Consortium vegetables

Hingurakgoda 540 1998 CIC Agri Businesses Rice

Pelwehera 215 2000 CIC Agri Businesses Rice/field crops

Table 4.2 Seed conditioning plants available in private seed enterprises

Enterprise Make Capacity (Ton/Hour)

Co-op Society, Eppawela Petkus K-541 0.70

Co-op Society, Tissamaharamaya Do 0.70

Farmer company, Hiriyala Do 0.70

Lak Seeds (Pvt) Ltd, Nikaweratiya Do 0.70

CIC Agri Businesses (Pvt) Ltd, Colombo 10 Petkus 2 No’s 7.2

Co-op Society, Mahiyangana Samatek K-51 0.35

Co-op Society, Walasmulla Do 0.35

Co-op Society, Kolonna Do 0.35


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Major Private Seed enterprises that are involved in local seed production and seedimportation are listed in tables 4.3 and 4.4.

Table 4.3 Seed Producing Companies in Sri lanka

Company Crops Handled1) Lankem Ceylon Limited Rice, Vegetables

No. 98, Sangaraja Mawatha,Colombo 10

2) Heyleys Agro Products Limited Rice, Vegetable, Field cropsNo. 25, Foster Lane,Colombo 10

3) Lakjaya Seeds RiceNo. 1/29, Meegahapitiya,Mahiyanganaya

4) Eppawala Co-operative Society RiceEppawala

5) Palugasdamana Co-operative Society RiceSewagamuwa,Polonnaruwa

6) CIC Seeds (Private) Limited Rice, Vegetable, Field Crops205, D.R. Wijewardena MawathaColombo 10

7) Wayamba Seed Private Limited Rice, VegetableElawaka,Nikawerativa

8) Hiriyala Farmer Co. RiceMakulwewa,Kurunegala

9) Dimbulagala Co-operative Society RiceManampitiya

10) Ceylon Agro Development Private Limited Vegetable, Field CropsNo. 15, Attidiya Road,Ratmalana

11) Lak Seed Private Limited Vegetable SeedNo.91D, Circular Road,Kurunegala

12) Best Seed Private Limited Vegetable Seed, Field Crops378/5, Singha Place,Kalapaluwawara,Rajagiriya

13) Daya Seeds Vegetable Seed18, Spring Estate,Bandarawela

14) Samarakoon Agro Service Vegetable Seed851B, Peradeniya Road,Kandy


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Table 4.4 Seed Importing Companies in Sri Lanka.

1. Charm Enterprises157, Udadigana,Puttlam Road, Kurunegala

7. Supreme MarketingNo. 163/2, Hill Street,Dehiwala

2. Samarakoon Agroculture Services27, Peradeniya Road, Kandy

8. Lak Seed Private LimitedNo.91D, Circular Road, Kurunegala

3. Venture Agencies Private Limited163/17, Nawala Road,Colombo 5

9. Agro Culture Trends PrivateLimtied289, Highlevel Road,Colombo 5

4. Best Seeds Private Limited378/5, Singha Place, Kalapaluwawara,Rajagiriya

10. Tropical Seeds127, W.A.D. Ramanayake Mawatha,Colombo 02

5. Exotic Foliage Co. Private Limited52, Sarasavi Lane, Castle Street,Colombo 8

11. Ceylon Agro Development PrivateLimitedNo. 15, Attidiya Road,Ratmalana

6. Prith Seeds Private Limited41/A, Dutugemunu Mawatha,Pamankada, Dehiwala

4.2. Organizations of Seed Activities and their Operations

Seed production and distribution, which was a government domain since late 1980shas now become a multi-institutional function involving many stake holders. The privateand public seed enterprises are now actively involved in seed business. A couple ofNGOs and some local universities provide the much needed support services.

Seedmens Association

In 1989, a Seedsmen’s Association was formed to represent the interests of privatesector seed importers. In fact, this is the first seed trade association to be formed in SriLanka. At present, this organization has a membership of more than 15 companies whoimport and distribute high quality agriculture seed for Sri Lankan farmers.

Seed Producers Association

A producers association was formed in 1992. This major initiative helped the privateseed producers to negotiate with the government from a position of strength on manyissues related to the national seed industry development. One of the major requests camefrom the private seed sector was the need for a private sector friendly policy environmentto initiate investment in the seed sub sector.

Government promptly responded to this request and declared a National Seed Policy(NSP) in 1996. The present membership of the seed Producers Association exceeds 25private seed enterprises.


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National Seed council (NSC)

A national seed council was instituted in 2008 to function as the apex body insteering the national seed program. The private and public are represented in the NSC.This committee meets twice a year to review the seed industry progress.

4.3. Crops Covered and Scale of Operations and Sale of Seed

Seed Importation

Since the liberalization of seed importation in mid 1980s, many private companiescame forward to import and sell agricultural seed, subject to quarantine regulationsstipulated by the government. Initially the importation was limited for seed potato andexotic crops such as beet, carrot, cabbage, leeks, lettuce etc. With the competitionbuilding up, the private sector companies took the initiative of importing samples of otherimportant food crops as well and conducted adaptability tests in farmers’ fields. As aresult, they succeeded in introducing many high yielding hybrid vegetables, fruits andfield crops. Today, the private sector totally handles the importation of seed in Sri Lanka.Quantities of seed imported by the private sector in the last six years are summarized inthe tables 4.5 and 4.6.

Table 4.5 Vegetable seed importation during 2004-2008 by the Private Sector

Quantity(kg)Crop

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008Beans 128004 - 2605 64,854 159,737

Beet 22,868 20,110* 22,042 13,697 14,743

Bitter Gourd 479 1,195 1,223 1,458 1,966

Cabbage 1551 1,179 1,082 1,431 1,587

Carrot 26724 27,724* 31,594 34,577 32,466

Cucumber 2,682 768 1,598 1,950 2,641

Egg plant 132 127 533 247 392

Kohlrabi 7095 7,987 8,810 1,780 4,789

Leeks 7316 6,991 10,118 7,648 6,880

Lettuce 75 110 285 227 564

Long bean 35 1,580 1,742 1,438 6,473

Luffa 2,391 2,379 3,231 1,912 4,734

Melon 1858 1,417 3,363 4,493 3,856

Okra 247 183 796 1,286 3,441

Pumpkin 2123 4,515 5,669 4,897 7,654

Radish 7,135 7,425 15,239 7,566 8,157

Squash 2,410 2,200 8,836 5,766 5,426

Sweet Pepper 4,403 4,131 8,873 3,576 5,503

Tomato 1,106 506 766 730 1,230

(Source: SCPPC, DOA)


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Table 4.6 Importation of seed of field crops during 2003-2008

Quantity Imported (Tons)YEAR

Potato Maize Onion

2003 5,030 - -

2004 5,016 61 9.6

2005 4,784 50 10.5

2006 5,674 531 33.0

2007 1,946 415 39.5

2008 2,282 533 33.4

(Source: SCPPC, DOA)

Fruit Planting Material Production

Approximately 225 nurserymen annually produce and supply over one million plantsof a wide range of fruit crops. This quantity supplements the production coming fromapproximately 15 large-scale government nurseries. The DOA registers most privatenurseries, provides technical assistance regularly and certifies a selected number of fruitplants produced by the private sector.

Several training programs are being conducted by the DOA for the benefit of privatenurserymen as the production of planting material requires a wide range of technicalskills. Assistance was also provided to nurserymen to develop their own mother plantorchards because the DOA could not meet the increasing requests coming from theprivate sector for supplying bud wood needed for grafting.

Private sector is now involved in the production of fruit plants using traditionalmethods as well as using biotechnology tools such as tissue culture. Approximatequantities of grafted fruit plants annually produced by the private sector are given in thefollowing table.

Table 4.7 Average annual grafted fruit plant production bythe Nurserymen in the Private sector

Crop Quantity Annually Produced (Plants)

Rambutan 50,000

Mango 250,000

Banana 250,000

Orange 50,000

Avocado 6,000

Star fruit 6,000

Jak 4,500

Durian 4,000

Mangusteen 2,000


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Quantities of food crop seed produced by the private sector in last six years aresummarized in tables 4.8 and 4.9.

Table 4.8 Quantities of Rice Seed Produced by Private SeedEnterprises during 2003 – 2008

Production (Bushels)Season

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Maha 110,217 100,150 149,400 148,470 178,800 176,460

Yala 118,950 198,100 228,100 270,490 255,110 245,530

Total 229,167 298,250 377,500 418,960 433,910 421,990

% formal production 38% 49 % 62% 69% 72% 72%

Table 4.9 Quantities of Vegetable Seed Produced by PrivateSeed Enterprises during 2004 – 2008

Vegetable seed production (Kg)Crop

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Amaranthus 190 150 326 380 177

Bitter Gourd 1,700 2,590 2,842 3,873 2,864

Capsicum 640 305 557 561 570

Chillie 18,760 15,600 23,480 19,380 17,739

Cucumber 1,270 890 3,266 4,914 3,432

Egg plant 1,610 1,570 2,310 3,772 3,661

Long Bean 6,500 6,920 8,025 9,339 10,895

Luffa 280 860 1,180 1,369 1,525

Okra 18,540 19,600 29,440 33,829 38,750

Radish 1,120 1,270 4,733 9,891 8,068

Snake Gourd 5,740 5,410 8,025 9,871 8,322

Spinach 133 110 441 594 414

Tomato 160 170 517 380 496

Wing Bean - 230 560 824 1,620

4.4. Future Directions

At present, all ingredients that are necessary for developing a vibrant seed industryexist in Sri Lanka. The seed industry, which was predominantly a government concern, aten years ago, has now become a multi-institutional function involving public sector,private sector, co-operatives and universities. A national seed council, the apex bodyresponsible for seed sector development, too has been formed with private sectorrepresentation. Major areas that needed the attention of policy makers in order to propelthe national seed program further upward are illustrated below.


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Sharing of Resources

Though it was mentioned earlier that all ingredients needed for the seed sectordevelopment exist in the country, majority of these resources are currently scatteredwithin many institutions. Institutional barriers often prevent the optimum utilization ofthese scarce resources.

For instance, the DOA and the university system currently have plant breeders whosecontribution to the national economy is not adequate due to various constraints. On theother hand, the private sector is short of qualified breeders to undertake cropimprovement programs. Even though the certified seed production of the government hascome down drastically with the increase in seed production by the private sector in therecent past, a fair amount of resources still remains with the government, most oftenwithout being properly utilized. Private sector in the meantime operates with its meagerresources. A mechanism has to be developed for making use of these resources for thebenefit of the country. A high level policy decisions are required for implementing thesekinds of integrations.

Market Regulation

With the entry of the private sector into the local seed industry, a large quantum ofinferior quality seed as well as improperly labeled seed are now flowing into the localmarket. This situation adversely affects the consumers as well as genuine seed producershindering the progress of the national seed sector development. The government hasenacted a legislation recently to arrest this situation and to regulate the local seed market.However, the full implementation of the same is yet to commence. It will be in theinterest of the country to see that these regulations are enforced as quickly as possible.

Plant Variety Protection (PVP)

An efficient crop-breeding program capable of developing crop varieties/hybrids is apre-requisite for any vibrant seed industry. The state sector in Sri Lanka at presentdominates the crop improvement programs of almost all crops grown in the country. TheDepartment of Agriculture (DOA) is mandated in carrying out crop improvementprograms of major food crops such as rice, vegetables, fruits and field crops. Over the lastfew decades, the DOA has released a large number of varieties suitable for growing invarious agro-ecological regions in the country. Private seed entrepreneurs regularlyobtain basic seed of these public varieties and multiply them to produce certified seed. Atpresent, only a very few private sector companies have come forward to undertakevariety development work in Sri Lanka. The major reason of the private sector to refrainfrom taking part in crop breeding is the non-availability of a legal protection of privately


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developed varieties. At present, the DOA has a strong rice-breeding program, whichperiodically releases high yielding rice varieties for local cultivation. However, the samething cannot be said about vegetables and field crops where varietal development needsstrong improvement. Recently, DOA has started the development of hybrid varieties andonly six hybrids varieties released are not produced in sufficient quantities to competewith the commercially available hybrids imported by the private sector.

Many Sri Lankan private sector companies are now interested in investing in localhybrid seed production. A couple of private companies have expressed their willingnessto get the services of trained manpower and genetic materials available in the publicsector for building crop improvement programs. Unfortunately, the existingadministrative and financial rules of the government do not permit such collaborativework. Therefore, what is required today is helping the private sector firms to developtheir in-house capacities for developing hybrids adaptable to local conditions. One majorstep in this direction will be the introduction of protection rights to safeguard the privatevarieties. Without that kind of an assurance, the private sector is most unlikely to investin any crop breeding program in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a signatory to many international trade agreements including WTOTRIPS agreement. The country, therefore, has an obligation to fulfill the requirementscoming under these agreements such as the implementation of Intellectual PropertyRights (IPR) for plant varieties. The country’s present IPR law has excluded theprotection of plant varieties. Many attempts have been made to develop a suitablelegislation to safeguard breeder’s rights in the past and it has failed due to diverseopinions expressed by different parties. However, draft legislation has been developedand now available at the Intellectual Property Office.


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Quality Assurance Mechanisms

Chapter 5

5. QUALITY ASSURANCE MECHANISMS

Both genetic and physical purity are essentially linked with quantity and quality ofproduce in any crop grown in any given country. Hence, regulation of quality of seeds(and planting materials) is given much emphasis worldwide in the recent years, tostreamline seed production and to prevent fraudulent activities plaguing the seed industry.Seed handlers who either produce seed and planting material, or import and distribute tofarmers are legally bound by the Seed Act No 22 of 2003 to maintain the qualitystandards accepted by the National Seed Council. Compulsory labelling of seed andplanting material placed for sale by the seed handlers is also a provision of the Act.Consumers are given the privilege by the Act, to sue those who breach the law anddemand compensation for crop losses incurred due to lack of quality displayed in thelabels.

Description of the mechanism and main weaknesses

Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka (DOASL) bears the responsibility ofimplementing the Seed Act by which regulated crop kinds and varieties are identified;minimum quality parameters are decided and gazetted after parliamentary approval isobtained. Under this, DOASL has identified seven leafy vegetables, twenty fourvegetables, twelve field crops, twenty three fruit crops, seven root and tuber crops, inaddition to staple food crop, rice (Annexure 5.1). Quality standards proposed by theresearch teams of the institutes of three plantation crops; tea, rubber and coconut, areassured by certification programmes conducted and manned by their own staff.Department of Export Agriculture Crops works with twenty mandatory crops. Qualityregulation is practiced by a senior team of staff visiting each planting material productionsite and selecting plants conforming standards proposed by them. Cashew and sugarcaneare two crops identified by the Seed Act for quality regulation of seed and plantingmaterials.

Seed Certification Service of the DOASL has acquired facilities to test seed andplanting materials of crops under its purview and to label materials conforming acceptedquality standards. Organizations bearing this responsibility and activities carried out arebriefed below.

Seed Certification and Plant Protection Centre (SCPPC)

Seed Certification and Plant Protection Centre (SCPPC) of the DOASL is theorganization responsible for Seed Certification and Plant Protection activities in SriLanka. The Director SCPPC bears the responsibility of implementing the Seed Actliaising with other institutes. Seed Certification Service (SCS), which is under SCPPC, isthe governing body for Seed certification and seed quality control activities. For effectivecontrol of these activities, the island is divided into 22 regions with 22 Seed Certificationunits, each manned by an Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and a supporting staff. For testingquality of seeds and planting materials, four seed testing laboratories with a sampling


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capacity of 30,000 per year and four post-control fields are located in various parts of thecountry. Plant protection activities of the DOASL are jointly handled by the PlantProtection Service, National Plant Quarantine Service and the Registrar of Pesticide(ROP) of the Seed Certification and Plant Protection Centre. Plant Protection Service ismainly responsible for promoting locally acceptable pest control methods, and alsoplaying a key role in implementing the Pesticide Act. Registration of new pesticides,issuing of import and manufacturing permits for pesticides, pesticide dealer certificationand dealer training are handled by the ROP in addition to its major responsibility ofimplementing the Pesticide Act. Import and export of planting material and plantproducts is required for the development of agriculture in the country and safe movementof such materials via entry ports is facilitated by National Plant Quarantine Service(NPQS), Katunayake while implementing the Plant Protection Act of Sri Lanka.

Seed Certification Service (SCS)

Major Responsibilities of the SCS which plays a major role in assuring the quality ofplanting material available to farmers are as follows

i. Certification of quality of basic seeds and planting materials

ii. Certification of certified seeds and planting materials of grains, vegetables, fieldcrops, potato and fruit crops

iii. Quality testing of local and imported seeds (Annexure 5.5)

iv. Conducting grow out tests in local and imported seeds

v. Conducting Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability tests of new promisingvarieties

vi. Training farmers, seeds and planting material producers, importers and officerson seed and planting material production

vii. Conducting applied seed research programmes

viii. Finding solutions for field problems

ix. Testing new imported crop varieties for suitability to local conditions

x. Implementation of Seed Act for quality assurance of seeds and planting materials

xi. Characterisation of new varieties

xii. Seed health testing

The Seed Certification Service, to achieve its goal, works with following 6 units:

i. Field Inspectorate

ii. Seed Testing

iii. Variety Section

iv. Post control

v. Seed Research Section

vi. Fruit plant certification


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Infrastructure development of SCS

Organized seed testing has commenced for seed paddy in 1956, improving withincreased testing facilities in 1959. Rice seed production with contract grower programshas commenced in 1966, increasing samples tested from 4764 to 11,990 by 1967. By1975, facilities were available for testing 20,000 samples annually. In 1982, certificationwas extended to cover the entire seed paddy production program operated by the SeedDivision. Certification of Other Food Crops commenced in 1983, vegetables crops in1984 and potato in 1987. Post-control (PC) testing of these crops commenced at aboutthe same time in four fields assigned for the purpose at Gannoruwa PC Unit 1,Gannoruwa PC Unit 2, Maha Illuppalama and Sita Eliya. The SCS over time hasestablished 16 regional units around the country to facilitate the field inspectorate.Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing of new varieties, an activityundertaken by the SCS commenced in 1984.

The Seed Certification Service of the DOASL was formally established in 1977 withthe assistance of the Dutch Government Aid Program. However, the DOASL hasprovided the service of seed testing since 1958, during which 1758 samples of paddywere tested. In 1970, a seed laboratory with an annual capacity for testing 500 sampleswas established at Peradeniya and, in 1974, membership of the International Seed TestingAssociation (ISTA) was obtained. In 1978, seed testing capabilities of DOASL werefurther strengthened by building another laboratory at Maha Illuppalama, whileupgrading the existing laboratory at Peradeniya. In 2000, two more laboratories at BataAta and Aluttarama commenced operation.

Certification Procedure

The generation system of seed certification is adhered to in Sri Lanka where the mainseed classes for rice and field crops are Breeder Seeds, Foundation Seeds, RegisteredSeeds and Certified Seeds whereas they are termed Pre-basic, Basic and Standard forvegetable crops. In case of potato the different generations are named G0, G1, G2, G3,C1 and C2.

Breeder Seed

The first step in the production of commercial seed consists of procuring breederseed, which is the source of unique genetic code associated with a given OPV or hybrid.Produced under the supervision of the plant breeder, breeder seed can be thought of as thefinal product of the breeding programme. Production of breeder seed of a variety may beundertaken by the original breeder or may be assigned to a contracting breeder but mostoften at accomplished at a research station. A team from the SCS makes regular visits toseed production sites accompanied by the breeder to ensure field and crop standards areobserved.

Foundation Seed

Although it is the ultimate source of the unique genetic code needed to produce aparticular OPV or hybrid, breeder seed is rarely available in sufficient quantities to serveas an input for commercial seed production. Parent seed stock generally known as


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foundation seed is produced by multiplying breeder seed. Foundation seed productionprogrammes are supervised by the SCS similar to other seed production programmes andas a rule are conducted in government seed farms.

Registered Seed

This is a step in the seed multiplication process that utilizes foundation seed as thebasic input and ensures further multiplication without a significant loss in quality.Production of registered seed is more or less similar that for foundation seed but may becarried out by contract growers under some rare conditions.

Certified Seed

The special class of commercial seed which has been certified to conform tostandards of genetic purity established and enforced by the official seed certificationauthority is known as certified seed. Seed production is handled both by government seedfarms and contract seed farmers and monitored by the SCS similar to other seed classesand quality is assured by testing samples in its four Seed laboratories.

Procedure for Application for Certification of Seed Crops

Field registration

Registration of seed producers for seed certification is done by the regional seedcertification offices distributed island wide after the list of names submitted by AssistantDirector (Seed and Planting Materials) of SPMDC is approved by the SCS head office.Assistant Director (Seed and Planting Materials) selects suitable contract farmers byhimself or with the assistance of Seed Certification Regional Officers or with theAgriculture Instructor in the region after inspecting fields and amount of seed to beproduced, considering availability of basic seed.

Seed producers need to apply for registration for certification within two weeks ofcrop establishment. The Certification Officer visits the field, inspects the labels of basicseed used for authenticity and extents of land cultivated, crop status and pest and diseasesetc. Satisfactory fields are registered.

Individuals or organizations interested in obtaining the services of the SCS shouldcontact the regional SCS offices well in advance. It is mandatory that the seed crops beestablished using either registered or basic seed purchased from the DOASL. Receipts forthe purchase of seeds along with seed labels should be retained for production at the timeof registration. The minimum extent for registration of a crop of rice is 0.4 ha, 0.2 ha forother field crops, and 0.1ha for vegetables.

Crop isolation/separation requirements should be met. To apply for inspection andcertification, the grower has to submit, within two weeks from establishment of the crop,a complete set of filled out registration forms which are available upon request.

Field inspection

Field inspections have to be done before flowering in order to prevent geneticmixtures with unwanted plants. It is strictly observed in cross-pollinated crops.


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Identifiable rogues are eradicated depending on accepted field standards. In most crops,true plant characters can be identified only at flowering stage, for which floral characterstoo can be considered for removing rogues.

Final inspection

Final inspection is done before harvest, in which crop pest and disease status, otherimportant crop standards are considered. Satisfactory fields are passed for continuation.Expected seed yield will be estimated.

Sampling

Harvesting of the seed crop is done at correct maturity, depending on the crop.Harvesting and processing are done by hand for easy maintaining of quality standards.When machinery is used, high attention is paid to minimize grain damages. Processedseeds are sampled by the SCS and labels are fixed and seed samples are sent to thenearest seed labs for testing.

Seed lots are sampled at different stages for submitting to seed testing laboratories(Annexure 5.3).

A Sample –taken before purchasing seeds

B Sample –taken after processing seed lots

C sample – taken from certified seed lots in store until disposal

Testing in seed laboratories

Seed samples are tested under ISTA standards for important components such asmoisture, germination, viability, impurities, smell, colour, other crop seed and otherdistinguishable varieties. Seed lots that possess required minimum standards are acceptedand allowed to be used as seeds. Seed testing laboratory at Peradeniya conform to ISTAstandards and other three laboratories and private sector seed laboratories need to fulfilthis requirement in the future.

Labelling and sealing

Labelling is done only for the seeds possessing minimum standards. When seedmoisture is above accepted levels, farmers are requested to re-dry the seed lots. Re-sampling is done with an additional charge levied for testing.

Label colour is decided pink for breeder seed, foundation seed, registered seed, andblue for certified seed, a design with Government Emblem and SCS symbol on a whitebackground, and for planting materials; yellow for budded/grafted plants and green formother plants. In addition to lot identification, labels also provide the information as tocrop kind/variety, moisture content (%), purity (%), minimum germination (%), OtherDistinguished Varieties (in 50g), Other Crop Varieties(in 50g), Weed Seed (no.), and astatement if the seed is been treated; not suitable for consumption.

Under the Seed Act, the seed handler shall keep a record of the details of each lot ofthe seed which is issued for sale in such form as to be available for inspection and to be


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easily identified by reference to the number of the lot as shown. Such record shall beretained for a period of two years from the date packing. The seed handler shall allow anySeed inspector (Authorized Officer) to enter with or without prior notice the premises,where the seeds and planting materials are grown, processed and sold and to inspectpremises, processing plants and the process of processing at all reasonable hours. Theseed handler shall allow the Authorized Officer to inspect all registers and recordsmaintained and to take samples of the seeds and shall supply to the Authorized Officersuch information as he may require for the purposes of ascertaining whether theconditions subject to which the certificate has been granted have been complied with. Theseed handler shall on request furnish to the Certification Agency from every lot of theseeds or from such lot or lots as the Certification Agency may from time to time specify,a sample of quantity for any examinations required to be made.

The seed handler shall not, if the Certification Agency so directs, sell or offer for saleany lot in respect of which a sample is taken until the Agency authorizes the sale of suchlot. The seed handler shall, no being directed by the Certification Agency that any part ofa lot has been found by the Agency not to conform to the specific standards of quality orpurity, withdraw the remainder of that lot from sale. In case of, be practicable, recall allissue already made from that lot, the seed handler shall comply with the provisions of theAct and the Rules and with the directions given.

Seed and planting material producers can get registered with the DOASL to obtainthe service of the SCS, which inspects the production activities and issue validcertification labels after testing the seeds in its laboratories. Similarly, fruit plantnurseries are registered and labels are provided.

Registration of Perennial Plant Nurseries

The procedure for registration of plant nurseries for certification of planting materialproduced is as follows

i. Applications are invited annually for the registration of plant nurseries for theproduction of quality perennial plants under DOASL.

ii. If the nursery has been registered during previous year, submission of freshapplications is necessary and steps are taken to extend registration.

iii. Those who are producing fruit plants throughout the year on commercial basisare expected to register.

iv. Upon application, officers from the regional SCS office inspect and evaluate thenurseries for basic requirements

Main weaknesses of seed quality control

♦ Despite the clear need to ensure the genetic and physical purity of commercialseed, the implementation of effective seed quality control regulations is oftenproblematic. To begin with, seed cannot be certified unless the variety has beenofficially recognized and registered. Many seed and tree crops that have not beencharacterized and officially released, having substantial demand, are multipliedseed companies and farmers and are distributed annually, which are needingofficial release for launching a quality assurance programme.


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♦ Seed certification and testing is that standards are often unrealistic, particularlywhen they fail to evolve in relation to market conditions and productiontechnology. The majority of tree crop plants fail to reach accepted qualitystandards. In seed crops, maintenance of accepted initial levels becomesimpossible under prevailing atmospheric and social situations.

♦ The insufficient financial allocations to carryout certification processsuccessfully. Scarcity of funds for allocation of adequate transport facilities,staff and testing facilities has a very highly negative impact progress of theseactivities.

B. Measures to strengthen the quality assurance mechanism

Implementation of Seed Act No. 22 of 2003

As majority of the seed and planting material used locally did not have anyacceptable quality standards, formulation of a regulatory system was given considerationsin the 1960s. After long deliberations, in 2003, the Seed Act No. 22 was passed in theParliament. For easy implementation of the Act, country was divided in to 22 regionalunits and Officer in Charge of the Office is given the responsibility of examination andinspection of the seed handler activities. Regional staff bears the responsibility ofinstructing local seed handler on accepted quality parameters that are suggested by therespective crop research institutes in par with the international standards.

Monitoring of quality of seeds and planting materials is initiated at the beginning byidentifying important field standards for seed composition of potting mixtures etc. Thefield conditions specified in the Seed Act regulations is given below.

♦ Plant spacing, population size recommended for relevant crop♦ Free of noxious weeds♦ Free of pests and seed borne diseases♦ Free of Other Crop Seed/Other Distinguished Varieties/off-types♦ Recommended isolation distances (Annexure 5.2)♦ Healthy crop management and Crop rotation

Labelling is made compulsory by the Seed Act, and all products that are incirculation for commerce should be identifiable for their seed handlers. Labels shouldcontain following information;

♦ Common name of crop/variety♦ Lot number♦ Date of testing/date of expiry♦ Percentage germination, purity, seed moisture,♦ Other crop seed/other distinguishable varieties♦ Net volume/amount/number♦ Name, address, registration number of seed handler♦ Whether the seed is treated (not meant for consumption)


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For involving seed handler activities, registration is compulsory under the Seed Act.For a seed handler to involve in seed and planting material production, importation,distribution, packing, wholesale or retail activities, legal permission must be obtainedevery two years by paying appropriate fees, which are decided by the National SeedCouncil composed of following officials.

♦ Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Chairman)♦ Director General of Agriculture,♦ Director/Seed Certification & Plant Protection Centre♦ Director General of Sri Lanka Standards Institute♦ Executive Director, Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy♦ Two members from Seed Importers’/Local producers’/Nurserymen’s Associations♦ Two farmer representatives

The seed handler will be trained on quality seed and planting material production andwill be given guide lines to follow. During the year 2009, over 2000 applications werereceived for registrations from different crop sectors. Important quality parameters thatare identified by the Seed Act are given in the Annexure 5.2 to 5.5.

c. Seed health status, activities and facilities

Sri Lanka, so far has not developed facilities to test seed health and ground work isbeing laid at present with foreign assistance. Seed health of seed currently producedtherefore, is an assumption that the seed crops are free of seed borne diseases and pests(Annexure 5.6), after routine rouging is practiced by the seed farmer or the SCS officers.This does not prevent transmission of diseases and pests that remain latent at the momentof inspection. Testing each and every seed lot for seed health is a baffling proposition in ascenario where many small scale producers operate and major share of the seed issupplied by them. Seed health testing facilities have to decentralize to certain extent forregional seed producers to get this service. Many seed farmers are lacking a scientificbackground to carry out effective crop sanitation programmes. Seed health cannot bevouchsafed, at present context, as a result.

Seed treatment is a compulsory practice in many countries undertaken to prevent pestand disease problems occurring in storage and after planting. This practice is alsobeneficial as it prolongs seed germination by protecting cracks in the seed coat. Few largeseed companies in the seed production industry should develop seed health testingfacilities of their own. DOASL can help small seed farmers once it establishes seedhealth testing facilities, while some seed farmers can obtain the service of the large seedcompanies for testing their samples for seed health for a reasonable fee paid.

Plant quarantine

National plant quarantine services are responsible for monitoring and helping tocontrol the presence of harmful plant diseases and pests. In most countries, the plantquarantine service is distinct from varietal registration and seed certification agencies.Although officials from the plant quarantine service may participate on variety release


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committees or may inspect seed production fields that are also under the jurisdiction ofcertification authorities. The disapproval of the plant quarantine service is usuallysufficient to block the release of a variety, restrict seed sales, or prohibit imports orexport of seed.

National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS)

At present, PQ activities in the country are more research oriented and our service atports of entries is far behind international standards due to inadequacy of infrastructurefacilities and trained staff. The main activities of the NPQS are;

♦ Issuance of plant importation permits♦ Issuance of phytosanitary certificates for export consignments of plants and plant

products.♦ Inspections for additional declarations♦ Pest interceptions♦ Post-entry quarantine♦ Treatment – Fumigation and other methods♦ Research on plant quarantine matters♦ Technology dissemination♦ Legislation – A new Plant Protection Act No 35 of 1999 with several sections

addressing the present day needs of the country concerning the internationalmovement of plant material preceded the old ordinance No.10 of 1924. Market

monitoring

By market monitoring, attempts are made to collect samples of seed and plantingmaterials offered for sale in the market and conduct tests in the laboratory and postcontrol fields. If the quality of the marketed seed/planting material is found below theprescribed standard (Appendix 5.3, 5.4 and 5.6), the seed handler who takes theresponsibility of the product by the label attached, is liable to be penalized under the SeedAct No. 22 of 2003. The seed handler will be advised to refrain from harmful practicesupon detection of such practices and has the privilege to appeal board consist ofmembers, the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture as the Chairman and a pathologistand entomologist as other members. Not abiding such advice makes a seed handlerpunishable under the Act at a local court.

If any person contravenes any provision of the Seed Act 2003 or any rule made thereunder, or prevents an Authorized Officer taking sample under this Act or prevents himfrom exercising any other power conferred upon him by or under the Act, he shall be onconviction and be punishable for the first offence, with imprisonment for a term notexceeding six months or with fine minimum of rupees fifty thousand.

The country has been divided in to 21 zones within their assigned jurisdiction, FieldOfficers of Seed Certification Service have been authorized to collect samples of theseeds/planting materials placed in the market for sale. The procedures of taking andhandling samples are specified by the respective certification agencies.


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Field inspection and seed testing

Quality attributes of seed are genetic purity, physical purity, germination (%),moisture content (%), seed health, ODV, weed seed, OCS and vigor. The qualitypossessed by a seed lot or stock is to be ascertained by field standards. All except geneticpurity can be determined in the Seed Testing Laboratory by testing the seed followingprescribed procedure by ISTA for Seed Testing.

Seed testing procedure has been prepared by following the guidelines given in theInternational Seed Testing Association. Genetic purity is ascertained by growing samplesin the post control fields and undertaking field inspection. As such it is necessary toaccomplish the following three activities in order to provide quality assurance.

♦ Field inspection♦ Seed testing♦ Planting material testing

Field Inspection is the act of performing the field operations like counting percentageof undesirable plants and disease plants, ascertaining isolation distances of the seed cropetc and finally declaring acceptability or non-acceptability of the seed crop. After doingfield inspection advice is also given to the growers for necessary rectification of his seedfield.

Seeds are tested in a laboratory following accepted procedures. The results obtainedin the tests provide indication of the physical and physiological qualities and health statusof the seed under test thereby of the lot or stock.

Field inspection and seed testing are the main tools for executing any schemes likeSeed Certification, Truthful Labelling and Market Monitoring required for controllingquality of the seed for sale.

Truthful labeling

Truthful labeling is not a common practice in Sri Lanka at present, may be usefulwhen compulsory certification is not necessary under Implementation of seed Act. It is avaluable concept and is in practice in by the Seed handlers (Seed and Planting materialsproducers) under Seed Act in which seed certification becomes optional and the seedhandler is compelled to tag their products with truthful labels.

Seed Certification Service bears the legal authority for issuing quality certificates ofBreeder Seeds, Foundation Seeds, Registered Seeds and Certified seeds. The Certificateof Truthfully Labeled Seeds is issued by the producers, who conduct all activities similarway for seed quality control as done by the SCS for seed certification process. Importantsteps that lead to quality seeds are followed by the seed producer, some of them are listeddown as follows.

♦ Identification of the location of seed production♦ Verification of seed source♦ Field Inspection to verify conformity to the prescribed standard.


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♦ Rouging off-types, pest and disease infected plants in the seed field♦ Inspection at post harvest stages♦ Seed Testing♦ Preparation of labeling tags♦ Tagging and sealing

Annexure: 5.1. List of Regulated Notified Species, Kinds and Varieties

Group Species Common name Variety

1 Amaranthus oleraceus Amaranth 1 Kola

2Leafy vegetables

Basella alba Nivithi 2 Yodha

3 1 Balangoda Nil

4 2Kentucky WonderGreen

5 3 Keppetipola Nil

6 4 Lanka Butter

7 5 Top Crop

8 6 Wade

9 7 Sanjaya

10

Phaseolus vulgaris Bean

8 Cherokee Wax

11 1 MC 43

12 2 Thinnavely White

13

Momordica charantia Bitter gourd

3 Mathale Green

14 1 Padagoda

15 2 SM 164

16 3 Thinnavely Purple

17 4 Anjalee

18

Solanum melongena Brinjal

5 Amanda

19 1 CA 8

20Capsicum annuum Capsicum

2 Lanka Yellow Wax

21 1 Arunalu

22 2 KA 2

23 3 MI 1

24 4 MI 2

25 5 MI Hot

26

Capsicum annuum Chilli

6 Wasana

27 1 Champion

28 2 Kalpitiya White

29

Cucumis sativus Cucumber

3 LY 58

30

Vegetables

Luffa acutangula Loofah 1 Asiri


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31 2 LA 33

32 1 Haritha

33 2 MI 5

34

Abelmoschus esculentus Okra

3 MI 7

35 Cucurbita maxima Pumpkin 1 Ruhunu

36 1 Ball

37Raphanus sativus Raddish

2 Beeralu

38 1 BS 1

39 2 Bushitao local

40 3 Hawari Mae

41 4 Panduru Polon Mae

42 5 Polon Mae

43

Vigna unguiculatasesquipedalis

Veg. Cowpea

6 Sena

44 1 SLS 44

45

Psophocarpustetragonolobus

Winged bean2 Krishna

46 1 MI Short

47 2 Thinnavely

48

Trichosanthes cucumerina Snake gourd

3 TA 2

49Solanum indicum(violaceum)

Thibbatu 1 Bindu

50 1 Perakum

51 2 Golika

52

Momordica dioica Thumba

3 Thumbika

53 1 Rajitha

54 2 Rashmi

55 3 Ravi

56 4 T 245

57 5 Tharindu

58 6 Thilina

59 7 Maheshi (F1)

60

Vegetables

Lycopersicon esculentum Tomato

8 Lanka sour

61 Vigna mungo Black gram 1 MI 1

62 1 Bombay cowpea

63 2 Dhawala

64 3 MI 35

65 4 Waruni

66

Other Field Crops

Vigna unguiculata Cowpea

5 Wijaya


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67 1 Ravi

68 2 Ravana

69

Eleusine coracana Finger millet

3 Oshada

70 1 Ari

71 2 MI 5

72

Vigna radiata Green gram

3 MI 6

73 1 Indi

74 2 Thissa

75 3 Tikiri

76

Arachis hypogaea Groundnut

4 Walawe

77 1 Aruna

78 2 Bhadra 1

79 3 Ruwan

80 4 CML 20

81 5 CML 348

82

Zea mays Maize

6 Sampath

83 Cajanus cajan Pigeon pea 1 Prasada

84 1 MI 1

85 2 MI 3

86 3 Uma

87

Sesamum indicum Sesame

4 Malee

88 1 Pb 1

89 2 PM 13

90

Glycine max Soybean

3 PM 25

91 Citrullus lanatus Water melon 1 Thilini

92 1 Kartha kolomban

93 2 Vellai kolomban

94 3 Wilard

95 4 Malwana

96 5 Dampara

97

Mangifera indica Mango

6 Tom E. J. C

98 1 Malwana

99 2 Malayan red

100

Nephelium lappaceum Rambutan

3 Malayan yellow

101 1 Bibile sweet

102Citrus sinensis Sweet orange

2 Arogya

103

Fruits

Citrus reticulata Manderin 1 Madhu (naran)


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104 1 Polok

105 2 Fertae

106 3 Tower - 2

107 4 Booth - 7

108 5 Simmonds

109

Persea americana Avacardo

6 Peradeniya dam

110 1 Maharagama

111 2 Kothmale

112 3 Fartherlon

113

Artocarpus heterophyllus Jack

4 Rosa kos

114 1 Kasun

115Durio zibethinus Duriyan

2 Amabatenne

116 Carica papaya Papaya 1 Ratna

117 1 Desiree

118 2 Granola

119 3 Provento

120

Root and TuberCrops

Solanum tuberosum Potato

4 Raja

121 1 At 303

122 2 At 306

123 3 At 307

124 4 At 353

125 5 At 354

126 6 At 362

127 7 At 402

128 8 At 405

129 9 Bg 250

130 10 Bg 300

131 11 Bg 304

132 12 Bg 305

133 13 Bg 3-5

134 14 Bg 350

135 15 Bg 352

136 16 Bg 357

137 17 Bg 358

138 18 Bg 359

139 19 Bg 360

140 20 Bg 379-2

141

Rice Oryza sativa Rice

21 Bg 38


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142 22 Bg 403

143 23 Bg 406

144 24 Bg 407

145 25 Bg 407 H

146 26 Bg 450

147 27 Bg 454

148 28 Bg 745

149 29 Bg 94-1

150 30 Bw 267-3

151 31 Bw 272-6B

152 32 Bw 351

153 33 Bw 361

154 34 Bw 363

155 35 Bw 364

156 36 Bw 400

157 37 Bw 302

158 38 Ld 356

159 39 BW 365

160 Camellia sinensis Tea

161 Hevea brasiliensis Rubber

162

Plantation Crops

Cocos nucifera Coconut

163 Sugarcane Saccharum officinarum Suger-cane

164 Anacardium occidentale Cashew

165 Coffea arabica Coffee

166 Myristica fragrans Nut meg

167 Piper nigrum Pepper

168 Eugenia caryophyllata Cloves

169 Cinnamomum zeylanicum Cinamon

170 Elettaria cardamomum Cardamom

171 Theobroma cacao Cocoa

172

Export Crops

Vanilla planifolia Vanilla

173 Piper betle Betle

174 Beta vulgaris Beet

175Brass ica o leraceaacephala

Broccoli

176Brass ica o leraceagemmifera

Brussel sprouts

177 Daucus carota Carrot

178

Imported Crops

Brassica oleracea capitata Cabbage


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179 Brassica oleracea botrytis Cauliflower

180 Apium graveolens Celery

181B r a s s i c a o l e r a c e agongyloides

Knol khol

182 Allium ampeloprasum Leeks

183 Lactuca sativa Lettuce

184 Allium cepa Onion

185 Petroselinum crispum Parsley

186 Cucurbita pepo Squash

187 Phaseolus vulgaris Bean

188 Luffa acutangula Loofah

189 Raphanus sativus Raddish

190 Citrullus lanatus Water melon

191 Lycopersicon esculentum Tomato

192 Capsicum annuum Capsicum

Annexure: 5.2 : Minimum Isolation Distance required between forseed production of some regulated crops

i. Vegetables

Minimum Isolation Requirement (m)Crops Group Species Coomon name

Breeder Basic Std/Com*

Basella alba Spinach 2000 2000 1000Leafyvegetables Amaranthus oleraceus Amaranth 1000 1000 500

Momordica charentia Bitter gourd 1600 1600 1000

Cucumis sativus Cucumber 1600 1600 1000

Luffa acutangula Loofah 1600 1600 1000

Raphanus sativus Radish 1600 1600 1000

Trichosanthes cucumerina Snake guard 1600 1600 1000

Cucurbita maxima Pumpkin 1000 500 500

Citrullus lanatus Water melon 800 800 400

Capsicum annum Capsicum 400 400 200

Capsicum annum Chilli 400 400 200

Abelmoschus esculentus Okra 400 400 200

Solanum melongena Brinjal 200 200 100

Vigna unguiculata Veg. Cowpea 20 20 10

Lycopersicon esculentum Tomato 50 50 25

Phaseolus vulgaris Bean 20 20 10

Vegetables

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus Wing bean 20 20 10


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ii. OFC, Rice and root and tuber crops

Minimum Isolation Requirement (m)Crops Group Species

Commonname Breeder Foundation Registered Certi/Com 2

Zea mays Maize 300 300 300 200

Vigna unguiculata Cowpea 200 200 200 100

Cajanus cajan Pigeon pea 200 200 200 100

Vigna mungo Black gram 20 20 20 10

Elusine coracana Finger millet 20 20 20 10

Vigna radiata Green gram 20 20 20 10

Arachis hypogaea Groundnut 20 20 20 10

Sesamum indicum Sesame 20 20 20 10

O. F. C

Glycine max Soybean 20 20 20 10

Rice Oryza sativa Rice 1 1 1 1

Root & tubercrops Solanum tuberosum Potato 1 1 1 1

* Std/Com: Standered & Commercial 2.Certi/Com : Certified & Commercial

Isolation required between different seed classes of the same variety is 25% of the required distancebetween different varieties of the same crop.

Annexure: 5.3. Minimum Sample Size required for quality testing

Max. LotSize

Seed SampleWeight

MoistureSampleWeightName of Species

(kg) (g) (g)

1 Paddy - Oryza sativa 20000 1000 75

2 Maize - Zea mays 20000 1000 100

3 Sorghum - Sorghum vulgare 10000 900 100

4 Finger millet - Elusine coracana 10000 150 50

5 Bean - Phaseolus vulgaris 20000 1000 100

6 Black gram - Vigna mungo 20000 1000 100

7 Cowpea - Vigna spp. 20000 1000 100

8 Green gram - Vigna radiata 20000 1000 100

9 Pigeon pea - Cajanus cajan 20000 1000 100

10 Hyacinth bean - Dolichos lab lab 20000 1000 100

11 Winged bean - Psophocarpus tetragonolobus 20000 1000 100

12 Ground nut - Arachis hypogaea 20000 1000 100

13 Soy bean - Glycine max 20000 1000 100

14 Pea - Pisum sativum 20000 1000 100

15 Capsicum - Capsicum spp. 10000 150 50


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Max. LotSize

Seed SampleWeight

MoistureSampleWeightName of Species

(kg) (g) (g)

16 Tomato - Lycopersicon esculentum 10000 15 25

17 Brinjal (Eggplant) - Solanum melongena 10000 150 50

18 Cucumber - Cucumis sativus 10000 150 50

19 Loofah - Luffa Spp. 20000 1000 50

20 Snake gourd - Trichosanthus cucumerina 20000 1000 50

21 Bitter gourd - Momordica charentia 20000 1000 50

22 Radish - Raphanus sativus 10000 300 50

23 Lettuce - Lactuca sativa 10000 30 25

24 Okra - Abelmoschus esculentus 20000 1000 50

25 Spinach - Basella alba 10000 300 50

26 Mustard - Brassica juncea 10000 40 50

27 Gingerlly (Sesame) - Sesamum indicum 10000 70 50

28 Asparagus - Asparagus officinalis 20000 1000 50

29 Beet - Beta vulgaris 20000 500 25

30 Broccoli - Brassica oleracea (italica) 10000 100 25

31 Brussela sprout - Brassica oleracea (gemmifera) 10000 100 25

32 Cabbage - Brassica oleracea (capitata) 10000 100 25

33 Cabbabe chinese - Brassica oleracea (chinensis) 10000 40 25

34 Carrot - Daucus carota 10000 30 25

35 Cauli flower - Brassica oleracea (botrytis) 10000 100 25

36 Cellary - Apium graveolens (dulce) 10000 30 25

37 Knol khol (Khol rabi) - Brassica oleracea (gongyloides) 10000 100 25

38 Leek - Allium porrum 10000 70 25

39 Musk - Melon - Cucumis melo inodorus 10000 150 50

40 Onion - Allium cepa 10000 80 25

41 Parsley - Petroselinium crispum 10000 40 25

42 Parsnip - Pastinaca sativa 10000 100 25

43 Pumpkin - Cucurbita maxima 20000 1000 50

44 Turnip - Brassica campestris (rapa) 10000 70 25

45 Water melon - Citrullus lanatus 20000 1000 100


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Annexure 5.4 Seed standards of different seed classes

1. Crop: Paddy

A Sample B SampleParameter

Registered Certified Breeder Foundation Registered Certified Commercial

CSample

Moisture % 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 -

Germination (%min)

- - 85 85 85 85 85 85

Viability (%min)

90 90 90 90 90 90 90 -

Pure seed (%min)

94.1 94.1 99 99 99 98 98 -

Inert matter (%max)

5.9 5.9 1 1 1 2 2 -

ODV (Numbermax. per 500gm)

50 100 10 20 50 100 125 -

OCS (Numbermax. per 500gm)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -

Weed seed max.No. per 500 g *

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 -

Insect &mechanicallydamaged seeds(no: max / per500 gm)

- - 200 200 200 200 200 300

Smell Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

Appearance ** Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

* Wild rice and weeds listed in schedule II 0 seeds/ per 500 g

** Appearance is "bad " if the appearance of 35 % from randomly selected 400 seeds are bad

Source: Seed Certification Division: Department of Agriculture

A. sample : Sample taken before final processing

B. Sample : Sample taken after final processing

C. Sample : Sample taken from remaining seed stocks


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Annexure 5.5 Seed Standards for Imported Seed.

% Max. Moisture

CropPureseed

(%Min)

Inertmatter (%

max)

Germination

(% min)

OCS

(% max)

by wt.

Damagedseed (%

max)

ODV

(% max)

by wt.(M.

proof)(Non M.proof)

Weedseeds

Bean 99 1 75 0 5 5 12 12 0

Beet 97 3 75 0.5 0 0 8.5 9.5 0

Bitter gourd 98 2 75 0 0 0 9 10 0

Broccoli 98 2 75 0 0 0 6 7 ***

Brinjal 99 1 75 0 0 0 9 9 0

Brussel sprouts 98 2 70 0 0 0 7 8 ***

Carrot 98 2 65 0.5 0 0 7.5 8.5 ***

Cabbage 98 2 75 0.1 0 0 6 7 ***

Capsicum 98 2 75 0 0 0 6 9 0

Cauliflower 98 2 75 0.1 0 0 5.5 6.5 ***

Celery 98 2 65 0 0 0 7 8 ***

Chilli 98 2 75 0 0 0 9 9 0

Cucumber 98 2 75 0 0 0 9 10 0

Okra 99 1 75 0 0 0 11 12 0

Knol khol 98 2 75 0.1 0 0 6 7 ***

Leeks 98 2 70 0.5 0 0 8 10 ***

Lettuce 98 2 75 0.5 0 0 6 7 ***

Luffa 98 2 75 0 0 0 9 10 0

Maize 98 2 75 0 8 50** 12 12 0

Onion 97 3 75 0.5 0 0 6 9 ***

Papaya 98 1 65 0 0 0 9 10 0

Parsley 98 2 65 0 0 0 7 8 ***

Pumpkin 98 2 75 0 0 0 9 10 0

Radish 98 2 75 0 0 0 5 6 ***

Snake guard 98 2 75 0 0 0 9 10 0

Squash 98 2 75 0.1 0 0 6 7 0

Tomato 99 1 75 0 0 0 6 7 0

Water melon 99 1 75 0 0 0 7 9 0

Yard long bean 99 1 75 0 3 5 12 12 0

#These standards are applicable for both Imported F1 Hybrids and non-hybrids**Number per 1000g seed***Noxious weed seeds: 0 for all vegetable crops, Other weed seeds: 0.1% for exotic vegetables Parthenium(Parthenium hysterophorus L.) 0 seedHybridity: 98% (For F1 hybrid seeds)ODV: Other distinguishable varietiesOCS: Other crop seeds


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Annexure 5.6. Important Seed Borne Pests and diseases

1. Rice

PathogenicGroup

Pathogen Disease/ common name

1.Alternaria padwickii Seedling blight, Stackburn

2.Balansia oryzae –sativae (Ephelis oryzae) Blackring, Sterility disease, udbattadisease

3.Bipolaris oryzae (Cochliobolus miyabeanus,Helminthosporium oryzae)

Brown leaf spot

4.Cochliobolus lunatus Head mould of rice

5.Cochliobolus sativus Root & foot rot

6.Corticium rolfsii Sclerotium rot

7.Curvularia Black kernal

8.Drechslera gigantea Eyespot

9.Epicoccum nigrum Pink colour

10.Gaeumannomyces graminis var.graminis Crown sheath rot

11.Gibberella avenacea Fusarium blight

12.Gibberella fujikuroi (Fusarium moniliforme) Bakanae disease

13.Gibberella zeae (Fusarium graminearum) Head blight

14.Humicola lanuginosa leaf spot

15.Khuskia oryzae

16.Macrophomina phaseolina Charcoal rot

17.Magnaporthe salvinii Stem rot

18.Monographella albescens (Microdochiumoryzae)

Leaf scald

19.Nectria rigidiuscula Green point gall

20.Phoma sorghina Seedling blight

21.Pyricularia oryzae (Magnaporthe grisea ) Blast

22.Pythium arrhenomanes Root rot

23.Pythium ultimum Black leg of seedlings

24.Rhizoctonia oryzae sheath spot

25.Sarocladium oryzae Sheath rot

26.Sclerophthora macrospora Downy mildew

27.Sphaerulina oryzina (Cercospora oryzae,Cercospora janseana)

Narrow brown leaf spot

28.Thanatephorus cucumeris (Rhizoctonia solani) Sheath blight

29.Tilletia barclayana Black smut of rice

Fungi

30.Ustilaginoidea virens False smut

Bacteria 1.Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae Bacterial leaf blight



385

PathogenicGroup


2.Burkholderia glumae (Pseudomonas glumae) Bacterial grain rot

3.Erwinia herbicola Palea browining

4.Pseudomonas avenae Stripe

5.Pseudomonas fuscovaginae Sheath brown rot

6.Pseudomonas plantarii Seedling blight

7.Pseudomonas syringae pv.oryzae Halo blight

8.Pseudomonas syringae pv.syringae Bacterial canker/blast

9.Pseudomonas syringae pv.zizaniae Bacterial leaf streak

10. Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xanthomonascamprestris pv. oryzae

Leaf blight

11. Xanthomonas oryzae pv. orizicola Bacterial leaf streak

1.Aphelenchoides besseyi White tip nematode damage, rice leafnematode

Nematodes

2.Ditylenchus angustus Rice stem nematode

2.Potato

1.Alternaria solani Early blight of potato



4.Gibberella pulicaris Basal canker

5.Gibberella zeae (Fusarium graminearum) Head blight of maize

6.Helminthosporium solani Silver scurf


8.Nectria haematococca Dry rot of potato

9.Phoma exigua var. exigua Leaf spot

10.Phoma foveata Potato gangrene

11.Phytophthora cryptogea

12.Phytophthora erythroseptica var. erythroseptica Pink tuber rot

13.Phytophthora infestans Phytopthora blight, late blight

14.Phytophthora megasperma Root rot

15.Polyscytalum pustulans (syn. Oosporapustulans)

Skin spot of potato

16.Pythium aphanidermatum Damping-off

17.Pythium ultimum Black-leg of seedlings

18.Pythium vexans Damping-off

19.Rhizoctonia solani (Thanatephorus cucumeris) Black scurf

20.Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Cottony soft rot

Fungi

21.Septoria lycopersici leaf spot



386

PathogenicGroup


22.Spongospora subterranea f.sp.subterranea Powdery scab

23.Synchytrium endobioticum Wart disease of potato

24.Thecaphora solani (Angiosorus solani) Potato smut disease

25.Verticillium albo-atrum Verticillium wilt

26.Verticillium dahliae Verticillium wilt

1. Burkholderia gladioli pv. Gladioli corm scab

2. Clavibacter michiganensissubsp. Sepedonicus(Corynebacterium sepedonicum)

Potato ring rot

3.Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica Potato black leg disease

4.Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora Bacterial root rot

5. Pseudomonas marginalis pv. marginalis lettuce marginal leaf blight

6.Ralstonia solanacearum Bacterial wilt

Bacteria

7.Streptomyces scabiei Potato scab

1.Alfalfa mosaic virus Alfalfa yellow spot

2.Andean potato latent virus

3.Andean potato mottle virus Andean mottle of potato

4.Arracacha virus B

5.Cucumber mosaic virus Cucumber mosaic

6.Pepino mosaic virus

7.Potato black ringspot virus calico disease of potato

8.Potato leaf roll virus

9.Potato mop-top virus Potato mop-top

10.Potato virus A Potato mild mosaic

11.Potato virus M

12.Potato virus S

13.Potato virus T

14.Potato virus X

15.Potato virus Y potato mottle

16.Potato yellow dwarf virus yellow dwarf of potato

17.Potato yellowing virus

18.Tobacco mosaic virus Tobacco mosaic

19.Tobacco necrosis virus

20.Tobacco rattle virus Spraing of potato

21.Tobacco streak virus

22.Tomato black ring virus

Viruses

23.Tomato spotted wilt virus Tomato spotted wilt

Nematode 1.Criconemella ring nematode



387

PathogenicGroup


2.Ditylenchus destructor Potato tuber nematode

3.Ditylenchus dipsaci Stem & bulb nematode

4.Globodera pallida White potato cyst nematode

5.Globodera rostochiensis (Syn. Heteroderarostochiensis)

Yellow potato cyst nematode

6.Meloidogyne arenaria Peanut root-knot nematode

7.Meloidogyne halpa Root- knot nematode

8.Meloidogyne javanica Sugarcane eelworm

9.Nacobbus aberrans False root-knot nematode

10.Pratylenchus brachyurus root-lesion nematode

11.Pratylenchus coffeae banana root nematode

12.Pratylenchus penetrans northern root lesion

13.Tylenchorhynchus claytoni Stunt nematode

Viroids 1.Potato spindle tuber viroid Spindle tuber of potato

1.Asproparthenis punctiventris Sugarbeet weevil

2.Epitrix tuberis tuber flea beetle

3.Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa European mole cricket

4.Leptinotarsa decemlineata Colarado potato beetle

5.Limonius californicus Sugarbeet wireworm

6.Melanotus communis Common wireworm

7.Phthorimaea operculella Potato tuber moth

8.Premnotrypes latithorax Andean potato weevil

9.Premnotrypes suturicallus Andean potato weevil

Insects

10.Premnotrypes vorax Andean potato weevil

Protozoa 1.Spongospora subterranea f.sp. subterranea Powdery scab

3. OFC

3.1 Maize

1.Acremonium maydis (Cephalosporium maydis) Black bundle disease

2.Acremonium strictum Acremonium wilt

3.Alternaria brassicae

4.Alternaria zeae Eyespot

5.Aspergillus flavus Aspergillus ear rot

6.Aspergillus flavus var. columnaris Seedling blight

7.Aspergillus niger collar rot

8.Ceratocystis paradoxa

9.Choanephora cucurbitarum

Fungi

10.Claviceps gigantea Ergot, horse's tooth



388

PathogenicGroup


11.Cochliobolus carbonum (Drechslera carbonum) Maize leaf spot

12.Cochliobolus heterostrophus (Bipolaris maydis) Southern leaf spot

13.Cochliobolus lunatus Head mould

14.Cochliobolus sativus Root & foot rot


16.Curvularia Black kernel

17.Epicoccum nigrum Red kernel

18.Fusarium sporotrichioides Kernel rot of maize

19.Fusarium verticillioides Ear rot


21.Gibberella fujikuroi Fig endosepsis

22.Gibberella zeae (Fusarium graminearum) Headblight of maize

23.Glomerella graminicola (Colletotrichumgraminicola)

Red stalk rot

24.Hymenella cerealis Black bundle, kernel rot

25.Khuskia oryzae Cob rot of maize

26.Lasiodiplodia theobromae(Botryodiplodiatheobromae)

damping-off, kernel rot, stalk rot


28.Penicillium Penicillium ear rot

29.Penicillium oxalicum Seedling blight

30.Peronosclerospora maydis Downy mildew

31.Peronosclerospora philippinensis Philippine downy mildew

32.Peronosclerospora sacchari Downey mildew

33.Peronosclerospora sorghi Downey mildew


35.Sclerophthora rayssiae var. zeae brown stripe downy mildew

36.Setosphaeria turcica Maize leaf blight

37.Sphacelotheca reiliana Head smut of maize

38.Stenocarpella macrospora Dry rot of maize

39.Stenocarpella maydis (Diplodia maydis) Ear rot of maize

40.Thanatephorus cucumeris

41.Trychothecium roseum Seed rot

42.Ustilago zeae Common smut of maize

1.Acidovorax avenae subsp.avenae (Pseudomonasrubrilineans)

Bacterial leaf blightBacteria

2.Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis Wilt & leaf blight



389

PathogenicGroup


3. Erwinia carotovora pv. zeae Soft rot

4.Erwinia stewartii Leaf blight, Stewart's wilt

5. Pseudomonas syringae pv. lapsa Stalk rot,udbatta

6.Pseudomonas syringae pv.syringae Bacterial canker or blast

7.Pantoea stewartii Bacterial wilt of maize

8.Spiroplasma kunkelii Corn stunt spiroplasma


2.High plains virus High plains disease

3.Maize chlorotic mottle virus

4.Maize dwarf mosaic virus Dwarf mosaic of maize

5.Rice black streaked dwarf virus

Viruses

6.Sugarcane mosaic virus

1.Criconemella Ring nematodeNematodes

2.Ditylenchus dipsaci Stem & bulb nematode

1.Cadra cautella dried currant moth

2.Carpophilus Dried- fruit beetles

3.Caulophilus oryzae Broad nosed grain weevil

4.Ephestia kuehniella Mediterranean flour moth

5.Helix aspersa common snail

6.Mussidia nigrivenella Cob borer

7.Mythimna unipuncta Rice armyworm

8.Oryzaephilus surinamensis Saw toothed grain beetle

Insects

9.Prostephanus truncatus Larger grain borer

3.2 Sorghum

1.Balansia oryzae-sativae Udbatta disease

2.Choanephora cucurbitarum Choanephora fruit rot

3.Claviceps africana Ergot

4.Claviceps purpurea Ergot

5.Claviceps sorghi Sorghum ergot

6.Cochliobolus lunatus (Curvularia lunata) Head mould

7.Cochliobolus sativus Root and foot rot

8.Colletotrichum graminicola Red stalk rot

9.Colletotrichum sublineolum Sorghum anthracnose


11.Gibberella fujikuroi (Fusarium moniliforme) Fig endosepsis

12.Gibberella zeae Headblight

Fungi

13.Gloeocercospora sorghi zonate leaf spot



390

PathogenicGroup


14.Glomerella graminicola red stalk rot


16.Periconia circinata Crown rot, root rot

17.Peronosclerospora sorghi Downy mildew

18.Phoma sorghina grain spot, red leaf

19.Puccinia purpurea Rust


21.Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Blight

22.Setosphaeria turcica Maize leaf blight

23.Sphacelotheca reiliana Head smut of maize

24.Sporisorium cruentum Loose kernel smut

25.Sporisorium sorghi Smut

26.Thanatephorus cucumeris

1.Acidovorax avenae subsp.avenae Bacterial leaf blight

2.Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis Wilt & leaf blight

Bacteria

3.Pseudomonas syringae pv.syringae Bacterial canker or blast

Nematodes 1.Criconemella Ring nematode

1.Cadra cautella Dried currant moth

2.Carpophilus Dried- fruit beetles

3.Oryzaephilus surinamensis Saw toothed grain beetle

Insects

4.Stenodiplosis sorghicola Sorghum midge

3.3 Soybean

1.Alternaria alternata Seed rot

2.Alternaria tenuissima Seed rot

3.Aspergillus flavus Seedling blight

4.Aspergillus niger Collar rot

5.Aspergillus quercinus Seed rot

6.Cercospora kikuchii Purple seed stain

7.Chalara elegans Black root rot


9. Colletotrichum dematium Leaf spot

10.Colletotrichum truncatum soyabean anthracnose


12.Corynespora cassiicola Target spot

13.Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora Stem canker

14.Diaporthe phaseolorum var. meridionalis Stem canker

Fungi

15.Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae Pod blight



391

PathogenicGroup


16.Fusarium oxysporum Seedling blight

17.Fusarium sporotrichioides Root rot

18.Gibberella zeae Head blight

19.Glomerella cingulata (Colletotrichumgloeosporioides)

Anthracnose

20.Glomerella graminicola (Colletotrichumgraminicola)

Red stalk rot


22.Nematospora coryli Yeast spot

23.Passalora sojina (Cercospora sojina) Leaf spot

24.Peronospora manshurica Downy mildew

25.Phialophora gregata Brown stem rot


27.Phomopsis longicolla Pod and stem blight

28.Phytophthora macrochlamydospora Stem rot

29.Phytophthora sojae Root and stem rot


31.Septoria glycines Leaf spot

32.Thanatephorus cucumeris (Rhizoctonia solani)

1.Bacillus subtilis Seed rot

2.Burkholderia solanacearum Brown rot

3.Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens Bacterial wilt

4.Curtobacterium flaccumfacienspv.flaccumfaciens

Bacterial tan spot

5. Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea Bacterial blight

6. Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae Bac. canker or blast

7. Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci Wildfire

8. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. alfalfae Bacterial alfalfa leaf spot

Bacteria

9. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines Bacterial pustule


2.Bean common mosaic virus strn blackeyecowpea

bICMV

3.Bean pod mottle virus Pod mottle of bean

4.Bean yellow mosaic virus Bean yellow mosaic

5.Broad bean wilt virus Lamium mild mosaic

6.Cowpea mild mottle virus Angular mosaic of beans


Viruses

8.Peanut mottle virus Peanut mottle



392

PathogenicGroup


9.Peanut stunt virus Peanut stunt

10.Soybean mosaic virus Soybean mosaic


12.Tobacco ringspot virus



Nematodes 1.Heterodera glycines Cyst nematode

1.Cadra cautella Dried current mothInsects

2.Callosobruchus analis Bean weevil

3.4 Cowpea

1.Cercospora canescens Cercospora leaf spot


3Choanephora cucurbitarum Choanephora fruit rot

4.Colletotrichum capsici Anthracnose

5.Colletotrichum truncatum Anthracnose

6.Diaporthe phaseolorum var. meridionalis Stem canker

7.Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae Pod blight

8.Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum Wilt

9.Gibberella fujikuroi (Fusarium moniliforme) Fig endosepsis



12.Phytophthora vignae Phytophthora stem rot

13.Pythium aphanidermatum Damping-off

Fungi


1.Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens Bacterial wilt


Bacterial tan spot

3.Pseudomonas syringae pv.aptata leaf spot

4.Pseudomonas syringae pv.syringae canker or blast

Bacteria

5. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola Cowpea blight



bICMV

3.Bean yellow mosaic virus Bean yellow mosaic

4.Beet curly top virus Curly top


Viruses

6.Cowpea mild mottle virus Angular mosaic of beans



393

PathogenicGroup


7.Cowpea Moroccan aphid-borne mosaic virus

8.Peanut mottle virus Peanut mottle

9.Peanut stunt virus Peanut stunt

10.Southern bean mosaic virus




Nematodes 1.Heterodera cajani Pigeon pea cyst nematode

1.Callosobruchus analis Weevil bean

2.Clavigralla elongata African podbug

Insects

3.Clavigralla tomentosicollis African podbug

3.5 Greengram



3.Colletrotrichum dematium leaf spot

4.Colletrotrichum truncatum Anthracnose

5.Macrophomina phaseolina

6.Phialophora gregata



Fungi



Bacterial tan spotBacteria

2.Pseudomonas syringae pv.syringae Leaf spot



bICMV



5.Mungbean yellow mossaic virus


Viruses

7.Urd bean leaf crinkle virus

Nematodes 1.Heterodera cajani Pigeon pea cyst nematode

Insects 1.Callosobruchus analis Weevil bean

3.6Blackgram

Fungi 1. Choanephora cucurbitarum Choanephora



394

PathogenicGroup


2. Colletrotrichum dematium Leaf spot

3. C. truncatum Anthracnose

4. Macrophomina phaseolina Charcoal rot

5. Phoma exigua var. exigua Leaf spot

6. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Cottony soft rot

1. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. alfaalfaae Bacterial alfalfa leaf spotBacteria

2. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola Cowpea blight

1. Bean common mosaic virus strn black eye ofcowpea

Bl CMV

2. Mungbean yellow mosaic virus

3. Southern bean mosaic virus

4. Tomato spotted wilt virus Tomato spotted wilt

Viruses

5. Urd bean leaf crinkle virus

Nematodes 1. Heterodera cajani Pigeon pea cyst nematode

Insects 1. Callosobruches analis Bean weevil

3.7 Fingermillet


2.Pyricularia setariae Blast of millet

Fungi


3.8 Pigeonpea

1. Choanephora cucurbitarum Choanephora fruit rot

2. Colletotrichum lindemuthianum Anthracnose

3. Colletotrichum. truncatum Anthracnose

4. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum Vascular cotton wilt

5. Fusarium pallidoroseum Fungal gummosis

6. Gibberella avenacea Fusarium blight

7. Gibberella indica Wilt


Fungi

9. Phytophthora drechsleri f. sp. cajani Phytophthora blight

Nematodes 1. Heterodera cajani Pigeon pea cyst nematode

1. Clavigralla elonagata African pod bug

2. Clavigralla tomentosicollis African pod bug

Insects

3. Nectria rigidiuscula Green point gall

3.9Groundnut

Fungi 1. Aspergillus flavus Aspergillus ear rot



395

PathogenicGroup


2. Aspergillus niger Collar rot

3. Chalara elegans Black root rot


5. Colletotrichum truncatum Soybean anthracnose


7. Erisiphe pisi var. pisi Powdery mildew of pea

8. Lasiodiplodia theobromae


10. Mycosphaerella berkeleyi Late leaf sopt of groundnut

11. Myrothecium roridum Blight

12. Puccinia arachidis Ground nut leaf rust

13. Phythium aphanidermatum Damping off


15. Thanatephorus cucumeris (Rhizoctonia solani)

Bacteria 1. Ralstonia solanacearum Bacterial wilt of potato

1. Bean common mosaic virus strn black eyecowpea

bl CMV

2. Cowpea mild mottle virus Angular mosaic of beans

3. Peanut mottle virus Peanut mottle

4. Peanut stripe virus Ground stripe disease

5. Peanut stunt virus Peanut stunt

Viruses

6. Tomato spotted wilt virus Tomato spotted wilt

1. Alphitobius diaperinus Lesser meal wormInsects

2. Cadra cautella Dreied current moth

1. Aphelenchoides arachidis Groundnut testa nematode

2. Criconemella Ring nematode

3. Ditylenchus africanus Peanut pod nematode

4. Ditylenchus destructor Potato tuber nematode

5. Pratylenchus zeae Root lesion nematode

Nematodes

6. Radopholus similis Burrowing nematode

3.10 Sesame

1. Alternaria sesami Blight of sesame

2. Coanephora cucurbitarum Coanephora fruit rott

3. macrophomina phaseolina Charcoal rot

Fungi


1. Pscudomonas syringae pv.sesami Leaf spotBacteria

2. Xanthomonas campestris pv.sesami Blight,leaf spot



396

PathogenicGroup


Viruses 1. Peanut mottle virus Peanut mottle

Nematodes 1. Heterodera cajani Pigeonpea cyst nematode

1. Cadra cautella Dried currant mothInsects

2. Callosobruchus analis

3.11 Onion

1. Alternaria porri Purple blotch

2. Aspergillus niger Collar rot

3. Botryotinia fuckeliana Gray mold, neck rot

4. Botryotinia porri Botrytis rot of garlic

5. Botrytis aclada Gray mold of onion

6. Burkholderia cepacia Sour skin of onion

7. Colletotrichum circinans Smudge


9. Glomerella cingulata Anthracnose


11. Peronospora destructor Downey mildew

12. Phytophthora cryptogea Tomato fruit rot

13. Puccinia alli Rust of allium


15. Sclerotium ceviporum White rot of onion and garlic

Fungus

16. Urocystis cepulae Onion smut

1. Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora

2. Erwinia chrysanthemi pv. chrysanthemi

3. Pseudomonas marginalis pv. marginalis

4. Pseudomonas syringae pv.sesami Bac. Canker or blast

Bacteria

5. Pseudomonas viridiflava

1. Onion yellow dwarf virus Onion yellow dwarfViruses

2. Tomato black ring virus Ring spot of beet

1. Ditylenchus destructor Potato tuber nematode

2. Ditylenchus dipsaci Stem and bulb nematodeNematodes

3. Pratylenchus penetrans Northern root lesion nematode

1. Acrolepiopsis assectella Leek moth

2. Delia antiqua Onion fly

Insects

3. Helix aspersa Common snail

3.12 Meneri

1. Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae Bacterial canker or blastBacteria

2. Xanthomonas vasicola pv. holcicola Streaky spot of sorghum



397

PathogenicGroup


1. Cadra cautella Dried currant moth

2. Caulophilus oryzae Broad nosed grain weevil

Insects

3. Oryzaephilus surinamensis Saw toothed grain beetle

3.13 Tana-hal

1. Cochliobolus setariae Millet blight

2. Pyricularia setariae Blast of millet

Fungi

3. Ustilago crameri Head smut of millet

Bacteria 1. Xanthomonas vasicola pv. holcicola Streaky spot of sorghum

4. Vegetables

1.Tomato

1. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici Fusarium wilt

2. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis lycopersici Crown and root rot

3. Alternaria solani Early blight

4. Phytophthora infestans Late blight

5. Phytophthora nicotinanae Brown rot

6. Pythium aphanidermatum Cottony leak

Fungi

7. Rhizoctonia solani Damping off

2.Eggplant

1. Phomopsis vexans Phomopsis blight

2. Colletotrichum capsici Anthracnose

Fungi

3. Cercospora capsici Leaf spot

3.Pepper

1. Fusarium oxysporum Fusarium wilt

2. Phytopthora capsici Late blight

Fungi

3. Rhizoctonia solani Damping off

4.Cucurbitae

1. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lagenariae Fusarium wilt

2. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis Fusarium wilt

3. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum Fusarium wilt

4. Botrytis cinerea Gray mold

5. Colletotrichum lagenarium Anthracnose

6. Colletotrichum orbiculare

7. Didymella bryoniae Gummy stem blight

Fungi

8. Lasidioplodia theobromae Leaf spot



398

PathogenicGroup


5.Brassica

1. Plasmodiophora brassicae Clubroot

2. Alternaria brassicae Alternaria leaf spot

3. Alternaria brassicicola Alternaria sooty spot

4. Mycosphaerella brasicicola Ring spot

5. Peronospora parasitica Downey mildew

6. Pseudocercosporella capsellae White spot

Fungi

7. Scleritinia sclerotiorum Sclerotinia rot

6.Radish

1. Alternaria raphanai Black spotFungi

2. Colletotrichum higginsianum Anthracnose

7.Chinesecabbage

Fungi 1. Verticillium dahliae Yellows

8.Cabbage

1. Phoma lingam Black leg

2. Bremia lactucae Downey mildew

3. Septoria lactucae Leaf spot

Fungi

4. Sclerotium rolfsii Sclerotinia rot

9.Spinach

1. Peronospora effuse Downy mildewFungi

2. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae Fusarium wilt

10.Allium

1. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae Fusarium basal rot

2. Alternaria pori Alternaria leaf spot

3. Aspergillus niger Black mold

4. Fusarium monififorme var. subglutinans Seedling blight

5. Peronospora destructor Downey mildew

6. Pleospora berbarum Leaf spot

7. Sclerotium cepivorum White rot

Fungi

8. Colletotrichum circinans Anthracnose

11.Parsley

Fungi 1. Plasmopora abducens Downey mildew

12.Celery

1. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii. Fusarium yellowsFungi

2. Phoma apiicola Phoma rot

13.Carrot



399

PathogenicGroup


1. Alternaria dauci Leaf blight

2. Alternaria radicina Alternaria black rot

3. Cercospora upii Cercospora blight

4. Phoma rostrupii Brown rot

Fungi

5. Sclerotina sclerotiorum Sclerotina rot

14.Okra

1. Choanephora cucurbitarum Fruit rot

2. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum Fusarium wilt

Fungi

3. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. hibisci Fusarium wilt

5.Export Agric. crops

5.1 Cardamom

1.Cardamom chirkey virus

2.Cardamom foorkey virus

Viruses 3. Cardamom mosaic potyvirus

5.2 Cocoa

1.Moniliophthora perniciosa Witches' broom

2.Moniliophthora roreri Frosty pod rot

3.Oncobasidium theobromae Vascular-streak dieback

Fungi

4.Phytophthora megakarya Phytophthora pod rot

1.Cacao swollen shoot virus Cacao swollen shoot

2.Cacao yellow mosaic virus

Viruses 3.Cocoa necrosis virus

5.3 Coffee

Viruses 1.Coffee ringspot virus Coffee ringspot

5.4 Pepper

1. Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus Viruses 2. Piper yellow mottle virus PYMV

5.5 Vanilla

1.Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus

2. Cymbidium mosaic potexvirus

3.Vanilla mosaic potyvirus

Viruses

4.Vanilla necrosis potyvirus

6. Plantation crops

6.1 Tea

1.Exobasidium vexans Blister blightFungi 2.Rhizoctonia solani Black blight

Nematodes 1.Meloidogyne brevicauda Root-knot nematode



400

PathogenicGroup


2.Pratylenchus loosi Root lesion nematode 3.Radopholus similis Burrowing nematode

1.Brevipalpus californicus Scarlet mite

2.Hemitarsonemus latus Yellow mite

3.Holotrichia disparilis White grubs

4.Homona coffearia Tea tortrix

5.Macroplectra nararia Nettle grubs

6.Microtrichia costata White grubs

7.Oligonychus coffeae Red spider mite

8.Pseudococcus spp. Mealy bugs

Insects

9.Toxoptera aurantii Tea aphid

6.2 Coconut

1. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Coconut leaf rot

2. Exserohilum rostratum Coconut leaf rot

3. Fusarium moniliforme var. intermedium Coconut leaf rot

4. Fusarium solani Coconut leaf rot

5. Gliocladium vermoeseni Coconut leaf rot

6. Glomerella cingulata Coconut leaf rot

7. Marasmiellus cocophilus Lethal bole rot

8. Marasmiellus inoderma Sheath rot of maize

9. Rhizoctonia solani Coconut leaf rot

10. Setosphaeria rostrata Coconut leaf rot

Fungi

11. Thielaviopsis paradoxa Coconut leaf rot

Bacteria 1.Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasma Lethal yellowing of coconut

2. Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Phytoplasma Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease

Viroids 1. Coconut cadang-cadang viroid Cadang –cadang disease

6.3 Rubber

1. Armillaria heimii Armillaria root rot

2.Botryodiplodia spp. Die-back

3. Ceratocystis fimbriata Ceratocystis blight

4.Colletotrichum acutatum Colletotrichum leaf disease

5.Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Colletotrichum leaf disease

6.Colletotrichum spp. Die-back

7. Corticium salmonicolor Dampng off

8.Corynespora cassiicola Corynespora leaf fall

9.Corynespora spp. Die-back

Fungi

10.Drechslera heveae Bird’s eye spots



401

PathogenicGroup


11. Ganoderma philippii Tea root rot

12. Glomerella cingulata Anthracnose

13. Lasiodiplodia theobromae Diplodia pod rot of cocoa

14. Marasmius crinis-equi Horse hair blight

15. Marasmius palmivorus Oil palm bunch rot

16. Mycrocyclus ulei South American Leaf Blight

17.Nattrassia mangiferae Foot canker and sudden wilt

18. Oidium heveae Hevea powdery mildew

19. Phellinus noxius Brown tea root disease

20.Phomopsis sp. Die-back

21. Pythium splendens Blast of oil palm

22. Pythium vexans Damping off

23. Phytophthora botryosa Heveae phytophthora leaf fall

24. Phytophthora heveae Brazil nut leaf blight

25. Phytophthora meadii Phytophthora leaf fall

26. Phytophthora palmivora Phytophthora leaf fall

27.Phytophthora spp. Die-back

28. Rigidoporus microporus White root disease

29. Rosellinia arcuata Black root rot of tea

30.Sclerotium rolfsii Collar and hypocotyl nrot

31. Thanatephorus cucumeris rubber strains Target leaf spot of rubber

Nematodes 1.Meloidogyne incognita Root-knot nematode

2. Pratylenchus brachyurus Root-lesion nematode

1. Coptotermes spp. Rubber termites

2. Holotrichia spp. White grubs

3. Leptopharsa heveae Rubber tingid bug

4. Microtermes Termites

Insects

5. Sinoxylon conigerum Conifer auger beetle



402


Chapter 6


The seed related Regulatory Frameworks implemented by Sri Lanka are as follows:

♦ National Seed Policy - 1996♦ Seed Act No. 22 of 2003♦ Plant Protection Act No 35 of 1999♦ PVP Act draft♦ Pesticides Act

6. 1. Regulation dealing with seed production, handling and distributionNational Seed Policy, 1996

The seed industry in Sri Lanka is rapidly maturing into a dynamic and effective forceto bring the best and most adapted varieties of crops and horticultural plants to thefarmers and home gardeners of Sri Lanka.

The Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka (DOASL) took the leadership in late1950’s in developing an organized seed production programme, with the development ofhigh yielding varieties through breeding and selection. The activity of producing anddistributing seed of about 110 varieties of more than 20 crops continued to be theresponsibility of the DOASL. Additionally, grafts, and seedlings of a wide array ofhorticultural crops are produced and distributed by the DOASL.

Purpose

In the light of the changing situation, where the private sector is expected to play arole in producing quality seed, it is necessary to provide guidelines to encourage thatsector’s participation in producing the country’s requirement of quality seed,supplementing the role of the Department of Agriculture of meeting the basic seedrequirement. What is expected eventually is the establishment of viable seed industries.This will facilitate the Sri Lankan farmers gaining easy access to the highest quality seedavailable, either from domestic sources or through importation thereby enhancing yields,production and farm income. This new policy, therefore, is focussed towards theformation and establishment of seed enterprises, which will produce and market the seed.The government agencies, including the DOASL will be playing a more active role inproviding the required support, ensure high quality seed production and co-ordination

The Seed and Planting Material Policy consists of the following components.

a. Varietal development and releaseb. Provision of basic seed and planting materialc. Commercial seed production, processing, marketing and utilizationd. Importation of quality seed and planting materiale. Co-ordination and development assistancef. Certification and quality promotiong. Other support activities


403


a. Varietal Development and Release♦ The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry (MALF) will invite

entrepreneurs to be members in the National Seed and Planting MaterialCommittee (NSPMC) which has the mandate for decision making on the generalseed programme, varietal release and standards of seed and planting material.Through this process better use would be made of the technical capacities of thepublic sector research agencies.

♦ MALF will share the manpower, facilities and other resources with the privatesector. Detailed mutually acceptable to the government and private sector will beworked out.

♦ DOASL will make available basic genetic material and advance lines developedlocally to public and private sector organizations interested in breeding and ortesting such material.

♦ MALF will encourage enactment of Breeder’s Rights as an incentive to plantbreeders in the next 3 years.

♦ Varietal development organizations will continue to maintain the purity of theirrespective varieties.

♦ Testing and release of new local varieties developed by the public and privatesectors, requiring official certification will be done by DOASL in a timelymanner.

b. Provision of Basic Seed and Planting Material♦ DOASL will provide adequate quantities of basic seed of the recommended

varieties of crops to the private seed enterprises at negotiated prices.♦ Certified seed production/distribution programme of the DOASL will be

progressively reduced and eventually phased out. In the medium term, DOASLwill focus on the provision of basic seed. When independent seed enterprisesmature to become capable of producing basic seed, the production of this class ofseed by the DOASL will be reduced correspondingly.

♦ Information on promising cultivated varieties of crops will be made available togrowers.

♦ Limited quantities of plants of varieties that are not yet tested and recommendedwill be made available to growers to test in suitable regions, on an “all care-noresponsibility” basis so that interested growers may try them.

c. Commercial Seed Production, Processing, Marketing & Utilization♦ The government will not compete with the private sector in commercial seed

production.♦ Seed enterprises will be given assistance for commercial seed production. The

concept of “Seed Enterprise” would include Farmer Organizations, Co-operatives, Agro- industrial Firms, Individual Companies, NGO’s and others.Assistance to be provided includes;- Plant Quarantine Services- Basic Seed when required- Technical Assistance/Training- Custom Cleaning and Storage Services to the extent possible- Market Information- Internal Quality Control and Certification- Quality Promotion


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♦ Tax concessions applicable to investments in agriculture will be made availableto those engage in Seed Industry

♦ To ensure price stabilization, every effort will be made to maintain buffer stocksof selected crops.

♦ No duties will be levied on machinery and equipment imported for seedproduction, processing and quality control.

d. Importation of Quality Seed and Planting Material

♦ The private sector will continue to import seed and planting material in a mannernot to retard the progress of the seed industry.

♦ All seeds and planting material imports should be subject to plant quarantine andquality control.

e. Seed Certification and Quality Promotion

♦ An intensive programme on the use of quality seeds will be undertaken.

♦ Official Certification will be essential for seed and planting material that areproduced and offered for sale as certified or quality assured seed. All seedsmarked must meet the minimum standards prescribed by the Seed CertificationServices of the DOASL. A unified seed container labeling system will beimplemented.

♦ All seeds imported or locally produced must be labelled for minimum standardslaid down in the Seed Law. Until such time the Seed Law is passed, thestandards established by the seed Certification and Plant Quarantine Centre ofDOASL will be applicable.

f. Development and Co-ordination

A National Seeds and Planting Material Committee (NSPMC) will be establishedwith the participation of the public and private sectors to include seed producers and seedimporters to assist in the development of the seed industry and to co-ordinate activitiesrelating to the industry. This Committee will meet twice a year before each cultivationseason, in January/February in respect of Yala and July/August in respect of Maha. TheCommittee will be chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry.

Functions of the Committee are as follows:

• to establish basic guidelines and scientific principles to ensure sustenance andproduction of highest quality seed at competitive prices

• to review policy and advice the government on the needed policy directives toachieve the objective of a viable seed industry.

• to undertake periodic review of the progress of the seed industry.• to identity the needs and facilitate the provision of technical assistance to produce

quality seed.• to co-ordinate among public sector agencies in working towards the development

of the private sector industry.


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• to review the quality standards of seed periodically with a view to assist in thedevelopment of the industry to supervise the development of a seed sector database.

The Seed and Planting Materials Development Centre of the DOASL will function asthe Secretariat to this Committee.

6. 1. 2. Seed Act No 22 of 2003

According to above Act, “seed” is defined as follows;

• seeds of food crops including rice, field crops (including oil crops) and seeds offruits and vegetables,

• seeds of and vegetative parts used for propagation of foliage and ornamentalplants,

• seedlings, cuttings and budded plants of plantation crops• seeds of export crops, cashew; and includes• seedlings, and tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, root cuttings all types of grafts and other

vegetative propagated materials, including tissue cultured plants.

The Seed Act No 22 of 2003 provides the farmers the right to get quality assuredseed and planting materials for the price they pay. Those who violate rules andregulations of the Act intentionally, would be penalized under the provisions of the Act.National seed Council (NSC) is the governing body of the Act and its administration isvested with the Director General of Agriculture. Some of the salient features of the Actare as follows;

• meaning of different terminologies• seed handler• members to the NSC from public and private sectors• government seed laboratory• power to specify kinds or varieties of seeds• power to specify minimum limit of germination and purity• regulations of sale of seeds of notified kinds or varieties• Seed Certification Service• grant of certificate by the certifying agency• right to appeal• seed analyst• Authorized Officer• powers of Authorized Officer• procedure to be followed by Authorized Officer• report of seed analyst• import of seeds• penalty• forfeiture of property• offence by companies• protection of action taken in good faith• power to make rules.


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Seed Regulations (Draft):

In the draft regulations, following areas will be dealt.• Variety release• Power of the Minister• Seed production of recommended varieties of regulated crops, including F1

hybrids

Field standared

For ensuring physical and genetic quality of the seeds and planting materials,maintain following field standards are highlighted.

• The following field standards shall be maintained for the assurance of the qualityof seeds

• plant spacing and or population for unit area, as recommended by the Departmentor by the relevant crop institute;

• free of noxious weeds as specified in Schedule II;• free of pests and seed borne diseases as specified in Schedule III;• free of viral diseases and diseases with virus symptoms• free of other varieties of crops;• free of off-types• an isolation distance as recommended for each crop• a healthy crop management; and• a suitable crop rotation cycle

Sale, Display for Sale, Offer for Sale and Supply of Seed

No person or any other person on his behalf shall sell, display for sale, offer for saleor supply any seed, unless such seed is identifiable as to its species, kind or variety, theseed handler is identified; and such seed conforms the standards.

Labeling Requirements

• common name of the crop and variety;• lot number of the seed;• seed class;• net mass or volume or number;• Minimum germination percentage• percentage of the purity;• date of sealing and date of expiry;• if seed has been treated with a pesticide a statement indicating that the “seed has

been treated/not for consumption;” and,• the name, address and the registered number of the seed handler.


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Subject to the provisions of these regulations when seeds of a notified kind or varietyare offered for sale, each container shall be marked or labeled, containing the particularsof the seed and shall appear on each container or on the label or mark attached to thecontainer in a conspicuous place on the innermost container in which the seed is packedand on every other covering in which that container is packed and shall be legible andshall be in the Sinhala and Tamil languages. All imported seeds should have a label,displaying minimum quality parameters accepted by the Act and to identify its localdealer.

Transport or Delivery of Seed

Any person transporting or delivering seeds of any species, kind or variety ofregulated crops for commercial purposes shall keep a complete record of origin,treatment, germination and purity of each lot of seed for a minimum of two years. Theauthorized officer shall have the right to inspect such records for the purpose of theeffective administration of the Act.

Quality Control of Planting Materials

Any seed handler offering grafted plants of regulated crops for sale shall be able toidentify the mother plant/mother plant blocks which he obtained bud wood or cuttings forgrafting. Grafted plants for regulated crops for sale shall meet the required qualitystandards. All plants of regulated crops for sale shall be labeled with a certification labelof the Department or quality assurance label of the relevant crop institute or privateorganization or of the seed handler. The label shall be affixed to the stem above the budor graft union and shall include the name of the crop, variety, and the name and theaddress of the seed handler.

Quality Control of Imported Seed

Importation of seed shall be done only with a valid import permit obtained inaccordance with the provisions of the Plant Protection Act, No. 35 of 1999, with a validphytosanitary certificate. Each imported seed lot shall accompany a seed testingcertificate from the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). If ISTArepresentation is not available in the country of importation, a seed testing certificateissued by the official Seed Testing Agency of the Central/Federal government shall beproduced. If the Authorized Officer has reasonable grounds not to accept the seed testingcertificate issued on behalf of the imported seed lot he shall direct the seed lot to belocally tested at the expense of the importer for conformity with the quality standards.The date of testing specified in the seed test certificate shall be within three months of thedate of arrival of the seed lot. If the date of testing specified in the seed test reportexceeds three months and if it does not exceed five months, the seed lot shall be detainedby the seed certification officers and a sample shall be tested at the Seed TestingLaboratory at the expense of the importer. If the seed lot is below the required minimumstandards or without a valid seed test report or if the date of testing is more than fivemonths by the date of arrival, the Director shall order the destruction or re-export of theseed lot.


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Importation of seeds of new varieties;

In case of new varieties that does not carry information on the performance underlocal condition accepted by the intended importer shall produce catalog informationincluding soil/climatic requirement, quality parameters, important morphologicalcharacters, crop duration and pest and disease tolerance etc., to the Director whenapplying for an import permit for the above sample quantity. However, the date of issueof seed test report may not be considered for sample quantities.

Importation of seed potato

In case of importation of seed potato, the consignment shall be inspected by a team ofofficers comprised of Plant Quarantine, Research and Seed Certification Service of theDepartment. Without prejudice, the director shall decide to release, destroy or re-exporton the basis of the performance report.

Importation of Genetically Modified Material

The Director General after consultation with any expert on the subject, may grantpermission on a case by case basis to import into Sri Lanka the genetically modifiedorganisms and or living modified organisms. It is the duty of the importer to submit bio-safety clearance from the relevant government authorities. The Director General ofAgriculture shall assign a team of authorized officers to inspect and report on thesuitability of the facilities available for the containment of the organism to be imported.The person who intends to import the GMO or LMO shall show evidence to the DirectorGeneral of the availability of required facilities to test them.

Quality Checking of Seed by Authorized Officer

• The seed handler shall allow any authorized officer inspecting the seeds onbehalf of the Director General to enter the premises where the seeds are grown,processed and sold with or without prior notice at all reasonable hours.

• The seed handler shall allow the authorized officer to inspect all registers andrecords and to take samples and provide him with such information as may berequired.

• When an authorized officer seizes any record, register, document, material or anyother object, he shall issue a receipt.

• When samples are taken by an authorized officer under these regulations he shallissue a Form of Order in writing to the seed handler.

• Sampling of seeds shall be done according to the rules and procedures specifiedby the ISTA

• A manual for the purpose of outlining the manner of drawing samples fromdifferent types of seed (free-flowing or non-free-flowing) in different containersor in bulk shall be available at the Department.

• The size of the sample shall be as accepted by ISTA.


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Analysis of Samples

• For the purpose of analysis of samples of any seed of regulated or notified kindor variety shall be taken in a clean dry container which shall be packed, fastenedand sealed to prevent leakage and entrance of moisture.

• All containers containing samples for analysis shall be properly labeled andsealed in tamper proof manner.

• The label on any sample of seed sent for analysis shall bear;

(a) a serial number(b) the name of the sender with official designation(c) the name of the person from whom the sample was taken(d) the date and place of drawing of the sample(e) the kind or variety of the seed for analysis; and(f) the name and the registration number of the seed handler

• The container or sample for analysis shall be sent to the Laboratory by registeredpost or by hand in a sealed packet together with a memorandum, with a copyaddressed to the Director General.

• A copy of the memorandum and impression of seal used to seal the packet shallbe sent to the Officer in Charge, Seed Testing Laboratory of the Departmentseparately by registered post or delivered by hand.

• Analysis of the sample shall be carried out at the Seed Testing Laboratory of theDepartment in accordance with the rules and procedures specified by the ISTA.

• A report indicating the status of the seed lots according to the seed standardsshall be issued to the Authorized Officer from the Laboratory with a copy to theDirector General.

• The authorized officer shall advise the seed handler not to sell or offer for saleany lot which is not up to the required standard. The seed handler shall on beingdirected by the authorized officer that any part of the lot has been found to be notup to the required quality standards, withdraw the remainder of that lot from saleand recall all issues already made from that lot.

• The authorized officer shall order the destruction of any plant or regulated cropswhich are offered for sale if they are not up to the required standard as specifiedin Schedule V and or if failed to prove the acceptable source for bud-woodcuttings.

Fees

The fees to be charged, proposed by the National Seed Council, shall be revised asand when necessary.

Offences

Every seed handler who fails to comply with such directions shall be guilty of anoffence under the Act.


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6. 1. 3. Plant Protection Act No 35 of 1999

The Law makers enacted the Plant Protection Act No. 35 of 1999 to make provisionagainst the introduction into Sri Lanka and the spreading therein, of any organismharmful to, or injurious to, or destructive of plants, and for the sanitation of plants in SriLanka.

The general administration of the Act is vested with the Director General ofAgriculture (DGA) and he can nominate such number of Authorized Officers to obtainassistance. For achieving the objectives of the Act, the DGA or the Authorized Officersmay enter any premises where pests exist and inspect such premises. Thereafter, they canissue instructions for the control or eradication of such pests and the occupier or theowner of such premises are duty bound to control or eradicate such pests. Any failure inthe part of the occupier or the owner will be met by the authorities executing themeasures prescribed and the expenses incurred by the state must be paid by the occupieror the owner. Authorities have the power of prosecuting the culprit.

The Act specifies the offences and penalties. Also, there are provisions in the Act forappeals against the directions or instructions issued by the DGA or Authorized Officers.The Minister responsible for the subject of agriculture can declare Quarantine Pests butthe Act is silent about the Regulated Non-Quarantine Pests. Any reference in the Act andregulations made there under to a particular pest shall be construed as a reference to thatpest in any stage of its existence. Furthermore, any reference in this Act or regulationsmade there under to a scientific name of any organism shall be construed as a reference toall synonyms used for that particular organism.

The Plant Protection Act has specified what is meant by genetically modification andliving modification:

“Genetically modified” means an organism derived from any activity which hasinvolved or resulted in the formation or derivation of new combinations of heritablematerial by the insertion of nucleic acid molecules, produced by whatever means outsidethe cell, into any virus, bacterial plasmid, or other vector system so as to allow theirincorporation into a host organism in which they do not naturally occur but in which theyare capable of continued propagation.

“Living modified” means an organism derived or produced by altering or modifyingthe genetic material of an organism through the use of biological techniques such asrecombinant DNA technology, molecular biology, cell or tissue culture, cell fusion,artificial mutagenesis, or through the use of a vector system such as virus, phage, plasmidbut not through the ways that occur naturally by mating, mutation or recombinationprocesses.

Administration of the Act;

The Minister may make regulations with respect to any matter required by this Act,to be prescribed or in respect of which regulations are required or authorised to be made.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the powers conferred bysubsection (1), the Minister may make regulations:


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(a) for the prevention of introduction into Sri Lanka, or for the eradication, or for theprevention of spreading therein of, pests, and for the export of plants, plant products ororganisms from Sri Lanka;

(b) for restricting or prohibiting the importation into Sri Lanka of any plants, plantsproducts and organisms and for restricting or prohibiting the entry points at which theymay be landed;

(c) for restricting or prohibiting the landing in Sri Lanka of plants, plant products andorganisms, either absolutely or conditionally;

(d) for providing for the importation of organisms under special licence andconditions;

(e) for inspecting and or testing plants, plant products and organisms at, before, orafter, the time of landing;

(f) for testing, cleaning, fumigating, or disinfecting, at the expense of the importerand or the owner and if expedient, destroying at, before, or after, landing and withoutcompensation, all plants, plant products and organisms, or the packages, cases, pots, orcoverings in which they may be packed, and which are found to be infected with any pestor pests and for the recovery of prescribed fees for such destruction from the importerand or owner;

(g) for requiring the quarantine of plants, plant products and organisms imported orto be imported, in special areas, and for fixing the conditions of such quarantine and thefees to be charged therefor;

(h) for preventing the outbreak or dissemination of any pest within Sri Lanka;

(i) for declaring any area to be an infested area, and for the proper quarantine of anspecified area declared as being infested with any pest;

(i) for testing, treatment, destruction and proper disposal, of plants or plant productsaffected or likely to be affected with any pest;

Plant Protection Act, No. 35 of 1999 9

(k) for restricting or prohibiting the cultivation of any plant or plants for a specifiedperiod or periods within any specified area or areas in Sri Lanka;

(l) for regulating the transfer of plants, plant products or organisms from one localityin Sri Lanka to another;

(m) for the constitution of committees to advise the Director-General and theauthorised officers, and to take such other action as may be necessary to ensure theeffective administration of the provisions of this Act;

(n) for ensuring the phytosanitary status of the plants, plant products or organismsexported from Sri Lanka; and

(o) for charging fees for implementing the provisions of this Act and the regulationsmade there under.


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Impact of Plant Quarantine on Seed Importation

Whatever the reason for international movement of seeds, supply of good qualitymaterial will undoubtedly help the relevant stakeholders. Avoiding the factors that couldaffect seed health or other quality parameters will be very important during theinternational trade on seed. Sri Lanka being a contracting party to the World TradeOrganization (WTO) reaffirms that, while exercising its right to ensure quality ofmaterial imported, no Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures will be used asunnecessary barrier for trade. Any safeguard implemented against the introduction ofsubstandard material and unwanted pests should have sound supporting technical reasonsas stipulated in guidelines given in Agreements on SPS Measures and on TechnicalBarrier to Trade (TBT). National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPO) established byany country fulfilling its obligations as stipulated in the International Plant ProtectionConvention (IPPC) must take a greater responsibility in preventing the spread ofundesired pests both during export and import. To fulfill these responsibilities, the NPPOcould implement regulations and policy decisions, and should also maintain sufficientfacilities (IPPC, 1997). However, implemented phytosanitary actions must meet the levelof protection deemed appropriate by the country. Availability of resources and will ofthe authorities largely determine the actions and safeguards taken to prevent unwantedmaterial entering the country with imported seed.

Cooperation between stakeholders at various levels, viz. general public, farmers,private enterprises and state agencies, is very important during implementation ofprograms to prevent entry of unwanted material. However, without proper awareness onassociated problems, it will be difficult to obtain collective action. In particular, privateseed companies in developing countries do not show cordial relationship towardsregulatory state agencies like plant quarantine and seed certification services. Tendencyof some people going for cheaper seed also adds to the problem because they do notknow or otherwise ignore the potential risk. However, unavailability of good qualitymaterial in sufficient quantities is often the reason for use of anything that is available.Regulatory agencies are hardly able to rectify such problems because the supply of seedis beyond their purview. Attempts are made by most developing countries to resolvethese issues so that their farmers can get good quality seed when needed at a reasonableprice. Laudable advances have been made in this regard by some countries due to correctapproach from all concerned.

Plant Quarantine

The IPPC defines plant quarantine as “all activities designed to prevent theintroduction and/or spread of quarantine pests or to ensure their official control” and aquarantine pest (QP) as “a pest of potential economic importance to the area endangeredthereby and not yet present there, or present but not widely distributed and beingofficially controlled” (IPPC, 2006). Phytosanitary measures can also be taken to preventthe entry of a regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) when it is found with plants forplanting. IPPC considers a RNQP as “a non-quarantine pest whose presence in plants forplanting affects the intended use of those plants with an economically unacceptableimpact and which is therefore regulated within the territory of the contracting party”


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(IPPC, 2006). Plant Protection Act of Sri Lanka mentions about quarantine pests and howto deal with them. Even though no specific mention was made in the Act to RNQPs, byimplementing the Act, the legislators intend to prevent or control the damage caused bydangerous plant pests.

According to the Plant Quarantine Service in Sri Lanka, often, imported seed lotsoften had non-seed material such as plant debris, earth particles in unacceptable levels.Weed seeds are regularly observed as contaminants in imported vegetable seed lots(Table 6.1). While identification of some weeds was possible up to genus or specieslevel, plant quarantine could not identify considerable number of observed weeds. Thiscould be a problem because their pest risk could not be analyzed. In some cases, the levelof contamination was very high where nearly 10000-1000000 weed seeds wereintroduced with some crop seed consignments (Table 6.22). Some detected weeds areaccepted as noxious weeds and quarantine pests for several countries. Severalconsignments of grass seeds recently imported into Sri Lanka were found to becontaminated with weeds. Even though the plant quarantine did not allow the entry of theitems, the highest court in the country later decided in favour of the importer and orderedthe release of one of the consignments for planting. This highlighted the inadequacy ofplant quarantine regulations to cope with certain situations and, while delivering itsdecision not to release another consignment, the Court observed the need for revision ofthe law to protect the country from invasive alien weeds.

Table 6.1: Weed contamination in some seed lots imported intoSri Lanka (After Sajeewani et al., 2000).

No. of taxa identified up to-Crop

No. of weedtaxa observed Species level Genus level Unidentified

Beet 1 0 1 0

Cabbage 1 0 0 1

Carrot 13 2 2 9

Sesame 10 0 6 4

Tomato 4 1 2 1

Table 6.2: Level of contamination with weed seeds in certain crop seed importedinto Sri Lanka (After Sajeewani et al., 2000).

WeedCropseed

Quantityimported (kg)

Number of weed seedsfound in one kg of crop

seed

Amaranthus sp. Tomato 235 500

Cirsium arvense Carrot 5248 18

Daucus sp. (wild carrot) Carrot 5248 1134

Digitaria sp. Sesame 9300 30


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WeedCropseed

Quantityimported (kg)

Number of weed seedsfound in one kg of crop

seed

Oxybaphus nyctagineus Carrot 5248 18

Portulaca oleracea Tomato 235 500

Sporobolus sp. Tomato 18.5 20

Stylosanthes sp. Beet 7750 72

Stylosanthes sp. Sesame 9300 20

Apart from weeds, imported seeds could become a pathway for entry of other pestssuch as plant pathogens, insects and mites (Table 6.3). Since majority of vegetable seedswere not referred to the National Plant Quarantine Service for testing, no proper studieswere done on the possibility of seed-borne pests entering with them. Anyhow, certaininspections revealed only common pests except Fusarium verticillioides, which has theability of causing serious health problems among animals including humans (Gelderblomet al., 2001). Also, this fungus is not yet reported to occur in the country and hence thereis a need for systemic survey to be carried out.

Table 6.3: Plant pests detected from imported seeds (After de Silva andWeerasinghe, 2000 and Jeyanandarajah and Gamage, 2000)

Pest category Pest Seed material

Insects Alphitobius diaperinus Sesame

Cryptolestes sp. Sesame

Lasioderma serricorne Pimento

Sitophilus sp. Sesame

Tribolium castaneum Pimento

Nematodes Pratylenchus sp. Carpet grass

Fungi Alternaria tenuis Grass, maize, sesame

Colletotrichum dermatium Grass, maize, sesame

Fusarium pallidoroseum Grass, pasture legume

Fusarium verticillioides Grass

Myrothecium roridum Grass

Penicillium sp. Cabbage, cauliflower, grass,groundnut, soyabean

Aspergillus niger Groundnut, maize, sesame,sorghum


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Phytosanitary requirements during import of seeds into Sri Lanka

To promote agricultural development in the country, most vegetable seeds areallowed into Sri Lanka with minimal restriction. If the consignments of vegetable seedsare brought with phytosanitary certificates obtained from the National Plant ProtectionOrganization (NPPO), seed certificate obtained from the governmental or an accreditedseed testing agency, and certificate of origin from the Chamber of Commerce, suchconsignments will be released subject to inspection at the port of entry. Table 6.4 giveswhat is expected from each of these certifications.

Table 6.4: Certifications required as stipulated in Plant ImportPermits during seed import

CertificateAuthority responsible

for issuanceRequired declarations

Certificate oforigin

Chamber ofCommerce

• Country of origin

Phytosanitarycertificate

National PlantProtectionOrganization

• Botanical name• Place of origin• Details on any seed treatment• General statement on freedom

from regulated pests

Seed Certificate Seed CertificationService

• Lot number• Details on genetic and physical

purity• Contaminants• Moisture level

Plant quarantine service at the port of entry checks both phytosanitary certificate andseed testing certificate for indications on any weed contaminations. In most cases, onlythe seed testing certificate indicates the weeds found in the consignment. Duringinspection of the consignment, if the plant quarantine officers find weeds, samples will besubmitted for further analysis. Attempts are made to identify the contaminant and then adecision is taken on the enterability of the seed lot. Authorities consider the possible riskand the potential invasiveness of the weed for taking the appropriate decision.

Except bean seeds, there is no restriction imposed on the quantity of vegetable seedsimported. However, seeds of any new variety of a crop hitherto not tested in the countrywill be allowed, in the first instance, only in smaller quantities for experimentalevaluation of their advantages over the existing varieties. After evaluation of theperformance of the particular new variety under local conditions, if the officers of theDepartment of Agriculture approve the variety as suitable, thereafter, the variety will bepermitted for importation without restriction on the quantity. However, any Phytosanitarysafeguards imposed should be adhered to during importation.


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Other than contamination with weeds, the crop seed could also introduce seed-bornepests, which could be a pathway for entry of some pests not yet reported to occur in thecountry. If the plant is infected at early stages, the pathogens may also invade the seed. Inmost cases of storage pests, their association with seed could affect the seed quality. Thepests may be carried passively with the seed as contaminants or found inside the seed.Larger grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus) can damage a considerable percentage ofharvested maize grain (CABI, 2007). In certain cases, pest may be present in the seedcoat and/or in the endosperm. Pantoea stewartii, a pathogen causing wilt disease in maizewas found in the endosperm but not in the seed coat (CABI, 2007). Ditylenchus dipsaci, aplant parasitic nematode infecting several hosts becomes attached to the onion seedprimarily in the vicinity of the hilum, while it is found below the seed coat of commonbean (Vicia faba). If the pest is within the embryo as in the case of some pathogens, thepossibility of infecting the next generation is very high. Virus particles of lettuce mosaicvirus (LMV) are detected in cells of both the embryonic tissues (cotyledon, hypocotyland radicle) and the non-embryonic tissues (pericarp and endosperm) of lettuce. Infectionof lettuce seed by LMV may occur either through pollen or through ovule (CABI, 2007).

Countries can apply phytosanitary safeguards recommended by IPPC to mitigate therisk of introduction of pests associated with particular pathways. Thus, after consideringthe pest risk, the plant quarantine service in Sri Lanka has stipulated additionalphytosanitary requirements during the import of seeds of certain plants. For some pests,the seeds must be produced in pest free areas or pest free place of production (Table 6.5).The detection of these pests by inspecting the consignment at the port of entry issomewhat difficult and also, the risk is considered very high. Certification after anofficial survey on area freedom from the relevant quarantine pest (QP) is usually requiredfor import of such seeds into Sri Lanka. Mother plants should be examined regularlyduring active growth to ascertain the freedom from particular pests of concern.

Table 6.5: Requirement of pest free areas or pest free place of production

Plant Pest

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv.Flacumfaciens

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Lettuce mosaic virus

Maize (Zea mays) Pantoea stewartii

Pea (Pisum sativum) Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Prostephanus truncatus

Soybean (Glycine max) Prostephanus truncatus

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Peronospora hyoscyami f.sp. tabacina

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis,Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid


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Inspection of the consignment, taking samples, and testing for specific pests to ensurepest free status could also be applied against the international movement of regulatedpests. Sri Lanka has imposed these requirements for import of certain seeds (Table 6.6).If such regulated pests are not yet reported to occur in the area of production,endorsement to that effect could be given in the phytosanitary certificate. With referenceto certain pests such as viruses and bacteria, the sample size and the testing methodshould be mentioned in the phytosanitary certificate. After testing, if the regulated pest isfound in the consignment, the NPPO of the exporting country is expected to refuse theissue of the phytosanitary certificate thereby preventing the export of the particular seedlot.

Table 6.6: Requirement of pest free status in the seed consignment

Plant Pests

Asparagus (Asparagusofficinalis)

• Asparagus latent virus• Cercospora asparagi• Ditylenchus dipsaci• Erwinia caratovora• Helicotylenchus nanius• Puccinia asparagi• Tobacco streak virus• Trichodorus christiei

Maize (Zea mays) • Cephalosporium acremonium• Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. Nebraskensis• Claviceps giagntea• Corn stunt virus• Maize streak virus• Peronosclerospora philippinesis

Onion (Allium spp.) • Aceria tulipae• Ditylenchus destructor• Ditylenchus dipsaci• Mycosphaerella schoenprasi• Onion yellow dwarf virus• Peronospora destructor• Puccinia allii• Verticillium albo-atrum

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) • Aphelenchoides arachidis• Blissus leucopterus• Eurygaster integriceps• Liposcelis botrychophila


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Plant Pests• Liposcelis entomophila• Liposcelis paeta• Platynota sultana• Plodia interpunctella

Soybean (Glycine max) • Anomala cupripes• Anomala pallida• Cryptophlebia leucotreta• Fundella pellucans• Orgyia turbata• Prostephanus truncates

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) • Plasmopara halstedii• Puccinia helianthi• Prostephanus truncates• Opogona sacchari

Winged bean (Psophocarpustetragonolobus)

• Synchytrium psophocarpi

In certain instances, seed treatment is accepted as a Phytosanitary safeguard. Ingeneral, it would be better if the seeds imported for planting were treated with a broadspectrum pesticide. Thus, most of the pests found attached to the seed surface could beeliminated. If a mixture of fungicides and insecticides is used, compatibility of the twopesticides should be taken into account. Specific treatments are recommended duringimport of some seeds (Table 6.7).

Table 6.7: Seed treatment recommended as a phytosanitary safeguard

Commodity Treatment required

Tomato (Lycopersiconesculentum)

One of the following treatment:i. Hot water treatment at 550 C for 25 minutes followed

by soaking in 10% trisodium phosphate solution for60 minutes and drying

ii. Immersion in 0.6% HCI for 25 hours followed by airdrying and dressing with 0.3 % Benomyl orThiophenate Methyl + Thiram

iii. Soak in 0.6% HCl (pH of 0.8± 0.2) for 20 minutesstirring continuously, rinse and immerse in 10%Trisodium phosphate solution for one and half hours,rinse and place in 0.96% Calcium hypochloritesolution (5000-7000 ppm, pH 8.0-9.0) for 15minutes. Rinse extensively and dry followed byapplying Thiram/ApronXL (Metalaxyl-M)/Maxim4FS (Fludioxonil)/Captan


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Commodity Treatment requiredminutes. Rinse extensively and dry followed byapplying Thiram/ApronXL (Metalaxyl-M)/Maxim4FS (Fludioxonil)/Captan

Seeds of plants belongingto family Cucurbitaceae

One of the following treatments:i. Hot water treatment at 550 C for 25 minutes followed

by soaking in 10% trisodium phosphate solution for60 minutes and drying

ii. Immersion in 0.6% HCI for 25 hours followed by airdrying and dressing with 0.3 % benomyl orThiophenate Methyl + Thiram.

Soybean (Glycine max) soaking for 1-5 minutes in a solution of sodiumhypochlorite (with 1-2% of available chlorine) and driedfollowed by treatment with any recommended insecticideand fungicide seed dressing

Tobacco (Nicotianatabacum)

One of the following:i. Immerse in 0.1 M. Silver nitrate solution for 15

minutes then wash and dryii. Hot water treatment at 50oC for 30 minutes, dry and

dust with 4% Captan

Oil palm (Elaeisguineensis)

Dipping the depulped seeds in 0.1% Oxamyl and 0.2%Thiram plus 1% detergent (teepol) for 02 minutes

Import of economically important crops such as rice, oil palm, sugarcane and cowpeaare subject to post-entry quarantine screening for a period determined by the plantquarantine authorities. Import of rice and sugarcane will be allowed only to the RiceResearch and Development Institute and the Sugarcane Research Institute respectively.Mandatory post-entry quarantine screening for latent pests will be applied and only thesecond generation seed will be allowed for planting in the open field.

Matters of concern

Failure in the part of importers to declare the country of origin of the imported seedsusually creates a situation where proper risk assessment cannot be done. Inaccuratedeclarations, insufficient certifications and other documentation, non-fulfillment ofspecific entry conditions and visible pest infestations raise problems for releasing theimported seeds. Selection of pests that need quarantine attention must be done accordingto the international standards on risk analysis adopted by the International PlantProtection Convention. Here, biological or other scientific and economic evidence isevaluated to determine whether a pest should be regulated and the strength of anyphytosanitary measure to be taken against it. It is envisaged that Sri Lanka shouldstrengthen its capabilities in pest risk analysis (PRA) because the country so far has doneonly few PRAs.


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Sri Lanka imports a large quantity of vegetable seeds, seed potato and maize hybridseed annually spending a substantial amount of foreign exchange. If the imported cropseeds bring along unacceptable pests into the country, such imports have importanteconomic and environmental concerns. Increased vigilance at the entry ports in thedetection of pests is a critical first line defense for the prevention on undesirable pestsentering the country. The economic and environmental benefits of implementing such astrategy in Sri Lanka are enormous.

6.1.4. Protection of New Plant Varieties (Plant Breeder’s rights) (PVP)(DRAFT)

Although a Plant Variety Protection Plant Breeders Rights Act is presently beingdrafted, progress has been slow due to various considerations. Some of thespecialfeatures in the Draft Act is given below.

Entitlement of Protection

Right to apply for protection

1. The breeder of the variety or his successor in title including the assignee isentitled to apply for protection under this Act.

2. Where two or more persons have bred, evolved or developed a variety jointly,entitlement to protection shall vest in them jointly, and subject to any agreementto the contrary between the joint breeders, their shares in the property of thebreeder’s right shall be equal.

3. Where a variety has been bred, evolved or developed by several personsindependently of each other, the entitlement to apply for the grant of thebreeder’s right belongs to the person who has first applied for protection or filedan application with an earlier priority date at the Office.

4. Where a variety has been bred , evolved or developed, in the execution of acommission or an employment contract, the entitlement to apply for theprotection shall belong in the absence of contractual provisions to the contrary, tothe person who commissioned the work or to the employer.

5. Any farmer or group of farmers claiming to be the breeder or breeders

Presumption of Ownership

The applicant shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary , be presumed to beentitled to protection, but where the application is made by a successor in title, it shall beaccompanied by sufficient proof of succession.

Persons entitled to make application

1. An application for the grant of a plant breeder’s right may be filed a person whois entitled to make an application under section 9 who is a –

a. national or resident of Sri Lanka;

b. national or resident of a convention country;

c. national or resident of any State which, is not a convention country but grantsreciprocity of treatment to Sri Lanka.


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2. Any person having neither residence nor registered office in Sri Lanka may assertrights deriving from a protected variety only if he has an agent resident or withan office in Sri Lanka.

3. The Agent shall be given the power in writing to act on his principal’s behalfbefore the office and any other authority and in legal proceedings relating to theprotection of new varieties of plant.

4. The Agent means an agent referred to in Chapter XXXVI of the IntellectualProperty Act No. 36 of 2003.

Scope and Duration of the Breeders Right

Scope of the breeder’s right.

1a. Subject to the provisions of the Act the holder shall have the exclusive rights inrespect of the variety –

♦ To produce or reproduce (multiplication);♦ To condition for the purpose of propagation;♦ To offer for sale;♦ To sell or market.♦ To export;♦ To import; and♦ To stock for any of the purposes referred to in paragraphs (i) to (vi).

1b. The holder may authorize any person to carry out all or any of the acts referred toin paragraph (1)(a), subject to conditions and limitations deemed necessary. Suchauthorization shall be in writing and signed by the parties.

2. Subject to sections 16 and 17 of the Act, the acts referred to in paragraphs (i) to(vii) of subsection (1) (a) in respect of harvested material, including entire plantsand parts of plants, obtained through the unauthorized use of the propagatingmaterial of the protected variety shall require the authorization of the holder,unless the holder has had reasonable opportunity to exercise his right in relationto the unauthorized use of the propagating material.

3a. The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall also apply inrelation to varieties

♦ which are essentially derived from the protected variety,♦ where the protected variety is not itself an essentially♦ derived variety;♦ which are not clearly distinguishable in accordance with♦ section 4 from the protected variety; and♦ whose production requires the repeated use of the♦ protected variety.


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b. For the purposes of subparagraph (a) (i) of this subsection, a variety shall bedeemed to be essentially derived from another variety (“the initial variety”),when

♦ it is predominantly derived from the initial variety, or from a variety that isitself predominantly derived from the initial variety, while retaining theexpression of the essential characteristics that result from the genotypes ofthe initial variety;

♦ it is clearly distinguishable from the initial variety ; and♦ except for the differences which result from the act of derivation, it conforms

to the initial variety in the expression of the essential characteristics thatresult from the genotype or combination of genotypes of the initial variety.

♦ Essentially derived varieties may be obtained for example by the selection ofa natural or induced mutant, or of a somaclonal variant, the selection of avariant individual from plants of the initial variety backcrossing, ortransformation by genetic engineering.

Maintenance of propagating material.

1. The holder of a breeder’s right shall, throughout the period for which the right isexercisable, be under an obligation to provide the Director General withpropagating material capable of producing plants which correspond to thecharacteristics defined for the variety when the right was granted.

2. The holder of a breeder’s right shall also provide the Director General with allsuch information and assistance as the Director General may request for thepurpose of ensuring that the holder of the breeder’s right is fulfilling hisobligations under subsection (1), including facilities for the inspection by or onbehalf of the Director of the measures taken for the maintenance of the variety.

Period of protection.

1. The breeder’s right in respect of vines and trees shall expire twenty five yearsafter the grant thereof.

2. The breeder’s right in respect of all other plants shall expire twenty years afterthe grant thereof.

Register of Breeder’s Right

45. (1). The Director General shall keep and maintain a register, to be known as theRegister of Plant Breeder’s Rights in which the following shall be entered:

♦ any grant of a plant breeder’s right;♦ the number of the grant;♦ the name and address of the grantee and if the grantee is♦ resident outside Sri Lanka the address for service;♦ date of application and grant;


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♦ any change in the holder of that right;♦ any annulment or forfeiture of the right;♦ any submission, registration, change or cancellation of♦ the variety denomination;♦ any license granted involving the right, with an indication of the conditions

of such licence;♦ Any assignment and transfer of the right♦ any other matter as may be prescribed;

45 (2). Any person is entitled to examine the Register and to obtain copies of orextracts from the information contained therein subject to the payment of theprescribed fee.

Farmers Right

46.(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act,-

♦ a farmer who has bred or developed a new variety shall be entitled to theregistration and other protection in like manner as a breeder of a varietyunder this Act ;

♦ a farmer shall be deemed to be entitled to save, use, sow, re-sow,exchange, share or sell his farm produce including seed of a varietyprotected under this Act in the same manner as he was entitled before thecoming into force of this Act:

Provided that the farmer shall not be entitled to sell branded seed of a varietyprotected under this Act.

Explanation. – For the purposes of clause (iv) “branded seed” means any seed putin a package or any other container and labeled in a manner indicating that such seedof a variety protected under this Act.

46 (2). Where any propagating material of a variety registered under this Act hasbeen sold to a farmer or a group of farmers, the breeder of such variety shalldisclose to the farmer or the group of farmers or , as the case may be, theexpected performance under given conditions, and if such propagatingmaterial fails to provide such performance under such given conditions, thefarmer or the group of farmers , as the case may be, may claim compensationin the prescribed manner in the court and the court, after hearing the parties,may direct the breeder of the variety to pay such compensation as it deemsfit, to the farmer or the group of farmers , as the case may be.

47. (1). A breeder or other person making application for registration of any varietyunder section 20 shall disclose in the application the information regardingthe use of genetic material conserved by any farmer or group of farmers inthe breeding or development of such variety.


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47. (2). If the breeder or such other person fails to disclose any information undersub-section (1), the Director General may, after being satisfied that thebreeder or such person has willfully and knowingly concealed suchinformation, reject the application for registration.

6.2 Regulation for IPR and use of GMS

Liberalization of the economy in 1977 and adoption of open economic policiesbrought forward significant changes in both international and local trade. The newIntellectual Property Law No. 52 was enacted in 1979. The present statute governingintellectual property known as the Intellectual Property Act No 36 of 2003 has followedthe WIPO Model Law.

Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce Establishedunder the Code of Intellectual Property Act No. 52 of 1979 is the local authority onIntellectual Property issues.

There are several laws with a bearing on biosafety. Fauna and Flora ProtectionOrdinance, Animal Diseases Act, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, Plant ProtectionAct, Water Hyacinth Ordinance, and the Food Act are some of those.

After Sri Lanka became signatory to the Trade Related Aspects of IntellectualProperty Rights Agreement (TRIPs) in 1994, a legislation was required to be formulated.Article 27.3 (b) of this agreement requires the member countries to provide for protectionof plant varieties either by a patent or by an effective own system or by any combinationthereof. Thus, the member countries had the choice to frame legislations that suit theirown system and Sri Lanka is about to exercise this option. The existing Patent Act(2003) excludes plants patentability. The sui generis system for protection of plantvarieties protection system expects to incorporate rights of breeders and farmers.

Plant Variety Protection

There is no Plant Variety Protection legislation in Sri Lanka. It is also not a memberof UPOV-78 or UPOV-91 though it has been in contact with the office of the union witha view to developing legislation in line with the UPOV Convention. Although a PlantBreeders Rights Act is presently being drafted, progress has been slow due to variousconsiderations.

Protecting farmer varieties / land races and indigenous knowledge

Regulations to protect farmer varieties/land races and traditional knowledge are yet tobe developed. However, very little plant breeding work is undertaken by the privatesector and most of the activities are centered on National Agricultural Research Institutes.Varieties developed by them for which patent protection is not sought may result fromland races or farmer varieties. Although guidelines were developed for giving the privatesector nonexclusive production and sales rights of varieties developed by the Departmentof Agriculture the scheme did not materialize.


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Membership in international forums

Sri Lanka has been a party to the Paris Convention (1952), Madrid agreement for therepression of false or deceptive indication of source on goods (1952), Nairobi Treaty(1984), Patent Cooperation Treaty (1982), Berne Convention (1959) Universal CopyrightConvention (1983) and Convention Establishing the WIPO (1978). Sri Lanka is amember of the WTO and a signatory to TRIPS.

Patent legislation

Patent protection of new inventions in Sri Lanka is provided through the IntellectualProperty Act No. 36 of 2003. Patents are provided for both products and processesprovided they are new, involving inventive steps and industrially applicable. Discoveries,scientific theories and mathematical methods are not patentable however. Plants, animalsand micro organisms other than transgenic micro organisms and essentially biologicalprocesses for the production of plants and animals other than non-biological andmicrobiological processes are excluded from patent protection. Those inventions whosecommercial application is against public order and morality are also not patented.

Capacity of R&D institutes to handle IP issuesAt present the National R&D institutes are poorly equipped to handle IP issues. It is

reported that some local genetic resources have already become the target of bioprospecting. Therefore capacity building, training and awareness are urgent needs.

Framework for handling GMO

Biotechnology is not widely practiced in Sri Lankan agriculture, with tissue culturebeing the major feature of biotechnology in local agriculture. Advancing biotechnologyin agriculture is being promoted at various levels. However, there is little appliedimplementation of programs in the field. Support for biotechnology in terms of research,development and human resources is lacking in public and private institutions. Thecountry has yet to progress to commercial trials of crops beyond laboratory tests andprivate sector involvement in biotechnology is limited

The Ministry of Environment and Natural resources, being the national Focal Pointand the National Executing Agency (NEA) for biosafety has embarked on developing theNational Biosafety Framework for Sri Lanka (NBFSL) with the assistance of UnitedNations Environment Program-Global Environment Facility (UNEP-GEF). A NationalBiosafety Framework is a system of legal, technical and admistrative mechanisms set inplace to address safely in the field of modern biotechnology. Although a biotechnologyregulatory system was compiled as part of the NBFSL, there has been no implementationof the NBFSL so far. The NBFSL was developed in conformity to the country’scommitments as a signatory to the Cartagena Protocol. The ministry of Environment andNatural Resources implements the protocol. Currently there are no laws to dealspecifically with GMOs. However, some provisions in existing laws could be applied tocontrol, check and even ban the introduction of certain GMOs to the country. As aConvention on Biological Diversity (CBD) signatory, Sri Lanka is obliged to developnational regulatory framework for the safe transfer, handling, use and release of anygenetically Modified Organism (GMO/LMO) resulting from the use of modernbiotechnology that may have adverse effect on the conservation and sustainable use ofbiological diversity.


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Importation of Genetically Modified Material

Draft regulation of Seed Act No. 22 of 2003 gave following procedure forimportation of genetically modified materials including Genetically Modified Seed(GMS).

(a) The Director General after consultation with any expert on the subject may grantpermission on a case by case basis to import into Sri Lanka the geneticallymodified organisms and or living modified organisms.

(b) It shall be the duty of the importer who intends to import genetically modifiedorganisms or living modified organisms to submit the application with proof inwriting that he has already obtained the biosafety clearance from the relevantgovernment authorities.

(c) The Director General shall grant permission to import any genetically modifiedorganisms or living modified organisms only if he is satisfied that the importerhas suitable facilities to test and provide related information for the containmentof the organism imported.

(d) (i) Before the issuance of any permit to import into Sri Lanka the Geneticallymodified organisms or living organisms, the Director General of Agricultureshall assign a team of authorized officers to inspect and report on the suitabilityof the facilities available for the containment of the organism to be imported.(ii) It shall be the duty of the person who intends to import the geneticallymodified organisms or living modified organisms to show evidence to theDirector General of the availability of required facilities

Very little work is underway at present in the country to develop GMO. Therefore,the immediate need is for a system to handle material brought from outside. Lack oftrained personnel for monitoring and laboratory facilities for testing GMO arebottlenecks. Therefore, implementation of regulatory system, development of humanresources, and infrastructure concerning the benefit and risk of GMOs and developmentof institutional capacity for risk assessment and management, GMO detection etc. areneeded.

6. 3. Exchange of genetic material and seeds:

The plant genetic Resources Centre (PGRC) is the nodal organization for promotingand facilitating the conservation and sustainable utilization of plant genetic resources(PGR) to improve agricultural productivity, thereby contributing to agriculturaldevelopment and food security. PGRC was established in 1987 with a mandate to planand conduct plant exploration, collection, introduction, evaluation, documentation andconservation of genetic diversity of food crops and their wild relatives. Sixteen coldstorage modules (4 units at 1 0C and 12 units at 5 0C) are available for the conservation oforthodox seed species. Vegetatively propagated materials and recalcitrant species arebeing conserved in green houses, the tissue culture repository or in the field. PGRCconduct research on various aspects of PGR conservation. Studies on application ofbiotechnology (tissue culture and molecular techniques) are also being carried out withthe aim of evaluating and improving selected crop species.


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In the national genetic resources conservation programmes, the two basicconservation approaches, in-situ and ex-situ are being used as complementaryconservation strategy. The composition of the gene pool and associated biological factorsare used to determine the appropriate method or a combination of methods suitable forthe particular genepool.

Institutional support for PGR conservation

In Sri Lanka, the national plant genetic resources conservation activities are largelyformulated and implemented through the government agencies functioning under theMinistry of Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services. Many other governmentagencies contribute to PGR activities either with regard to their specific mandate crops orin an advisory capacity (Table 6.8).

Table 6.8. Government sector institutions concerned with PGR activities

Ministry Department Organization PGR category/activity

AgricultureDevelopment andAgrarian Services

AgriculturePGRC, PGR of crop plants

Field genebankof HORDI

Fruit crops

ExportAgriculture

Plant quarantine

NPQS Spices, beverage crops

LivestockDevelopment

LivestockDepartment

VeterinaryResearch Institute

Forage pasture and legumes

PlantationIndustries

TRI Tea

CRI Coconut

RRI Rubber

SRI Sugarcane

Health andindigenousMedicine

Ayurveda BMARI Medicinal plants

Environmental andNatural resources

Wild life Wildlife including forest

conservation Forest Genetic Resources,

Forest Biodiversity policies,

Conservation Environment Conservation


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Ex-situ conservation

Sri Lanka has a strong national programme on ex-situ conservation of geneticresources especially with regards to plants of agricultural/horticultural importance. Mostcommon method used at present for ex-situ conservation and corresponding plant geneticresources categories to which these methods are applied are given in table 6.9

Table 6.9. Ex-situ conservation méthodes

Method Plant Genetic resource category Organization

Seed genebank All crop plants and their wild relativeswhich produces orthodox seeds

PGRC (DOASL)

In vitro genebank Vegetatively propagated crops PGRC(DOASL)

Field genebank Vegetatively propagated crops, treecrops, plants that produces recalcitrantseeds, medicinal plants and spice trees

PGRC, HORDI,BMARI, TRI, CRI,RRI, SRI, DEA

Botanical Gardens Tree species, ornamentals, medicinalplants

Botanic gardens

Arboretum Forest trees Forest department

HORDI – Horticultural crop research and development institute

BMARI – Bandaranayake memorial aurvedic research institute

TRI – Tea research institute

RRI – Rubber research institute

CRI – Coconut research institute

SRI – Sugarcane research institute

DEA –Department of export agriculture

With regards to the national agricultural policy, the Department of Agriculture isresponsible to develop, produce and distribute certified seeds of improved varieties andplanting materials with the participation of the public and private sector to meet thenational requirement (Except for plantation crops such as tea, rubber, coconut and exportagricultural crops). Plant Genetic resources are the basic raw materials for any cropimprovement programme. Hence utmost care is given to conserve these PGR to beutilized in such programmes. Table 6.10 indicates the present conservation status ofgermplasm at PGRC.

Seed conservation

By August 2008, a total of 12333 accessions of over 125 plant species wereconserved in the PGRC genebank.


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Table 6.10. Genebank holdings as at 13.08. 2008

Crop/crop group No. of accessions

Rice and related species 4467

Other cereals and related species 1534

Grain legumes and related species 1904

Vegetable legumes 1175

Solanaceous vegetables, condiments & related species 1150

Cucurbits vegetables 744

Brassicaceae vegetables 31

Allium 17

Other vegetables 370

Leafy vegetables 151

Root and tubers 9

Mustard and related species 124

Oil crops 401

Fiber crops 66

Medicinal plants 27

Fruits 163

Total 12333

Characterization of germplasm

More than 60 % of the conserved germplasm accessions belonging to 21 crop specieswere characterized in detail.

Collection of fruit tree germplasm

PGRC initiated a project ”Underutilized Fruits in Asia Network” (UTFANET) tocollect fruit germplasm of mangosteen, jackfruit and pomelo. A wide range of fruitgermplasm was collected such as durian, mango, pomelo, wood apple, annona and guava.Budwoods were collected and conserved in the field and in greenhouses. About onehundred samples of banana including two wild species (Musa acuminata and Musabalbisiana) have been collected and established in the PGRC field genebank. PGRC iscollaborating with National Agricultural Research Institutions for collecting,conservation, and documentation of fruit genetic resources. The details of the germplasmcollected are given in table 6.11.


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Joint exploretaions

Joint explorations were sponsored by Japanese International Cooperation Agency(JICA) to collect and share germplasm of millet, citrus, legumes and their wild speciesand wild rice. Joint exploration and exchange of field crop, fruit crop and coconutgermplasm was also accomplished between Sri Lanka and India through the Council forAgricultural Research Policy (CARP) and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research(ICAR).

Table 6.11 Collection of fruit germplasm

Crop Scientific name No. of samples

Mango Mangifera indica 51

Rambutan Nephelium lappaceum 07

Durian Durio zebethinus 84

Pineapple Ananas comosus 12

Avocado Persea americana 11

Banana Musa cultivars 227

Wild banana Musa balbisiana 19

Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus 18

Guava Psidium guajava 12

Pomegranate Punica granatum 05

Bael Aegle marmelos 05

Wood apple Limonia acidissima 06

Water melon Citrullus lanatus 06

Soursop Annona spp. 60

Star fruit Averrhoa carambola 16

Citrus Citrus spp. 52

Pomelo Citrus maxima 26

Sweet orange Citrus sinensis 27

Mandarin Citrus reticulate 18

Mangosteen Garcinia mangostana 04

Total 670

Importance and utilization of biodiversity

Of all the crops in the country, rice exhibited rich diversity from lowland adaptedcultivars to upland adapted cultivars and for various types of grain qualities while somehave medicinal value. Work done at IRRI identified Sri Lanka as one of the important


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geographic origins for useful traits. The most outstanding are the cultivars with broadbased resistance to brown plant hopper, green leafhopper, white backed plant hopper, ricethrips and tolerance to salinity, iron toxicity and other adverse soil conditions.

Sri Lanka is nearly self sufficient in rice. During the past 50 years, the productivity ofrice was increased six fold by replacing traditional/indigenous rice cultivars with a fewhigh yielding improved rice varieties. In the 1940s, over 600 different rice cultivars weresupposed to have been cultivated in the country. At present, less than 10 high yieldingrice varieties occupy over 95% of the cultivated area. The same is true for the other cropspecies as well.

Contribution of rice germplasm for Food and Agriculture

It is heartening to note that some relatively smaller National Agricultural ResearchSystems, such as Sri Lanka, have been very successful in contributing to the release ofvarieties. Sri Lanka provided 25 rice varieties, which were released in other Asian,African, and Latin American countries. One of the Sri Lankan varieties, BG 90-2, hasbeen recommended and released in twelve countries which include, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire,Gambia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, PR China, Sierra Leone,Tanzania and Zambia (Table 6.12). Furthermore, large number of traditional (“RathuHeenaty”, “Babawee” etc.) as well as breeding lines (BG 34-8, BG 90-2, etc.) has beenused as parents in developing rice varieties in other countries. In addition to this, severalrice varieties have been developed using the local and introduced germplasm and releasedfor regional and islandwide cultivation by the Department of Agriculture. Some of thevarieties derived utilizing the PGR as indicated in the tables 6.13, 6.14, 6.15 and 6.16depict the contribution of PGR for food and agriculture.

Table 6.12 INGER entries emanating from Sri Lanka asvarieties in different countries.

Country Designation/pedigree Name given Year of release

Benin BG 90-2 - 1982

Bhutan BW 293-3 BW 293 1990

Brazil BG 374-1 MG 2 1986

Cote de Ivoric BG 90-2 - 1980

Gambia BG 90-2 - -

Ghana BG 90-2 GR 14 1979

Guinea Bissau BG 380-2 - -

Guinea Bissau BG 400-1 BG 400-1 SLR 1989

India BG 367-4 ADT 37 1987

India BG 367-7 - -

India BG 90-2 Piant Dhan 4 1983



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Country Designation/pedigree Name given Year of release

India BG 352 Piant Dhan 16 -

Kenya BG 90-2 - 1982

Kenya BW 196 - -

Myanmar BG 1203 BG 1203 -

Myanmar BG 90-2 Sin Thi Ri 1978

Nepal BG 90-2 Janaki 1978

Nigeria BG 90-2 Faro 29 1982

PR China BG 90-2 Yang Dao1 1983

Senagal BW 293-2 Sahel 201 1994

Sierra Leone BG 400-1 Rok 31 -

Sierra Leone BG 90-2 Rok 28 -

Tanzania BG 400-1 1986

Tanzania BG 90-2 1984

Tanzania Pinlot 330 1984

Zambia BG 400-1 1991

INGER – International Network for genetic Evaluation of Rice

Table 6.13. 3 month age group recommended rice varieties by theDepartment of agriculture

Variety Yieldpotential(Mt/Ha)

Special attributes Status of seedproduction

BG 300 7.0 Resistant (R) to BLB and blast. MR for BPH,Responsive even under low fertility levels

F, R

BW 272-6B

4.0 Moderately resistant for lodging, iron toxicityand blast

F, R

BW 302 5.0 Resistant to blast. MR to soil salinity andacidity

F, R

AT 303 5.0 Resistant to blast. F, R

BG 304 7.4 Resistant to gall midge, BPH, GLH, BLB F, R

BG 305 8.0 F, R

AT 306 5.5 F, R

BLB – Bacterial leaf blight F – Foundation seed R –Registered seedMR – moderately resistant BPH– Brown plant hopper BLB–Bacterial leaf blightGLH – Green leaf hopper.


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Table 6.14. 3 _ month age group rice varieties recommended by theDepartment of Agriculture (DOASL).


Special attributes Status of seedproduction

BG 94-1 8.5 Highly fertilizer responsive F, R

BW 267-3 3.5-4.0

MR for blast and HR for irontoxicity

B

BG 350 8.5 Highly fertilizer responsive,Resistant to gall midge biotype 1

BW 351 7.5 Resistant to blast, MR for sheathblight and iron toxicity

F, MR

BG 352 6.0 R to Blast and BPH

AT 353 6.5 MR for blast and BLB. Tolerant tosalinity and acidity.

F, R

AT 354 5.0 Resistant to lodging and salinity F, R

LD 356 4.5 Resistant to brown spot, MR forsheath blight. MR for iron toxicityand resistant to paddy bug.

F, R

BG 357 9.5 Resistant to BPH and Biotype 1 and11 of gall midge. MR for thrips.MR for blast MR for iron toxicity.

F,R

BG 358 9.5 Resistant to BPH and Biotype 1 and11 of gall midge. MR for thrips.MR for blast MR for iron toxicity.

F, R

BG 359 7.0 Resistant to biotype 1 and 11 of gallmidge and blast. MR for irontoxicity.

F, R

BG 360 6.5 Resistant to biotype 1 and 11 of gallmidge

F, R

BW 361 5.0 MR for Gall midge, BPH, blast andiron toxicity

F, R

AT 362 7.0 MR for BPH, BLB and blast. F, R

BW 363 10.0 Resistant to iron toxicity. MR forgall midge, BPH and blast. MR forbacterial leaf blight.

F, R


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Table 6.15. 4 month age group rice varieties recommended by the Department of Agriculture


Special attributes Status ofseed

production

BW 400 4.0 MR for salinity, R to blast -

AT 401 5.0 Resistant to salinity and lodging -

AT 402 7.5 Highly fertilizer responsive. MR forBPH and blast.

F, R

BG 403 8.0 Resistant to blast and BLB. MR forBPH.

F, R

AT 405 5.6 MR for BPH. Somewhat similar to“Basmathi” type rice.

BG 407 H 6 .2 –10.0

First hybrid variety

Contribution of vegetables and other field crops for food and agriculture.

Table 6.16, 6.17 and 6.18 give the details of germplasm distributed to variousinstitutions and individuals for plant breeding, other research activities and forcultivation.

Table 6.16. Germplasm distribution during year 2005

Crop No. ofAccessions

Recipient organization

Rice 205 RARDC, Bombuwela, RRDI, PGRC and anindividuals

Tomato 40 FCRDI, PGRC

Okra 19 FCRDI and private

Bitter gourd 14 HORDI,

Maize 221 HORDI, RARDC, Aralaganwila

Wild vigna 08 Open university, Nawala

Mustard 27 IFS, Hantana

Beans 13 RARDC, Bombuwela

Wild rice 04 RRDI

Capsicum 07 HORDI


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Crop No. ofAccessions

Recipient organization

Sesame 03 GLORDC

Groundnut 09 GLORDC

Bottle gourd 04 School of Agriculture, Kundasale

Brinjal 08 HORDI

RARDC – Regional Agricultural Research and Development centerFCRDI – Field Crop Research and Development InstituteHORDI – Horticultural Crop Research and Development InstituteRRDI – Rice Research and Development InstituteGLORDI – Grain Legume and Oil crop Research and development InstituteIFS – Institute of Fundamental studies

Table 6.17. Germplasm distribution during year 2006 (up to April)

Crop No. of Accession Recipient organization

Capsicum 11 HORDI, Gannoruwa

Luffa 01 HORDI, Gannoruwa

Amaranths 01 HORDI, Gannoruwa

Bitter gourd 14 HORDI, Gannoruwa

Rice 47 PGRC, Gannoruwa

Rice 20 RARDC, Aralaganwila

Rice 04 RARDC, Bombuwela

Tomato 22 PGRC, Gannoruwa

Tomato 02 PGIA, Peradeniya

Maize 02 FCRDI, Mahailluppallama

Soybean 07 FCRDI, Mahailluppallama

Brinjal 09 RARDC, Bandarawela

Cotton 01 Rajarata University, Mihintale

Winged bean 02 University of peradeniya

PGIA - Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture

PGRC - Plant Genetic Resources Centre


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Table 6.18. Germplasm distribution during year 2008

Crop No. of Accession Recipient organization(s)

Rice 294 RRDI, Makandura, Farmers

Maize 53 FCRDI, SCS, UP, Farmers

Sesame 06 AVC

Ground nut 03 AVC

Sorghum 10 AVC

Foxtail Millets 01 AVC

Chick pea 01 AVC

Pumpkin 01 RARDC, Makandura

Cowpea 28 FCRDI

Tomato 03 HORDI, PGRC

Amaranths 24 VRI

Capsicum 01 Farmer

Cucumber 01 Farmer

Marrow(Kekiri) 01 Farmer

Soybean 20 FCRDI, Farmer

Winged bean 01 FCRDI

AVC – Audio Visual Centre

UP –University of Peradeniya

VRI – Veterinary Research Institute

Germ plasm are exchanged between research organization and national andinternational research institutes

International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, Mexico (CIMMYT)

Maize and wheat seed supply for research purposes from above institute has been aregular incidence ever since its inception in 1960s. Valuable germplasm as genepools,populations, selections from populations, open pollinated varieties, inbred lines etc. havebeen tested in country research programs. Out of 5 varieties and hybrids so far developed,4 have a CIMMYT origin.

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

The above institute has helped supplying a numerous amount of germplasm for localvariety development of rice and most of the current varieties have been developed usingthese gemplasm. Similarly, some maize germplasm have been sent to test in local maizebreeding program by the institute.


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International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)

Germplasm exchange has been a common practice between the Government of SriLanka and ICRISAT for last several decades. Valuable Pigeonpea, groundnut, sorghumand finger millet germplasm tested in Sri Lanka from ICRISAT to develop promisingcultivars locally.

Prior to 2002, in addition to the aforesaid germplasm, to facilitate the breeding andevaluation activities of various breeders of the DOASL, PGRC took the initiative tointroduced 24 rice, 58 soybean, 17 groundnut, 18 tomato, 12 okra, 12 maize, 3 sorghum,and 6 potato accessions from international institute such as IRRI, IITA, AVRDC,CIMMYT, NBPGR, and ICRISAT. With respect to fruit crops, 5 mango and 10 guavaaccessions have been introduced from India. Utilizing the germplasm obtained fromPGRC as well as the introductions from various other sources, several vegetables andfield crop varieties have been developed and released for general and regionalcultivations. Some of such varieties are given in table 6.19.

Table 6.19. Vegetable varieties recommended andreleased during recent past by the DOASL

Variety Crop Special attributes Potential yieldMt/Ha

Krishna Winged bean Photo period insensitive 25.0

Amanda Brinjal MR for bacterial wilt 40. 0 –50.0

Anjali Brinjal MR for bacterial wilt 40.0 – 50.0

Sanjaya Beans Resistant to collar rot 7.6 – 18.0

Lanka sour Tomato Resistant to bacterial wilt 29.5

Suranimala Manioc HCN content 38.34 ppm 35.0 - 50.0

Shani Manioc HCN 20 –52 ppm 35.0 – 40.0

Dhawala Sweet potato - 24.00

Ama Sweet potato - 26.9

Hirosa Jack - -

Mandoor Jack - -

Weerapana Garcinia Bush type plant withhermaphrodite flowers

-

During the period 2002-2007, PGRC facilitated to introduce 249 germplasmaccessions to fulfill the requests made by various scientists in the DOASL. Someinformation pertaining to those introductions are given in table 6.20


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Table 6.20. Germplasm introduced to the country during 2002-2007 periodsand the donor institutions and respective crops

Year ofintroduction

Crop Number ofaccessions

Donorcountry/institute

2002 Wild strawberry 07 Australia

Wild tomato (4 species) 13 AVRDC, Taiwan

Cauliflower 5 India

Mango 1 India

Guava 10 India

2003 Wild vigna 18 NAIR, Japan

Maize 04 India

Sorghum 03 India

Groundnut 15 ICRISA, India

Sweet potato 06 Peru

2004 Ridge guard 03 AVRDC, Taiwan

Soy bean 16

Chilli (cms Lines) 20 AVRDC, Taiwan

Potato 03

2006 Green gram 20 Pakistan

Rice 05 Pakistan

Okra 05 AVRDC, Taiwan

2007 Tomato 15 AVRDC, Taiwan

Wheat 50 CIMMYT, Mexico

Sweet pepper 06 AVRDC, Taiwan

Among the germplasm recipients from foreign countries, NBPGR, INDIA is theforerunner. During 2004 alone, it has obtained 16 rice, 9 sorghum, 2 sesame, 3 wildmango, 3 tomato, 7 maize, 3 okra, 3 soybean, 1 black gram, 1 green gram, 3 chilli, 1avocado, 1 annona, and 1 soursop accessions from PGRC. Among other germplsmrecipients, AVRDC, Taiwan and NIAR, Japan is prominent. Whatever the germplasmmaterials sending out of the country has to carry a phyto-sanitory certificate. Further therecipient should sign material transfer agreement (annexure 6.1) with a donor.

Recommendation for future improvement of the conservation facility

It will be very useful, if cryo-preservation facility is provided to PGRC forconservation of vegetatively propagated germplasm along with the training of researcherson the subject area.


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Long term conservation facilities (-18 0C) are not available in PGRC genebank.Hence either conversion of some of the existing cold storage modules to -18 0C facilitiesor inclusion of such new facilities are also very useful for long term conservation of PGR.

Annexure 6.1. Material Transfer Agreement in Plant genetic resourcesExchange.

Plant genetic resources centre

Department of agriculture

Sri lanka

Material Transfer Agreement in Plant Genetic Resources Exchange

I/We (name of person and institute) ...............................................................................…………………..........................................................................………………………..of(address)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...........................................................……….requested

And received germplasm MATERIAL of following crop(s) and their correspondingaccessions specified below from/through the Plant Genetic Resources Centre (PGRC)Gannoruwa, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Species name Material name PGRC Acc. No.

♦ The recipient has no rights to obtain intellectual Property Rights (IRRs) on thematerials related information.

♦ The recipient may utilize and conserve the materials for research, breeding andtraining and may distribute it to other parties provided such other parties accept theterms and conditions of this agreement.

♦ In the event that the recipient desires to distribute, release, commercialize or applyfor plant breeders’ right over the materials in the form received, the recipient mustrequest PGRC’s consent to do so.

♦ Material that the recipient derives from the material by one or more crosses of thematerial with other germplasm (including material obtained from PGRC), or thatresults from other genetic modification of the material by the recipient, may bedistributed, transferred, released and commercialized by the recipient withoutobtaining PGRCs consent.

♦ All applications resulting from the use of materials or accompanying informationshould acknowledge PGRC as the source.

♦ PGRC makes no warranties as to all safety or title of the material, or as to allaccuracy or correctness of any passport or other data provided with the material.Neither does it make any warranties as to the quality, viability or purity (genetic ormechanical) of the material being furnished.

♦ The recipients are requested to furnish PGRC with related data informationcollected during evaluation and utilization.


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AGREED

RECIPIENT PROVIDER

Authorized Officer Authorized Officer

Name ………………………………….

................................................................

................................................................

Name ………………………………….

................................................................

................................................................

Designation…………………………… Designation…………………………....

Organization/Institute/universityAddress

Organization/Institute/universityAddress

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

................................................................

Signature Signature

Date: Date:

Official Stamp Official Stamp


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Chapter 7


Farmers have access to formal and informal seed sources. The formal source includesthe public sector institutes and private sector seed suppliers. The exchange/sales of farmsaved seeds also take place to certain extent. The intensity of such exchange depends onthe crop sector (rice, vegetables, fruits and other field crops) and type of crop variety.The formal sector contribution to seed supply of paddy is about 15% and from this thepublic sector provides about 5%. There are several categories of seeds available forfarmers are given below.

i) Certified seed which is certified by relevant public certifying agency. The marketshare of certified seed is varied from the crop groups and around about 2-9% forOFCs and around 2% to 22% for Vegetables and it is mainly supplied by theDepartment of Agriculture.

ii) Non Certified Seed which is seed principally produced by the private sectororganizations without official seed certification by the SCS and retailed throughshops.

iii) Imported Seeds, which is principally imported by private companies using theprovisions under the Plant Protection Act (for plant quarantine purposes) andretailed through shops. Imported seeds have been an important vehicle for directtechnology transfer to farmers to improve crop productivity and quality ofagricultural products.

iv) Farmer Self-produced seed which is seed of farmer’s origin and used by farmersin the crop production. Those four categories of seeds may have differences interms of quality, distribution system and farmer’s demand and preferences.

7.1. Farmer Seed Practices by Crop

There are regional differences in farmer seed practices related to paddy. The seedpaddy available for farmersbelongs to the certified oruncertified categories. Farmeroften recourse to certifiedseeds provided by the DOA,seeds provided by establishedcompanies or seed producingfarmers. The unit price ofseeds show a wide differenceswithin and between districtsand it basically indicates thedifferences of quality and thesource. Farmers oftenexchange seeds from fellow farmers. In this processes farmers usually repay equal or

Figure 7.1 Source of seed paddy-2003 Source: SEPC, DOA


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25% more quantity of paddy after harvesting. The Figure 7.1 shows the situation offarmer seed practices in different districts of Sri Lanka in 2003. About 18% to 93 % offarmers have utilized purchased seed paddy while 7% to 82% have utilized own seeds inpaddy cultivation. The majority of farmers on commercial paddy growing districts suchas Ampara (east), Mahawali system C and H, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura hasutilized purchased seed paddy. In 2008, however, the percentage of farmers who havepurchased seed paddy ranges from 14% to 64% in these districts. The average seedreplacement rate for paddy is about 45% (Figure 7.2). The recent increase in seed paddyprices from Rs 550 to Rs 1000 per bushel may have induced farmers to use more farm-saved/exchange seed paddy in cultivation.

Figure 7.2 Source of Seed Paddy 2008

Note: The vertical axis indicates districts in Sri Lanka.

Source: SEPC, DOA

The cultivation of exotic vegetables shows an increasing trend. In case of exoticvegetables (carrot, beet, cabbage, leek, khol khol, etc.), farmers depend solely onimported seeds (Figure 7.3). In case of other vegetables, farmers use more of own seed(Figure 7.3). However, the availability of promising varieties, particularly hybrids, hasincreased the demand for seeds. The seed replacement rate of other field crops rangesfrom 10% to 90%. The replacement rates are particularly low for finger millet andground nut (Figure 4) (COC, 2008).


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26

3

7

23

0

0

50

38

27

74

10

3

3

74

97

93

77

100

100

50

62

73

26

90

97

97

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Polebean (Badulla)

Pole bean (Matale)

Tomato (Matale)

Tomato (Badulla)

Carrot (N'Eliya)

Cabbage(N'Eliya)

Egg Plant (H'tota)*

Bitter gourd (Hambantota)

Gotukola (Gampaha)

Mukunuwanna(Colombo)

Potato(N'Eliya)

Potato(Badulla)

Red Onion (Puttlam)

Source of Seeds: Vegetables - 2003

Own

Purchased

Figure 7.3 Source of Seed: Vegetables-2003

Note: Gotokola and Mukunuwenna are local leafy vegetables. Source: SEPC, DOA

Figure 7.4 Source of Seed-Other Field Crops

Source: Karunagoda, SEPC,DOA

7.2. Extent of Farmer-to-farmer exchange of seed

The extent of farmer to farmer exchange of seeds has been declining with thedevelopment of commercial seed industry and increase in availability of quality seeds.The extension programs of the DOA recommend farmers to use quality assured seed incultivation. The quality of seed has been recognized by farmers as one of the influencingfactor of crop productivity. The liberalization of seed market has paved way for farmersto have greater choice in selection of crop varieties. The commercialization of seed


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industry has improved the agribusiness in seed sector and farmers orientation towardscommercial seed production. Farm to farm exchange is still high in paddy sector and intraditional food crops such as finger millet, pulses and leafy vegetables. Exchange ofvegetable seed is still higher for traditional vegetables such as egg plant, bitter gourd,snake gourd and luffa. The cultivation of hybrid vegetables varieties has been increasingwith the liberalization of seed market. In 2008, more than 80% of vegetables producershave utilized hybrid or imported seeds in vegetable cultivation. The development ofcommercial seed marketing system, the development of appearance related parameters inthe vegetable marketing system and popularity of hybrid seeds have reduced the extent offarmer to farmer exchange of seeds.


Farmer seed selection and procurement behavior of crops depends on multitude offactors. Farmers try to match the crop duration with the climatic factors to reduce risk ofcrop failures and lean production period to fetch higher prices. The usual rainfall patterndemands different varieties of paddy. The delay in rainfall or lower level of water inirrigation tanks shifts the farmers demand more of short duration varieties of paddy. Suchunexpected changes often create shortage of seed paddy in the market.

Purchase of seed is done through a network of government sales centers, privatetraders and Agrarian Services Centers (ASCs). Private sector seeds are distributedthrough a network of private traders and ASCs. Many traders provide seeds on credit tofarmers and farmers repay the credit after harvesting. The transport agents, commissionagents of marketing channels also provide seeds on credit. The DOA provides certifiedfruit plants from own nurseries or facilitates supply through registered private nurseries.Seed potato is supplied by importers and local producing companies. Voluntary programwith seed producing farmers at village –level operates in potato growing areas wheretissue cultured material supplied by the DOA is multiplied by farmers for their own use.Farmers are provided with training to produce own seed. Official systems are notoperational in quality assurance in this category.

Traditional crop varieties have no other sources for seed supply. Formal marketchannel in provision of basic seed supply for this category does not exist. Seeds fromprevious crop or exchange/purchased seeds from follow farmers provide major source ofseeds for crop production.

7.4. Farmers’ knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system

The main impact of the seed policy reforms was the entry of private traders into theproduction/importation and distribution of seeds. The introduction of improved food cropvarieties was intensified after liberalization of seed market. The liberalization of seedmarket has led to emergence of many local seed companies and quality related trustedbrands among farmers. Farmers obtain knowledge of new varieties through the extensionofficers and agrarian services centers or local agents of private seed companies. Theaggressive marketing practices of private firms make the farmers aware of the availability


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of new varieties. Many foreign crop varieties have been introduced in response to marketforces and government interventions aimed at improving domestic food production.Among the varieties introduced were the hybrids of maize and vegetables. These varietieshave improved the income at the household level because of their high yield potential andmarketability. Many farmers have abandoned the local varieties and shifted to hybridvarieties. The DOA and private sector companies conduct varietal trails in farmers’ fieldswith the participation of farmers. This practice helps to develop better understanding ofvarietal performances and the spreading of the better performing varieties.

Various agencies involve in different functions of the commercial seed industry arepresented in the Figure 7.5. Seed Producer’s Association of Sri Lanka (SPASL) andSeedmen’s Association of Sri Lanka (SASL) are two main organizations that representthe seed producers and importers.

The public sector has an island-wide network for seed distribution. The major issuesof the public sector seed industry that influence the farmers’ access to seeds are; absenceof strategies to identify the farmers’ needs, lack of buffer stocks that cause inconsistentand inadequate supply situations, lack of profit orientation to capitalize on the seeddemand and absence of proper marketing strategies (distribution, commission, packaging,promotion of brand image, etc.) and constraints of labor and equipment for seedprocessing and picketing. The private sector offers higher commission on sales but thepublic agencies cannot offer higher commission due to the Government regulations.

Both public and private sector depend on contract seed producers for the productionof standard seeds under the formal system. The DOA operates 15 farms and a network ofcontract seed producers. They form the key production apparatus of the state forproduction of fully certified standard class seeds. This has been possible because of atleast five decades of investment in staff and infrastructure development in production andquality assurance within the DOA. With the opening of seed trade, some reduction of thequantities of DOA seeds could be seen. Thus, the capacity of the farms and the contractgrower system are being under-utilized and it increases the cost per unit of seeds to thestate.

The private sector operates in principal agricultural areas of the country. Smallertraders are distributed throughout the country. The wholesalers maintain large stocks ofmany brands and it offers greater choice for farmers and they rely on reputed seedcompanies for purchases. The recent trend is that seed traders offer other agriculturalinputs such as fertilizer, implements and chemicals as a complete technology package tofarmers. The demand for public sector seed is high because of assured quality. However,according to the traders, delays in supply, inconsistent supply, lower commission, etcmainly limits the sales of seeds produced by the public sector.

The private sector depends mainly on contract growers for seed production. Basicseed obtained from the DOA is given to the contract growers. The small amount of seedproduced by the private sector is being certified and therefore the majority could betermed non-certified. Some local selections of exotics are capable of producing seedsunder the environmental conditions in Sri Lanka. However, with the trend to importhybrid varieties, the local seed production of exotics crop varieties has diminished. Allimports are subject to the Plant Protection Act and the National Plant Quarantine Service


446


(NPQS) verifies the quarantine aspects and seed quality aspects have to be verified by theSeed Certification Service (SCS). However, a routine mechanism to streamline these twooperations is needed.

In keeping with the objectives of the seed policy, government sector has prunedinvestments in quantities produced and stalled infrastructure development in the seedindustry to allow the private sector to take the lead in the industry. The DOA productionprograms are redesigned to meet the demand indicated by state organizations such as theprovincial DOA and DAS. The national seed policy requires that the government willmaintain buffer stocks however, the cost and limitations on funds, risks of viability losshave limit the capacity of the DOA in maintenance of buffer stocks.

The private sector investments on plant breeding, when compared with the publicsector, have been very low. Thus, they have to depend on the public sector for basicseeds. The private sector limits seed production programs to most profitable crops only.Further, no investments are made on maintaining stocks in local seeds or importedvarieties. Private sector is less conscious about quality compared to state-run programsand this situation needs much attention when implementing the regulation of seedindustry (Seed Act). The sector mostly produces non-certified seeds and in accordancewith seed policy and the Seed Act, the private sector capacity should be built andencouraged to produce quality certified seeds.

Figure 7.5 Seed production and Distribution System in Sri Lanka

Government Farms/Contract growers

Private sector/ContractGrowers

SCS

CertifiedSeeds

Non-certified seeds

NPQS/SCS

DOA Farms: Buffer StocksFarmerOwn seeds

Imports

Traders/ASC/DOA /NGO/FOO

Breeder Seed/Basic Seeds

Traders/ASCs/NGOs/FOO

Farmers


447Farmer Seed Management Practices

Over the years, the government has initiated several policy changes with the aim ofimproving agricultural production. Notable policy changes that have had impacts on seedmanagement include: Natioanl Seed Policy (1996), Seed Act (2003), and the MahindaChintana- Ten year development plan (2006). The change in the seed policy has given theopportunity for farmers to select the varieties they prefer. Major changes occurred duringthe liberalized era are the adoption of new crop varieties and species and thedisappearance of some local varieties. Conventional varieties possess many attributes thatare desired by farmers as well as consumers. Therefore, very strong programme onconservation of traditional varieties is required. Despite many policy changes, local seedsystems remain the major and most reliable seed paddy source for most farmers inmajority of districts. The majority of preferred varieties of vegetables are belonging to theclass of hybrids and the changes have direct link with seed security, crop diversity andfood security. Farmers still face difficulty in sourcing sufficient amount of seeds ofsuitable varieties after crop failures due to drought or floods. Certain seed varieties do notreach farmers at the right time, especially in less accessible villages. Therefore, thenational seed supply system need to be improved to benefit many farmers.


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Human Resources Development And Capacity Building

Chapter 8

8. HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Human resources development and capacity building programs for seed sectordevelopment or related with seed sector development are conducted with varying levelsof depth and with varying levels of concentration depending on the requirements. Theuniversity undergraduate or graduate courses contain curriculum components related toseed sector aspects. These universities provide graduates for employment in the seedsector and the employees in the seed sector receive in-service training on specific aspectsof seed activities at local or foreign institutes.

8.1. Involvement of academic and research institutions for HRD throughcurriculum development and project support

University Level Education

The University education system in Sri Lanka comes under state ownership,management, and control. There are fifteen universities of Sri Lanka. Seven of theseuniversities have faculties of Agriculture that award agriculture degrees. The universitieshaving Faculties of Agriculture are: (a) University of Peradeniya, (b) University ofRuhuna, (c) University of Jaffna, (d) Eastern University (e) Rajarata University, (f)Sabaragamuwa University, (g) Wayamba University. These universities award degreeson Agriculture that covers seed related courses. Additionally there are zoology, botany,and management departments in the university system that provides graduates foremployment in the seed sector.

The Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya offersPost Graduate training that covers seed technology and the graduate students can coverseed sector related topics for their theses. M.Sc. Programme in Biotechnology, CropEnvironment, M.Sc Programme in conventional and Molecular Plant Breeding are fourgraduate programs that substantially cover seed sector research aspects. Additionally, thePGIA offers Short-courses and short training programs based on demand.

Diploma Level Training

There are four Schools of Agriculture (SOA) in the DOASL that offers DiplomaCertificates on Agriculture. They are SOA, Kundasale; SOA, Pelwhera; SOA,Angunakolapelessa and SOA, Vavuniya. The Acquinaus Institute Colombo and HardyInstitute, Ampara also conducts a Diploma on Agriculture Programme. The curricula ofthese diploma’s also contain seed technology aspects, and the diploma holders can seekemployment in middle level jobs.


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In-service Training

There are four Inservice Training Institutes of the DOA. They are located atGannoruwa, Maha Illuppallama, Bandarawela and Angunakolapellessa. The officers aregiven in-service training in these three institutes. When the private sector demandstraining from the DOASL, the Extension and Training Division arranges trainings of seedsector using the expertise available at the DOASL.

The three research institutes of the DOASL: HoRDI, FCRDI, and RRDI, alsoconduct training on seed production of the crops under their mandates to officers andfarmers. FCRDI recently conducted a Seed Technology workshop on Other Field Crops”seed production to extension officers working on OFC seed promotion. The RRDI trainsDOASL officials and seed farmers on hybrid seed production.

8.2. Training of farmers and extension workers through the initiatives of public,private or donor agencies

The Seed Certification Service of the DOA conducts training programs every year onproduction of Certified Seed and Planting Materials for the seed growers who areregistered for producing seed and planting materials for certification. Personnel from theco-operative societies, private seed companies, farmer organizations, registerednurserymen, SCS field officers, and selected members of the farming communityparticipate in SCS training programmes. During year 2007, about 226 officers, and 630farmers were trained by SCS in 20 training programmes. Additionally, 2 workshops and4 field days were conducted for p[otato seed certification by the SCS during the sameyear..

The SPMDC has a contract grower programme on seeds. The SPMDC trains contractgrowers seasonally for production of seed and planting materials for certification.Additionally, they conduct training programmes for private seed growers who outside ofthe contract grower programme when organized bodies such as ‘Seed Producersassociation of Sri Lanka’ make requests.

The NPQS provides training on quarantine aspects to seed importers and exporters offloricultural products, and other stakeholders.

The Extension and Training Division of the DOA, and Mahaweli Authority of SriLanka have their programes for informal sector seed production promotion. The officersof the ETD and Mahaweli Authority train participants of seeds programmes on seedproduction aspects. The private sector companies also provide training for their contractgrowers.

The seed and Planting Material Centre and the Seed Certification and PlantProtection centre are the two main centers of the DOA working on seeds. The commodityinstitutes of the DOASL, (HoRDI, Gannoruwa; FCRDI, Maha Illuppallama; and RRDI,Bathalagoda) have breeding and other seed related research programmes. The technicalofficers in these centers and institutes are given in-service training in local and foreign


450


institutes on specific aspects on seed sector research and development. Sweden, India,Thailand, Philippines, and Japan are the countries where DOASL officers are usuallytrained. Particularly, the Japan International Coperation Agency (JICA) has trained 27DOASL officers on vegetable seed production during the period starting from year 2003to year 2007 at Tsukuba International Training Center in Japan.

The Council for Agricultural Research Policy (CARP) has identified the inadequacyof the number of trained people in seed aspects. Therefore, they have arranged localworkshops on hybrid seed development, and biotechnology recently, and arrangedforeign training for officials in the government seed sector.

Although there are training programmes available to participants of the seed sector atthe moment, they are not properly organized to cater the requirements of the country.Therefore, the training needs of the seed sector to ensure seed security and developmentof the sector needs to be identified and medium term plan for human resourcesdevelopment of this sector needs to be developed. Since seed security affects the nationalfood securities, and food securities of the most vulnerable groups in the SAARC region,it is worthwhile to organize collaborative seed technology programmes and humanresources exchange programmes among SAARC countries. Further, the SAARCsecretariat may take action to initiate an Information Technology (IT) based seedtechnology course for the SAARC officers.


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Conclusion And Recommendations

Chapter 9

9. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

One of the most effective means of increasing food security in the country isdistributing quality seeds of improved crop varieties to meet the demand of the farmerssince seed provide the greatest impact at minimal cost. An organized seed sector startedwith the release of improved rice varieties in late 1950’s. However, in the 1980’s, SriLankan seed industry went through major structural and financial changes. Until then,seed production and distribution was entirely under public enterprises. Seed industry inthe country has now become a multi-institutional function, in which both public sectorand private sector actively involve and has changed in recent times and continues tochange in the future. A national seed council, the apex body responsible for seed sectordevelopment, too has been formed with private sector representation. Considerableamount of seed is also produced in informal sector mainly for rice, potato and OFCs and,a large share of vegetable seed requirement of the country is met through imports.Generally, seed replacement in the vegetable sub-sector is satisfactory. Poor seedreplacement is observed in the OFC sub-sector. Strengthening research and developmenton hybrid varieties by public sector as well as private sector involvement in researchshould be encouraged to locally develop adaptable varieties. Analysis of the country’sseed industry is not easy due to paucity of reliable data on seed production and salesmainly from the private sector. Formations of seed legislations have taken place and in2003, steps have been taken for the implementation of Seed Act. This act maderegistration of the seed handlers in the country compulsory paving the way to upgrade theseed system in the country. The act will control illegal activities in the current seedsystem. Similarly, speedy implementation of PVP and Framers’ right act are necessaryfor increased participation of private sector for all aspects of seed production. Hence, byencouraging and facilitating a friendly environment, public and private sector seedorganizations can be induced and strengthened to enhance production and supply ofquality seed on time in affordable price in required quantities. After studying all aspectsof seed production, following recommendations are drawn for further improvement ofoverall seed sector in the country:

♦ Lack of accurate data on actual roles played by seed handlers, especially privatesector producers and importers in seed industry has made very difficult in takingsuitable policy decisions on seed industry. Therefore, it is necessary to develop anaccurate database and management information system of all seed activities in thecountry. This could be setup with a full time officer under National Seed Council.This will not only help to establish better coordination between private seedproducers, importers, and government seed producing agencies but also will enableseed producers and suppliers to develop management strategies and futureplanning of the seed system in the country. Early warning system to warn inadvance seed security to make arrangements for purchasing seed for emergencysituations should also be established under this unit. Launching a newsletter withupdated statistics on seed production, imports, scientific articles covering seedscience and technology is also useful for the seed handlers in the country


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♦ Seed are imported without much coordination among different agencies and,therefore, the forecasting of seed requirement is very difficult. Hence, planning ofmost of production programs of the DOASL depends on past experience andlimited information provided by the extension service. To overcome this,procedures should be developed to gather seed availability and seed demand beforeissuing import permits and implementing a seed production programmes.

♦ Available source of seed for the majority of farmers was their own or locallypurchased seed for most of the crops grown in the country. Therefore, farmerparticipatory programmes to develop quality seed production in the informal seedsector with the collaboration of DOASL, Provincial DOA, Department of AgrarianServices, Mahawali authority, NGOs and other development agencies are neededto increase quality seed production in the country.

♦ Current method followed for seed pricing for both locally produced and importedseed must be studied and evaluated to make acceptable recommendations for bothproducers and farmers.

♦ The programmes for development of new varieties by the DOASL with higheremphasis to develop competitive hybrids locally must be strengthened with stateencouragement and funding. Also, need to conduct more research on seedphysiology and related activities, since many unsolved problems exit on seedproduction, threshing, processing seed storage requirement of different crops andpackaging of seeds under local conditions. It is suggested to assign trained officersto undertake applied research on the above areas

♦ Seed producers should give their requirements of basic seed to SPMDC at leastone cropping season in advance for proper planning of SPMDC seed productionprogramme.

♦ The public sector must have the mandate and resources to ensure that none of theseed related activities of national interest are neglected.

♦ Infrastructure facilities, especially field machinery, processing, drying facilitiesand conditioned storage capacity of seed farms should be improved.

♦ Financial and human resources allocation, rationalization of labour employment,physical resources management, and accounting procedure on the government seedfarms must be strengthened.

♦ More reliance should be placed on private contract growing for production ofcertified seed at low cost. Purchasing prices for contract growers should maintainaccording to the cost of cultivation and market price of consumption seed. Alsothe delays in payment for contract growers that undermine the relativeattractiveness of contract seed production should be avoided.

♦ Maintenance of buffer stocks. It is necessary to take appropriate steps to store atleast 10% of certified seed produced in the country as a buffer stock to meet anyeventualities arising out of drought, floods or any other form of natural disaster andto ensure a regular supply of seed to farmers including basic seeds.

♦ Seed treatment must be made mandatory irrespective of the problems faced due to


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unsuitability for consumption after rejection of seeds of some crops.

♦ The seed distribution, seed sales and seed promotion system, especially the publicseed system is recommended to ensure the availability of quality seed toeconomically disadvantages farmers.

♦ Certification of all horticultural fruit plants of recommended varieties isrecommended.

♦ Larger quantities of seed especially vegetable, maize and potato and alsomachinery required for seed industry are imported to Sri Lanka from differentcountries. Therefore, development of regional database and information exchangenetwork in SAARC countries with varieties grown and their characteristics,technical details regarding machinery manufactured in these countries, seedstorage, quality standard, seed export, phytosanitoty requirements and regulationsetc. are needed.

♦ The development and enactment of plant variety protection act is needed toencourage private sector investment in the varietal development.

♦ Development of mechanism for sharing of public sector resources with privatesector for the benefit of the country is required. High level policy decisions arerequired for implementing these kinds of integrations.

♦ Import and sales of seed of inferior qualities without proper labeling is prevalent inthe market. Hence efficient and effective implementation of Seed Act no. 22 of2003 to control production, imports and sales of inferior quality seed as well asimproperly labeled seed in the local market is needed. Infrastructure facilities totest seed health status at SCS laboratories are required.

♦ Technical advice, financial assistance, customs services etc. necessary for privatesector to streamline to seed activities must be provided.

♦ Quality assurance programme in the informal seed sector must be improved.

♦ Establishment of long term conservation facilities (-18 0C) to PGRC genebank isurgently needed.

♦ Strengthening capabilities in pest risk analysis (PRA) Sri Lanka must beundertaken.

♦ Increased vigilance should be kept at the entry ports for detection and preventionof undesirable pests entering the country.

♦ A cryo-preservation facility must be established at PGRC for conservation ofvegetatively propagated germplasm along with the training of researchers on thesubject area.

♦ A seed crop insurance scheme must be introduced to cover the risk involved inproduction of seeds.

♦ Although there are training programmes available to participants of the seed sector


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at the moment, they are not properly organized to cater the requirements of thecountry. Hence, Conducting a training programme on seed technology includingseed health testing, GMO testing, DNA finger printing of varieties etc. for officersinvolved in seed production and seed certification institutes including privatesector seed producers is needed. It is also worthwhile to organize collaborativeseed technology programmes and human resources exchange programmes amongSAARC countries. Furthermore, the SAARC secretariat may take action to initiatean Information Technology (IT) based seed technology course for the SAARCofficers. Capacity building on benefit and risk of GMO/GMS, detection of GMOetc. are also needed.

♦ There is no research work conducted previously to find out the impact of seedindustry on agriculture development of the country. Hence, a proper investigationis needed to study the impact of seed industry on agricultural development in thecountry.

Quality Seed in SAARC Countries

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Appendix A: Concept Note-Background

Appendix A

Quality Seed in SAARC Countries: Production, Processing, Legal and QualityControl, and Marketing System

Background

Availability of quality seed is one of the most important aspects to ensure maximum andsustainable agricultural production in a country to obtain food security. During lastcouple of decades supply of quality seed was the responsibility of the government orpublic seed agencies in most of the SAARC countries. These seed agencies were the onlysource of quality seed for commercial growers and small farmers.

Production, preservation and distribution systems in some of the SAARC countries haveundergone significant changes during the last two decades, but the supply of quality seedremained quite low because of technical and infrastructural constraints. The situation has,however, improved considerably because of expansion of agricultural research system anddevelopment of different seed industries or companies in the private sector. Governmentseed agencies, research organizations, agricultural universities and private seed companiesmet the requirement of quality seed of various crops including cereals, pulses, vegetables,and fruits to a large proportion of farmers. However, private seed companies are supplyingincreasing proportion of hybrid seed especially for vegetables. The privatization of the seedsystem improved in India where seed demand was large and economy-wide reforms wereintroduced by the government. These developments have, no doubt, increased availabilityof improved seed to commercial farmers, but their implications for seed quality and abilityto meet seed requirement of small farmers or farmers in marginal areas are yet uncertain. Itis an urgent need to maintain a balance in responsibilities between public and private sectorso that the need for quality seed of poor farmers are met at a reasonable price, and enhancethe overall seed replacement rate.

Another significant development is the shift to a regime of protection of intellectualproperty right (IPR). It is apprehended that the protection of plant varieties would furtheraccentuate private activities in the seed system, and private sector will dominate andexploit the system for their self profit. These companies will not only exploit localgenetic material for their advantage, but would also charge high prices for seed,restricting access of resource poor farmers to quality seed. The problem is furthercompounded by the introduction of genetically modified seeds (GMS). Although one canargue for the nature and extent of risks associated with GMS, but effective way toregulate GMS remains to be an issue. Therefore, there are a number of issues which needto be addressed to enhance availability of quality seed and evolve mechanisms which arecost-effective and better for regional cooperation.

Concept Note


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Appendix A: Concept Note-Rationale

Rationale

The crop yield reduces to 15-20 percent if seeds of previous years are continuously usedfor seed production beyond permissible limit. Therefore, there is an urgent need toenhance seed replacement rate, which is somewhere between 10 to 20 percent in SAARCcountries. This effort should be associated to strengthen seed quality control system,which is often the responsibility of the government agencies. This will entail analysis ofavailability of seed, capacity of seed agencies, and problems associated with qualityassurance mechanism. The second main concern is meeting the requirements of resourcepoor farmers in marginal areas and seed supply of crops like vegetables, pulses and oilswhere seed system is not that well developed.

There has been considerable development in seed technologies. However, theirapplication in commercial seed production, processing, storage, and distribution has beenrather limited although recently a number of private seed companies are appreciablydeveloping the systems. It would be worthwhile to study the use of these technologiesand examine the possibilities of improving the practices associated with quality seed. Inparticular, quality assurance and other regulatory mechanisms need to be studied forsuggesting cost-effective measures to improve their efficiency. In this aspect, SAARCcountries can benefit from each others’ experience. Another area of study could be likelyimplications of recent developments in this sector like IPR and introduction of GMO. Inparticular, how these developments will affect working of current seed agencies, how farthe current regulations are adequate to deal with these developments and how these willaffect the traditional seed practices of farmers, where farmer-to-farmer exchange of seedis quite high.

Thus the proposed study will focus on a number of issues related to quality seed inSAARC countries. The study in particular will suggest how SAARC countries can learnfrom each other’s experience and foster public-private partnerships, and suggest policy,institutional and technical options for strengthening sustainable seed system, so thatoverall seed replacement rate could be enhanced. The opportunities for mutualcooperation in the area of cross-country trade in seed and exchange of new varieties andprotecting farmers’ interests in the era of IPR regime will be explored.

Objectives

Following are the specific objectives of the study:

1. To document the trends in availability of quality seed and seed replacement rate inSAARC countries by crops.

2. To study the structure of seed system in SAARC countries, particularly organizationof seed activities by seed agencies, infrastructural facilities under public and privateand farmers’ seed management practices.

3. To study seed quality control system including seed health and need for capacitydevelopment to improve its effectiveness and possibility of its harmonization.

4. To examine regulations for development, testing and release of new crop varieties,and protection of intellectual property right.


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Appendix A: Concept Note-Outline of Country Study

5. To investigate the implication of plant quarantine act with its strength or weaknessand highlighting the drawbacks behind it to suggest the possible remediable measuresfor improvement.

6. To suggest ‘good regulatory’ practices for seed system development, including thosegoverning development and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) andmanagement of intellectual property right (IPR).

Outline of Country Study

1. Introduction

Background and objectives

2. Agricultural and Seed Scenario

a. Agrarian structure and land use

b. Trends in crop yields

c. Seed replacement rate by crop

d. Seed requirement by crop

e. Trends in seed trade

3. Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Public Seed System

a. Public seed agencies and their infrastructure facilities

b. Organization of seed activities and various seed operations

c. Crop covered and size of operations, seed sales etc.

4. Structure, Capacity and Functioning of Private Seed Sector

a. Private seed agencies and their infrastructure facilities

b. Organization of seed activities and various seed operations

c. Crop covered and size of operations, seed sales etc.

5. Quality Assurance Mechanism

a. Description of the mechanism and main weaknesses

b. Measures to strengthen the quality assurance mechanism

c. Seed health status, activities and facilities

6. Seed Regulations and their Effectiveness

a. Regulations to deal with seed production, handling and distribution

b. Regulations for IPR and use of GMS

c. Exchange of genetic material and seed through international centres andthrough local centres or institutions in SAARC as well as other countries

7. Farmer Seed Management Practices

a. Farmer seed practices by crops

b. Extent of farmer-to-farmer exchange of seed


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Appendix A: Concept Note-Regional Workshop

c. Farmer seed selection and procurement behavior

d. Farmers’ knowledge about new varieties and commercial seed system

8. Human Resource Development and Capacity Building

a. Involvement of academic and research institutions for HRD throughcurriculum development and project support

b. Training of farmers and extension workers through the initiatives of public,private or donor agencies

c. Areas for skills and capacity building

9. Conclusions and Recommendations

Regional Workshop

The centre will organize a regional workshop at IARI, New Delhi in 2009. Participantswill be the focal points and their associates, resource persons, policy level experts frompublic sectors, representatives of seed industries, and other stakeholders. Participantsincluding focal points will present their case study, discuss and exchange their views andideas and will come up with common as well as specific recommendations highlightingregional and national undertakings/programs/activities. The representatives will presenttheir constraints and issues of their respective countries for further improvement.

The Regional Workshop would also consider appropriate ways to comprehensivelydevelop a common regional Seed quality standards and development of human resourcesbefore embarking on physical infrastructure development at country level.

Publication

The centre will compile the country studies and recommendations, edit, and then makepublication (printing and CD preparation) of the country case studies.

Output

a. Publications on Quality Seed in SAARC Countries.

b. Policy options to strengthen the seed system and areas for capacity development forincreasing availability of quality seed in SAARC countries.


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Appendix B

Recommendations of the Regional workshopon

“Quality Seed in SAARC Countries: Production, Processing, Legal and QualityControl, and Marketing System”

Venue: NASC Complex, New Delhi, IndiaDate: December 16-18, 2009

SAARC Agriculture CentreBARC Complex, Farmgate, Dhaka-1215

Bangladesh


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Appendix B: Recommendations-Background

Background

Agriculture is the backbone of the economies of the countries of SAARC region. Toensure higher crop productivity and much needed food security availability of qualityseed in sufficient quantities in right time at right place at affordable price are vitalprerequisites. With the introduction of certain economic reforms by the governments ofsome regional countries, privatization of public ventures including seed system got newfooting. This has prompted significant changes in partnerships and players in the supplychain of the quality seeds in most of the SAARC countries where key player, the publicsector-the only producer of quality seed for commercial growers and small farmers-tendto recognize the role of private seed entrepreneurs and started to work hand in hand withthem. Presently, public seed agencies, research organizations, universities and privateseed companies are working together to meet the demand of quality seed of cropsincluding cereals, pulses, vegetables, and even planting materials of fruits crops.

Quality seed is one of the most important agricultural inputs to ensure maximum andsustainable production in a country to achieve food security. Quality seed can alsoenhance the utilization efficiency of other associated agricultural inputs such as fertilizer,irrigation etc. Use of quality seed only can enhance the productivity by 15-20 percent orin other words if seeds of previous years are continuously used for seed production forthe successive years beyond permissible limit there is every possibility that productivitylevel will be reduced by 15-20 percent. Therefore, there is an urgent need to enhanceseed replacement rate, which is somewhere between 10 to 20 percent in SAARCcountries. The other significant aspects are the protection of intellectual property right(IPR) and the introduction of genetically modified seeds (GMS) in SAARC countries.There is also an urgent need to find out effective ways as well as to establish harmonizedrules to protect IPR and to regulate GMS in SAARC countries in order to maintainsustainable regional agricultural production. Besides, there are a number of issues whichneed to be harmonized to enhance availability of quality seed, evolve cost-effectivemechanisms and enable regional cooperation.

Recently the privatization of the seed industry got momentum in some of the SAARCcountries in view of globalization and WTO. These developments have, no doubt,increased availability of improved seed to commercial farmers, but their implications forseed quality and ability to meet seed requirement of small farmers or farmers in marginalareas are yet uncertain. There is an urgent need to maintain a balance in responsibilitiesbetween public and private sector so that the need for quality seed of poor farmers is metat a reasonable price at appropriate place and time to ensure the overall quality seedreplacement rate.

With the involvement of private sector, production, quality control and distributionsystems in some of the SAARC countries had changed drastically though the supply ofquality seed has remained insufficient due to various limitations. However, domination inmarket share for hybrid seeds of vegetables and cereals like corn of private sector on onehand and on the other the high market share for seeds of pure line varieties by the publicsector shows the profit orientation of the former and service orientation of the latter.These developments have, no doubt, increased availability of improved seed to


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Appendix B: Recommendations-Background

commercial farmers, but the seed requirements of resource poor farmers and those whoare in marginal areas are still seen uncertain.

Another significant global development is the shift to an ear of intellectual propertyrights (IPR). The introduction of plant variety protection (PVP) laws to seed industrywould further strengthen the activities of the private sector and clear the way not only toexploit local genetic material for profit, but also to increase the prices for seeds,restricting access of resource poor farmers to quality seeds. The problem is furthercompounded by the introduction of genetically modified seeds (GMS) of which effectiveregulation is still a debating issue.

It is clear that there is an urgent need to maintain the balance in responsibilities betweenpublic and private sector so that the quality seed needs of poor farmers are met at areasonable price. Therefore there is a need to enhance seed replacement rate, which issomewhere between 10 to 20 percent in the SAARC region. Moreover, there is a need toanalyzed the availability of seed, capacity of seed agencies, and problems associated withquality assurance mechanism. Again, there is another prime need to meet requirements ofresource poor farmers in marginal areas where seed system is not that well developed.

Nevertheless, there is a great need to use novel need technologies and examine thepossibilities of improving the practices associated with quality sees, particularly qualityassurance and other regulatory mechanisms for cost-effective measures for improvingtheir efficiency.

It is worthy to consider how these developments will affect the affairs of current seedagencies, how far the current regulations are adequate to deal with these developmentsand how these will affect the traditional seed farmers, whereas in our region farmer seedsavings and seed exchange among farmers is quite high.

Regional cooperation is no doubt a prime need to develop seed sector in terms of qualityseed production, germplasm and varietal exchange, seed trade, etc. For these,harmonized rules and regulations including quarantine acts are needed to be adopted andsimplified.

It is in this backdrop SAARC Agriculture Centre has undertaken a program in the year2008 on “Quality Seed in SAARC Countries: Production, Processing, Legal and QualityControl, and Marketing System”. Initially the program has been conceptualized throughthe preparation of a Concept Note (Annexure-I) along with guidelines. Then the conceptnote has been circulated to the nominated focal point experts of the SAARC membercountries to prepare country reports. Out of eight member countries, six countries(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) participated in this program.This seed program included regional synthesis of national inputs through a regionalworkshop which was held during December 16-18, 2009 at the NASC complex, NewDhlhi, India, jointly organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre, Bangladesh and theIndian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), India.

The objectives of the workshop were to share experiences and knowledge on trends,organizational set up, infrastructure facilities and its development, quality controlsystems, regulations pertaining to variety release, seed testing, plant quarantine, and PVPand technological advances in seed systems among the scientists and stake holders of the


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Appendix B: Recommendations-Program

seed sector of the region. Based on it, strategies were sought in the workshop toovercome the constraints and to foster public-private partnerships, and come up withrecommendation for policy, institutional and technical options for strengtheningsustainable seed system. In addition, the deliberations would lead to examine theopportunities for mutual cooperation in the area of cross-country trade in seed andexchange of new varieties and protecting farmers’ interests in an era of IPR regime.

Program

The detail program and the names and addresses of the participants including resourcepersons of the three day workshop (Dec. 16-18, 2009) has been provided in theAnnexures 1 and 2. The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. Swapan K. Datta. DDG(Crop Science), ICAR, New Delhi as the chief guest. Six country reports were presentedby the six focal point experts on the first day. On the second day participants discussedon six thematic areas: a) policies and infrastructures for strengthening seed system inSAARC countries; b) improving seed sector through Public Private Partnership (PPP) inSAARC countries; c) policies and options for varietal development and protection for theuse of released varieties in SAARC countries; d) harmonizing and strengtheninglegislations related to seed quality control in SAARC countries; e) sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues related to seed trade in SAARC countries; and f) seed production planningfor changing climate and contingent situations (Seed Bank) in SAARC countries. After awhole day brain storming sessions, the participants had come up with a number ofexcellent recommendations.

On the third day of the workshop, the conveners of six groups representing six thematicareas presented their preliminary recommendations before the participants as well asexperts to validate and summarize the recommendations. The summary of therecommendations has been presented hereafter. Participants emphasized that SAARCSeed Forum should be established under the coordination of SAARC Agriculture Centreso that the forum would strengthen seed sector for establishing effective inter- as well asintra- country Public Private Partnership and by addressing different issues raised in thetechnical sessions such as harmonized rules, quarantine acts, seed bank or germplasmbank. The participants as well as the resource persons are of the opinion that SAARCAgriculture Centre should conceptualize and initiate programs to carry out therecommendations where regional cooperation is needed.


465

Appendix B: Recommendations

Recommendations of the workshop held in New Delhi during 16-18 December 2009

Thematic Area I: Polices and infrastructures forstrengthening seed system in SAARC Countries.

1. “SAARC Seed Forum” (SSF) should be established by SAARC Agriculture Centerwith the mandate of developing seed industry in the region. The forum will formulateseed policy for SAARC region for strengthening infrastructure for successful seedsystems in SAARC countries. The policy should identify common problems andprovide for remedial measures for seed industry development. The SAC mayconstitute a core committee and identify a number scientists to develop a charter forSSF.

2. A “Center of Excellence for Seed Science and Technology” should be establishedin the SAARC region with affiliated branches in all the member countries forresearch and human resource development in seed technology.

3. Each member country should establish a central/referral seed testing laboratory forseed quality control and facilitating seed import and export. The laboratory shouldadopt ISTA accreditation at the earliest.

4. A seed certification system acceptable to all SAARC countries should be developed orthe member states should become members of internationally accepted OECD seedcertification schemes.

5. Seed industry should be given the status of preferred industry by the membergovernments.

6. Foundation seed centers should be established/strengthened for speedy multiplicationof seeds in early generations.

7. Frequent and regular exchange of seed professionals, farmers and policy makersamong member countries should be arranged.

Thematic Area II: Improving Seed Sector through PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) in SAARC Countries.

1. The proposed “SAARC Seed Forum” (SSF) under the Thematic Area I would be thecommon platform to promote business contacts between member countries.Directory of “Seed Persons of SAARC Region” may be updated immediately.

2. Regular flow of seeds from public sector to informal sector operated by farmersshould be encouraged. Training of the farmers in all seed related activities should bearranged on priority basis.

3. Under the Public Private Partnership (PPP), ways and means may be explored forseed production by private sectors at public institutions (and vice-versa) where SAC,Dhaka will be the facilitator including promoting seed village concept and liberalsharing of infrastructure available with both private and public institutions.

4. Investment friendly regulatory framework should be ensured for private sectordevelopment and Public Private Partnership.


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Thematic Area III: Policies and options for varietal development andprotection for the use of released varieties in SAARC countries.

1. Accessibility to germplasm/breeding material should be facilitated for development ofproductive, stress tolerant crop varieties of wheat, rice, maize, pulses, oilseeds, potatoand banana for food security.

2. Harmonization of varietal testing and ensuring the expeditious release of newvarieties.

3. SAARC approved variety list should be prepared and published twice a year. Accessto variety databank should be facilitated.

Thematic Area IV: Harmonizing and strengthening legislationsrelated to seed quality control in SAARC countries.

1. Co-operation in development and enforcement of PVP (Plant Variety Protection)system including DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) testing should beensured.

2. Harmonization in following aspects should be done by Technical Working Groups tobe constituted by SAARC Agriculture Centre:

a) National seed policiesb) Field and seed standardsc) Varietal catalogued) Varietal testing, release and registration systeme) Seed act and rulesf) SOPs/guidelines-various seed related activitiesg) Seed testing proceduresh) Seed certification systemi) Pre and post-control tests for accessing varietal/hybrid purityj) Seed law enforcement

Thematic Area V: Sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues related toseed trade in SAARC countries.

1. Harmonization of Plant Quarantine Regulations in SAARC in line with norms ofEuropean Union framed by EPPO to categorize pests asa. A1 (not known to occur in SAARC Countries)b. A2 (known to occur in specific countries of SAARC)c. facilitate seed trade of the region with other countries outside the region and trade

among the countries of the region.2. Development of SAARC quarantine regulations according to norms prescribed by

International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) wherein lists of common seed pestspresent in all the countries could be prepared enabling the waiver of additionaldeclarations while issuing Import Permit for trade within SAARC region.


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3. Prioritize the major crops for seed trade among SAARC countries and undertakecommon PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) for few common crops/ pests ofquarantine significance to the region.

4. Development of standard for operating procedures and regional standard for seedhealth testing including horticultural materials.

5. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides and tolerance limits for mycotoxins tobe fixed and agreed upon in SAARC countries for seed trade.

6. For development of common pest risk analysis, each country would be required toprovide information on occurrence and distribution of pests of common crops of theregion and share the information.

7. Countries with contiguous borders like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistanwill develop programmes for eradication/ declaration of pest free areas (PFA) forpests of major exportable crops from the region through continuous detection,eradication, monitoring and review.

8. Strengthen seed health testing component in seed certificationi) seed standards for diseases at seed stageii) fixing tolerance limits/ develop seed certification norms

9. Development of collaborative projects/ programmes to deal with Sanitary andPhytosanitary (SPS) issues in trade etc., particularly in view of scarcity of resourcesin the region.

10. Establishment of SAARC Referral Laboratory for Seed Health Testing to quicklydiagnose pest incidence and aid in taking mitigative measures. Regular trainingprogrammes for quarantine inspectors on sampling and testing methods to strengthentheir capabilities for pest detection.

11. Strengthening of land border quarantine check-posts in terms of minimum facilitiesfor seed health testing.

Thematic Area VI: Seed production planning for changing climateand ontingent situations (Seed Bank) in SAARC countries.

1. A SAARC Plant Genetic Resources Bank, to start with, for Rice, Wheat and Maizemay be created to facilitate free exchange of germplasm between the membercountries. To begin with, the Indian Gene Bank facilities may be utilized, withsuitable modalities.

2. For seed security especially during calamities each member country should maintainsufficient National Seed Reserves by taking Indian experience, with SAC, Dhaka forproviding the required financial (Recurring & Non-recurring) and infrastructuresupport.

3. Each member country should develop its own three year National Seed Plan fornormal and contingent situations.


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Appendix B: Recommendations-Annexure-1

Annexure-1

Program of Regional Workshop on Quality Seed in SAARC Countries: Processing,Legal and Quality Control, and Marketing held in

New Delhi during 16-18 December 2009

Day 1: Wednesday, December 16, 200909:00 a.m. Registration10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Inaugural Session

Welcome Address Dr. H.S. GuptaDirector, IARI, New Delhi,India

Welcome Address Dr. Rafiqul Islam MondalDirector, SAC, Dhaka

Background note Ms. Yojana PatelDirector SAARC Division,MEA, GOI

Inaugural Address by theChief Guest

Prof. Swapan K. DattaDDG (CS), ICAR, NewDelhi

Vote of Thanks Dr. Malavika DadlaniHead, DSST, IARI, NewDelhi, India

11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Tea Break11:30 a.m.-01:30 p.m. Technical Session I : Presentation of Country Reports

Chairperson Mr. Anwar FaruqueAdd. Sec. & DG (Seed),Ministry of Agriculture,Government of Bangladesh

Co-Chairperson Dr. A.B. MandalProject Director, DSR, Mau

Country Report,Bangladesh

Prof. Dr. Md. Ayub AliBangladesh AgriculturalUniversity, Mymensingh,Bangladesh

Country Report, Bhutan Mr. Tenzin DrugyelSr. Agri officer, InputssectionDepartment of AgricultureMinistry of AgricultureThimphu, Bhutan


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01:30 p.m.-02:30 p.m. Lunch Break

02:30 p.m.-05:30 p.m. Technical Session I continued

Chairperson Dr. S. NagarajanChairperson, PPV & FRA,GOI

Co-Chairperson Dr. Md. Nazmul HudaFree Lance ConsultantProperty Pair, 2 Lake Circus,Kalabagan, Dhaka-1205,Bangladesh

Country Report, Pakistan Dr.Tassawar HussainMalikDeputy Advisor(Plan)/CottonCommissionerMinistry of Food &Agriculture,Government of Pakistan

Country Report, Nepal Mr. Mahesh Nath ShresthaChief, Seed Quality ControlCentreMoAC, Harihar BhawanLalitpur,Nepal

Country Report, India Dr. Malavika DadlaniHead, DSST, IARI, NewDelhi, India

Day 2: Thursday, December 17, 2009

9:30 am-9:45 a.m. Introduction to SAARCAgriculture Centre

Dr. Rafiqul Islam MondalDirector, SAC, Dhaka

09:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Plenary Lecture on“Quality Seed for foodsecurity”

Prof. Gautam KallooVice-Chancellor, JNKVV,Jabalpur, India

Chairperson Dr. R.S. Paroda, FormerSecretary, DARE & DG,ICAR and Chairman, TAAS

11:30 a.m.-05:00 p.m.(Lunch Break: 01:30 p.m.-02:30 p.m.)

Group Meetings in the following thematic areas


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Thematic areas Conveners

Group -I Polices andinfrastructures forstrengthening seedsystem includingprocessing and storage inSAARC countries

Dr. S.P. SharmaFormer head, DSST, IARI,India.Mr. R.K. TrivediPPV&FRA, India.Dr. T. Hussain MalikFocal point expert, Pakistan.Rapporteurs:Dr. S.K. ChakrabartyandDr. Sudipta BasuIARI, India.

Group-II Improving Seed Sectorthrough Public PrivatePartnership in SAARCcountries

Dr. P.K. AgrawalFormer Head, DSST, IARI,India.Dr. V. SankaranDirector, TQM, KrishidhanSeeds Ltd., IndiaRapporteur:Mr. Manjunath PrashadDSST, IARI, India

Group-III Policies and options forvarietal development andprotection for the use ofreleased varieties inSAARC countries

Dr. S.P. SharmaFormer head, DSST, IARI,India.Mr. R.K. TrivediPPV&FRA, India.Dr. T. Hussain MalikFocal point expert, Pakistan.Rapporteurs:Dr. S.K. ChakrabartyandDr. Sudipta BasuIARI, India.

Group-IV Harmonizing andstrengthening legislationsrelated to seed qualitycontrol in SAARCcountries

Dr. S.P. SharmaFormer head, DSST, IARI,India.Mr. R.K. TrivediPPV&FRA, India.Dr. T. Hussain MalikFocal point expert, Pakistan.Rapporteurs:Dr. S.K. Chakrabarty


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Dr. T. Hussain MalikFocal point expert, Pakistan.Rapporteurs:Dr. S.K. ChakrabartyandDr. Sudipta BasuIARI, India.

Group-V Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary issues related toseed trade in SAARCcountries

Mr. Ravi PrakashDirector (P.Q.), DAC, IndiaDr. Kavita GuptaNBPGR, IndiaRapporteur:Prof. Dr. Md. Ayub AliBAU, Bangladesh

Group-VI Seed production planningfor changing climate andcontingent situations(Seed Bank) in SAARCcountries

Dr. P.K. AgrawalFormer Head, DSST, IARI,India.Dr. V. SankaranDirector, TQM, KrishidhanSeeds Ltd., IndiaRapporteur:Mr. Manjunath PrashadDSST, IARI, India

Day 3: Friday, December 18, 2009

09:30 a.m.-11:20 a.m. Presentation of the major issues emerging from GroupMeeting followed by discussion

Chairperson Ms Upma Chowdhury, JS(Seeds), DAC, GOI

Co-Chairperson Dr. S. A. PatilFormer Director, DSST,IARI, India

Presented by Dr. Kavita GuptaNBPGR, IndiaDr. V. SankaranDirector, TQM, Krishidhan SeedsLtd., IndiaDr. S.P. SharmaFormer head, DSST, IARI,India


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Dr. S.P. SharmaFormer head, DSST, IARI,India

Discussion on issues &Validation

Participants

Chairperson’s remark Ms Upma ChowdhuryJS (Seeds), DAC, GOI

11:20 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Tea break

11:30 a.m.-01:30 p.m. Interactive session

Chairperson Dr. R.S. ParodaFormer Secretary, DARE &DG, ICAR and Chairman,TAAS

Lead Speakers Dr. P. L. GautamChairman, NationalBiodiversity Authority, GOI.Dr. S. A. PatilChairman, Karnataka KrishiMission, GoK

01:30 p.m.-02:30 p.m. Lunch

03:30 p.m.-05:00 p.m. Plenary Session

Chairperson Prof. Swapan K. DattaDDG (CS), ICAR, NewDelhi

Co-Chairperson Dr. A.B. MandalProject Director, DSR, Mau

Summing up of the deliberations and presentations ofrecommendations by the Conveners of varioussessions.

Vote of thanks Dr. Ibrahim Md. SaiyedSenior Program Officer(NRM)SAARC Agriculture Centre,Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Day 4: Saturday, December 19, 2009

Field trip to Seed Processing facilities (optional) at Agra


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Annexure-2

List of Participants of Regional Workshop on Quality Seed in SAARC countries:Production, Processing, Legal and Quality control, and Marketing

Venue: NARS Complex, New Delhi, India

Time: December 16-18, 2009

A. Delegates from SAC and SAARC countries

Sl.No.

Name Designation Address

01. Dr. Md. Rafiqul IslamMondal

DirectorSAARC AgricultureCentre

BARC Complex, Farmgate,Dhaka-1215, BangladeshCell: +880 1712630006E-mail: [email protected]

02. Dr. Krishna BahadurShrestha

Deputy Director(Policy Planning)SAARC AgricultureCentre

BARC Complex, Farmgate,Dhaka-1215, BangladeshCell: +880 1713403922Email: kbshrestha@saarcagri. net

03. Dr. Sandip Kumar Pal Deputy Director(Agriculture)SAARC AgricultureCentre

BARC Complex, Farmgate,Dhaka-1215, BangladeshCell: +8801741329361Email: [email protected]

04. Dr. Ibrahim Md.Saiyed

Senior ProgramOfficer (NRM)SAARC AgricultureCentre

BARC Complex, Farmgate,Dhaka-1215, BangladeshCell: +880 1732176498E-mail: [email protected]

05. Mr. Anwar Faruque Additional Secretaryand DirectorGeneral (Seed)

Seed Wing, Ministry ofAgriculture, Government ofthe People's Republic ofBangladesh,Bangladesh Secretariat,Dhaka, BangladeshCell: +880 01711564572E-mail: [email protected]

06. Dr. Md. Nazmul Huda Free LanceConsultant

Property Pair2 Lake Circus, Kalabagan,Dhaka-1205 BangladeshCell: +8801199101143E-mail: [email protected]



474

07. Dr. Md. Ayub Ali ProfessorBangladeshAgriculturalUniversity

Department of PlantPathologyBangladesh AgriculturalUniversityMymensingh, BangladeshCell: +880 1711947939E-mail: ayubali09@!yahoo.com

08. Mr. Tenzin Drugyel Sr. Agricultureofficer

Inputs section, Department ofAgricultureMinistry of Agriculture,Thimphu, BhutanCell: +975-17947477E-mail: [email protected]

09. Mr. Mahesh NathShrestha

ChiefSeed QualityControl Centre

MoAC, Harihar Bhawan,Lalitpur, NepalCell : +977-9841741182E-mail: [email protected]

10. Mr. Lal PrasadAcharya

Senior SeedDevelopmentOfficer Seed QualityControl Centre

MoAC, Harihar Bhawan,Lalitpur, NepalCell: +979841465315Email: [email protected]

11. Mr. Mitra Raj Dawadi PresidentSeed EntrepreneursAssociation ofNepal

Tripurashwor, Kathmandu,NepalP.O.Box 13874, Fax. 977-56-570059 Cell: +9779855055184Email: [email protected]

12. Mr. Tika Ram Pokhrel Excucative MemberSeed EntrepreneursAssociation ofNepal

Tripurashwor,Kathmandu,NepalP.O.Box 13874Fax. 977-56-570059Cell: +977 9855055383Email: [email protected]

13. Dr.Tassawar HussainMalik

Deputy Advisor(Plan)/CottonCommissioner

Ministry of Food & Agriculture,

Government of Pakistan,Office #429, B-Block,Pak Secretariat, Islamabad,PakistanCell: +92 345 5446801E-mail: [email protected]



475

14. Mr. Muhammad Asif Senior ScientificOfficerWheat Programme

National AgriculturalResearch Centre, Park Road,Islamabad, PakistanCell: 92-332-5958325E-mail: [email protected]

15. Dr. Zahoor Ahmad General Manager Four Brothers Seeds, Pakistan77-0/1, First Floor, LahoreCentre, Main Bule Ward,Gulberk, Lahore, PakistanCell: 92-300-87000476E-mail: [email protected]

B. Resource Persons from India

Sl.No.


01. Dr. P.K. Agrawal Former Head, DSST,IARI

H-126, Ashok Vihar,Phase-INew Delhi-110 052

02. Ms. Upma Chawdhry Joint Secretary (Seeds) DAC, GOI, Room No: 144,Krishi BhavanNew Delhi-110001.

03. Dr. Malavika Dadlani Head Division of Seed Science &Technology, IndianAgricultural ResearchInstitute, New Delhi-110012, IndiaTel: +91(11)2584 1428E-mail: [email protected]

04. Prof. Swapan K. Dutta DDG (CS), ICAR Indian Council ofAgricultural ResearchKrishi Bhawan, NewDelhi-110114Tel.: +91-11-23382545E-mail: [email protected]

05. Dr. P.L. Gautam Chairman National BiodiversityAuthority, Chennai

06. Dr. H.S. Gupta Director, Indian AgriculturalResearch Institute, NewDelhi-110012, India



476

07. Prof. G. Kalloo Vice Chancellor Jawaharlal Nehru KrishiVishwa Vidyalaya,Jabalpur M.P. 482 004,INDIA

08. Dr. A.B. Mandal Project Director DSR, P.B.No.11, VillageKusmaur, P.O.Kaithauli,Mau-275101, UttarPradesh, India.

09. Dr. S. Nagarajan Chairperson,PPV&FRA

PPV&FRA, NASCComplex, DPS Marg, Opp.Todapur VillageNew Delhi 110 012

10. Dr. R.S. Paroda Former DG, ICAR &Chairman, TAAS

TAAS, Avenue II, IARI,New Delhi 110 012.

11. Dr. S.A. Patil Chairman Karnataka Krishi MissionCommisionarate ofAgricultureNo. 1, Seshadri RoadBangalore – 560001

12. Mr. Ravi Prakash Director (P.Q.), DAC Plant Quarantine DivisionDPPQ&S, DAC, GOI,N.H-IV,FARIDABAD- 121 001

13. Dr. V. Sankaran Director-TQMKrishidhan Seeds Ltd

Krishidhan Seeds LimitedH. O. Krishidhan Bhavan,D3-D6,Addl. MIDC, AurangabadRoad,JALNA-431213

14. Dr.S.P. Ghosh Former DDG (Hort),ICAR

Chitranjan ParkNew Delhi-110019

15. Dr. S.P. Sharma Former Head, DSST,IARI

505, Block-A, MeghadriHeights, Yapral, P. O. J. J.Nagar, Secunderabad-500087 (AP)

16. Ms. Yojna Patel Director SAARC DivisionMEA, Govt of India

17. Mr. R.K. Trivedi Registrar PPV&FRA, New Delhi



477

C. Delegates from India

Sl.No.


01. Dr. M. Baskaran Director NSRTC, DAC, GOIG.T. Road, Collectry Farm,P.O. Industrial Estate,Varanasi – 221 006 (UP).

02. Dr. KheyaBhattacharya

Room No-807,A k b a r B h a v a n ,Chanukyapuri,New Delhi-110021

03. Dr. Sain Das Project Director DMR, Pusa Campus,New Delhi-110012

04. Dr. S. R. Dhua PS & Nodal Officer(Seeds)

Division CropImprovement CRRI,Cuttack-753 006

05. Dr. Kavita Gupta Sr. Scientist Division of Quarantine,NBPGR, Pusa Campus,New Delhi – 110012

06. Dr. Subodh Joshi Head Division of VegetableScience,IARI, Pusa Campus,New Delhi-110012.

07. Dr. R.K. Yadav Senior Scientist Division of VegetableScience,IARI, Pusa Campus,New Delhi-110012.

08. MR. R. D. Kapoor Regulatory Lead-South AsiaMonsanto India LTD.F-Block, IInd FloorInternational Trade TowerNehru Place,New Delhi-110 019.

09. Mr. Sanjay Kapoor Ambala Associates

48- Model Town, Ambala City

10. Dr. Amit Kar Principal Scientist Division of AgriculturalEconomics, IARI, PusaCampus,New Delhi-110012



478

11. Dr. Anand Krishna Chief GeneralManager

KSSC, Beej Bhavan,Bellary Road, HebbalBangalore – 560024

12. Dr. S. Mauria ADG (IPR & Policy) Room No:321,ICAR, Krishi Bhavan,New Delhi-110001

13. Dr. V.S. Patil Chief of Agriculture SFCI Ltd.,"Farm Bhawan",14-15, Nehru PlaceNew Delhi – 110019

14. Sh. C.J. Mehta Rasi Seeds (P) LTD.273, Kamarajanar RoadAttur-636102

15. Dr. Suresh Pal Head Division of AgriculturalEconomics, IARI, PusaCampus, New Delhi

16. Mr. Rajvir S. Rathi GM Market Acceptance-SouthAsiaBayer Bioscience Pvt. Ltd.Delta Square, Ist FLOORNear IFFCO Chowk, M GRoad, Sector 25, Gurgoan-122 002

17. Dr. T. Shah Head QualityBayer Bioscience Pvt. Ltd.Delta Square, Ist FLOORNear IFFCO Chowk, M GRoad, Sector 25,Gurgoan-122 002

18. Ms.D. M. Sangeeta Regulatory AffairsManager

Monsanto India Ltd.F-Block, IInd Floor,International Trade TowerNehru Place,New Delhi-110 019

19. Dr. S. N. Shukla ADG (F&FC) Krishi Bhawan, ICARNew Delhi-12

20. Dr. S. S. Singh Project Director DWR, P.Box – 158Agarsain Road,Karnal - 132 001



479

21. Dr. Harbir Singh Principal Scientist NCAP, P. B. No. 11305Library Avenue, PusaNew Delhi - 110012

22. Dr. S. N. Sinha PS & Head IARI Regional StationKarnal-132 001

23. Mr. D.P. Verma OSAWP.O.Bag 5, AgrosawComplexJagadhriRoad, AmbalaCantt-13001 (Haryana)

24. Dr. Ashok Gaur Former PS JanakpuriNew Delhi

25. Dr. B.C. Barah NCAPNew Delhi

26. Dr. Suraj Bhan President Sri Consortium Society ofIndiaRoom No.89NASC Complex

27. Dr. N.C. Singhal Former Head Division of Seed Scienceand Technology, IARI752, Sagar PresidencySector-50, Noida



480


481

Appendix C

IndexPage

Introduction (General Information) Bangladesh 5Bhutan 73India 101Nepal 151Pakistan 225Sri Lanka 305

Agriculture and Seed ScenarioBangladesh 7Bhutan 74India 103Nepal 152Pakistan 226Sri Lanka 309

Structure, capacity and function of public seed systemBangladesh 14Bhutan 79India 121Nepal 160Pakistan 250Sri Lanka 325

Structure, capacity and function of private seed systemBangladesh 20Bhutan 83India 125Nepal 172Pakistan 254Sri Lanka 255

Quality assurance mechanismBangladesh 24Bhutan 84India 128

Appendix C: Index


482

Nepal 177Pakistan 257Sri Lanka 364

Seed regulation and their effectivenessBangladesh 31Bhutan 86India 132Nepal 188Pakistan 273Sri Lanka 402

Farmers seed management practiceBangladesh 56Bhutan 90India 139Nepal 198Pakistan 291Sri Lanka 441

Human resource development and capacity buildingBangladesh 57Bhutan 92India 141Nepal 201Pakistan 292Sri Lanka 448

Conclusion and recommendation (For Future Development)Bangladesh 60Bhutan 94India 145Nepal 204Pakistan 294Sri Lanka 451

Appendix C: Index


483

Appendix D

Appendix D: Pictures of Regional Workshop


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AR

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Documents

Quality seed in SAARC Countries (2011)