LAHORE: Pakistan Hitech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) Sunday voiced its demand for inclusion as a stakeholder in the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA) to make it an effective national body for achieving desired results crystal clearly enshrined in its mandate. Talking to media persons here, PHHSA Chairman Shahzad Ali Malik said the genuine call stems from the association’s commitment to enhancing the quality of seeds and combating the detrimental activities of the seed mafia, which continue to inflict substantial losses to farmers and agricultural production. “The PHHSA’s genuine demand as a stakeholder in the NSDRA underscores the importance of industry representation in regulatory bodies tasked with overseeing seed development. By participating in decision-making processes, the association aims to contribute its expertise and insights towards the formulation of effective policies and regulations that safeguard the interests of farmers,” he maintained. Shahzad Ali Mali
k, who had pioneered hybrid rice seed three decades ago in Pakistan with Chinese collaboration, said that one of the primary objectives behind the PHHSA’s advocacy for enhanced representation is to address the pervasive issue of counterfeit and substandard seeds proliferated by unscrupulous elements within the seed mafia. These nefarious activities not only deceive unsuspecting farmers but also undermine the integrity of the agricultural sector, leading to significant economic losses and jeopardizing food security, he added. Malik was of the view that through coordinated efforts with law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities, stringent measures must be implemented to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the illicit trade of adulterated seeds. Such decisive action is essential to deter potential offenders and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers who rely on quality seeds for optimal crop yields. Furthermore, he mentioned, the PHHSA advocates for increased awareness campaigns and
educational initiatives to empower farmers with knowledge about seed quality standards and best practices in seed selection. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the seed industry, stakeholders can collectively strive towards a more resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem, he concluded.