Lahore: Punjab Food Safety and Consumer Protection Secretary Dr Kiran Khurshid has directed officials to ensure strict compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing the movement and transportation of certified wheat seed.
She issued the directions while chairing a meeting on the movement of certified wheat seed here on Friday.
The meeting reviewed new SOPs for the transportation of wheat seed and measures to regulate and facilitate the movement of certified seed across provincial boundaries.
Dr Khurshid said a clear and effective mechanism would be implemented for the transportation of certified wheat seed, with complete records of seed quantities, movement and relevant documentation maintained to ensure effective monitoring and traceability.
It was decided that the Federal Seed Certification Authority’s plan regarding the quantity and movement of certified seed would be shared with the relevant District Food Controllers (DFCs).
Concerned officials would monitor the transportation and movement of seed in accordance with the prescribed SOPs.
The meeting was told that wheat seed bags must carry the barcode or QR code and prescribed tag issued by the Federal Seed Certification Authority.
Vehicles transporting seed across provincial boundaries would also be required to carry an invoice issued by the relevant seed company.
Dr Khurshid said the name of the receiving dealer or farmer must be mentioned on the vehicle’s bilty (consignment note) to ensure effective traceability of the seed.
She directed that necessary details of vehicles crossing provincial boundaries be recorded at check posts and that all required documentation and SOPs concerning seed transportation be strictly followed.
The meeting was informed that several convoy notes had been issued for vehicles transporting wheat seed within Punjab between September 21 and 30, 2026.
The movement of certified wheat seed from Punjab to other provinces was also being monitored at the level of the Director General Field Seed Certification Authority and Director General Food Punjab.
A signed convoy note issued by the relevant officer of the Seed Certification Authority would be mandatory for the transportation of wheat seed.
Dr Khurshid said a total of 66 convoy notes were issued between September 21 and 30. Of these, 62 were issued for vehicles transporting wheat seed within Punjab, while four covered vehicles transporting seed outside the province.
During the period, the transportation of 70 metric tonnes of wheat seed by Peapola Seed and 45 metric tonnes by RCA was also recorded.
The Food Safety Department and Federal Seed Certification Authority reiterated that a zero-tolerance policy would continue against the sale and transportation of adulterated and uncertified seed to ensure the supply of quality, certified seed to farmers.