ISLAMABAD: Pakistan desperately needs to establish an organized seed system to ensure equitable access to high-quality seeds for all farmers to put the agriculture sector on a sustainable development trajectory.
“The seeds quality is important for a successful agriculture sector, as it significantly influences crop yield, surpassing factors like the crop management, weather conditions and input application” notes Nurullah, a senior scientific officer at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC).
We have to effectively protect our plants even after using modern machines. Ensure planting with quality seeds otherwise we can not get a good yield.
The primary cause of low yields in Pakistan is attributed to poor-quality seeds. As a result, small farmers are the ones who bear the brunt of it.
He said good quality seed could level the playing field in agriculture by providing small farmers with the opportunity to achieve results similar to those of larger farmers.
He said lack of access to quality seeds had hampered agricultural productivity and thwarted the potential of Pakistan’s farming community.
Acknowledging the importance of seeds, the government must ensure a structured approach to seed production, distribution, and quality control.
Nurullah said that a network featuring certified seed producers should be established to ensure the availability of reliable seeds tailored to the diverse agro-climatic conditions prevalent in different regions of Pakistan.
“By adopting this approach, he said the government would empower farmers to have disease-resistant and high-yielding seed varieties which would ultimately boost per acre crop production and improve livelihoods.”
“A better seed system give better seeds varieties with proper research and new methods. Collaborations between agricultural research institutions, private seed companies, and farmer associations should be fostered to accelerate the breeding and adoption of high-performing crop varieties tailored to local agro-ecological conditions,” he said.
Muhammad Aslam, a small-scale farmer from rural Punjab, said implementing an organized seed system in Pakistan could be a game-changer.
“We’ve struggled with unreliable seed sources for too long, often leading to disappointing yields and financial losses. With a structured seed system in place, we can access quality seeds tailored to our specific needs and local conditions.
This means improved crop yields, better resistance to pests and diseases, and ultimately, higher incomes for farmers. It’s not just about seeds; it’s about empowering farmers with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in an increasingly challenging agricultural landscape,” he said.
