Islamabad: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has highlighted the necessity of advancing research and development in Pakistan’s seed sector, viewing it as a pivotal factor for boosting the country’s agriculture-driven exports.

During a briefing organized by the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC and RD) and the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA), Khan stressed that access to high-quality certified seeds is essential for enhancing farm productivity and the competitiveness of Pakistani agro-products in international markets.

The minister urged seed authorities to improve mechanisms ensuring the availability of certified seeds to farmers. He pinpointed gaps in varietal development and limited R and D investments, urging a decrease in reliance on imported hybrids. Khan advocated for local research and partnerships between public and private sectors.

He assured that financial support could be provided through the Export Development Fund (EDF) to strengthen the seed certification system, foster climate-resilient varieties, and enhance the agriculture export value chain.

The FSC and RD presentation addressed challenges such as narrow genetic diversity, low hybrid development investment, and delays in variety approval, while suggesting opportunities for public-private hybrid development and biotechnology research.

Khan concluded that reliable certified seed access, supported by robust R and D and regulation, will increase farm yields and open new export avenues. “Our farmers and exporters deserve a seed system that delivers quality, innovation, and competitiveness,” he stated.