Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has called on private seed companies to reduce wheat seed prices in an effort to make them more affordable for farmers. This request was made during a high-level meeting with representatives from private seed companies and the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA), aiming to address both the cost and distribution of wheat seeds across provinces.

According to Press Information Department, the Minister emphasized the importance of affordable and timely access to wheat seeds, particularly for small farmers who face compounded costs from seed, fertilizers, irrigation, and other agricultural inputs. Rana Tanveer Hussain also instructed the NSDRA to ensure smooth inter-provincial movement of wheat seeds, stressing the need for coordination with provincial authorities and seed suppliers to overcome any logistical hurdles that may impede the timely delivery of seeds during the sowing period.

The discussion included the need for clear information on seed varieties, certification, pack weight, and pricing to aid farmers in making informed purchasing decisions. The focus remains on balancing affordable prices with reliable quality and timely availability to support effective crop establishment. The meeting underscored the aim to facilitate farmers by lowering seed costs and ensuring an uninterrupted supply across provinces, thereby supporting timely wheat sowing and bolstering national food security.