ISLAMABAD: The Natio­nal Seed Council at its meeting on Friday approved temporary relaxation in cotton seed germination standard to 50 per cent for the forthcoming kharif season for both public and private sectors.

It was also decided that seed price will be reduced in proportionate to relaxation in germination percentage by public and private sectors. The Seed Association of Pakistan was asked to ensure that actual germination standard is mentioned on the bag liable to adjust proper seed rate.

Minister for National Food Security and Research Mak­h­dum Khusro Bakhtyar cha­ired the meeting via video link. Representatives of concerned federal and provincial government departme­nts also attended the session.

Mr Bakhtyar cautioned that no cotton seed below this germination standard should be offered for sale and in case of violation, strict action would be taken under the provisions of the Seed Act,1976 (Seed Amendment Act 2015).

He called for devising a viable mechanism in coordination with federal and provincial departments to monitor the quality of seed germination.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2020