Pakistan Blacklists 392 Fake Seed Companies and Cracks Down on Smuggled Indian Seeds

Islamabad:In a significant move to protect the agricultural economy, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting where it was announced that 392 companies involved in selling fake seeds have been blacklisted. The government also revealed plans to launch a crackdown on the smuggling and promotion of Indian seeds in Pakistan.

The meeting, focused on seed availability and quality, highlighted the grave concern over the sale of counterfeit seeds, the smuggling of Indian seeds, and their promotion on social media platforms. Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that these fake seeds pose a severe threat to the agricultural sector and the future of farmers. He emphasized that no leniency would be shown towards those involved in this illicit trade.

**Key Decisions:**

* **Blacklisting Fake Seed Companies**: The 392 companies involved in the sale of counterfeit seeds have been blacklisted, and legal action is underway against them.
* **Seed Availability**: According to the Ministry of National Food Security, over 50,000 metric tons of cotton seeds are available, and ensuring the availability of quality seeds is a top priority.
* **National Seed Development Authority**: A new body, the National Seed Development Authority, will be established to oversee seed quality, research, and monitoring.
* **Registration of Seed Companies**: Seed companies will now be required to register for five years to ensure quality and transparency.
* **Crackdown on Smuggled Indian Seeds**: The government has decided to take strong action against the smuggling of Indian seeds, including legal action against those promoting them on social media.

Rana Tanveer Hussain also expressed concern that Pakistan lags behind India in agricultural innovation. He called for significant improvements in the production and quality of local seeds.

The Minister assured that the government would fully protect farmers’ rights and agricultural transparency, with law enforcement agencies already active against those involved in the illegal sale of Indian seeds.

**Agricultural Security on the Line:**
The federal government’s aggressive stance against fake and smuggled seeds is seen as a crucial step to safeguard national food security and bolster the country’s agricultural economy.