By Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistan is moving to overhaul its seed regulatory framework through the proposed Seed (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeking to bring seed certification, variety registration and quality-control functions under a unified authority while promoting digital services and private-sector participation.

Documents of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), available with Wealth Pakistan, show that the reform is aimed at establishing a unified, efficient and transparent regulatory framework for seed certification, variety registration and quality control, aligned with international best practices and integrated with emerging digital platforms.

According to the ministry, the seed sector is a key driver of agricultural productivity, food security and rural economic development. The proposed amendments to the Seed Act, 1976, are also aimed at enhancing regulatory efficiency, promoting innovation in seed development and ensuring timely availability of high-quality seeds to farmers.

The reform is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve agricultural governance, promote ease of doing business, encourage private-sector participation, expand digital services, rationalise public expenditure and streamline administrative structures for greater institutional efficiency and fiscal prudence.

The bill records that the provincial assemblies of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh passed resolutions under Article 144 of the Constitution enabling Parliament to suitably amend the Seed Act, 1976.

Under the proposed framework, the authority would register seed growers, undertake seed certification, inspect crops of registered varieties and released varieties intended for sale as basic seed and certified seed, and sample and test seed lots to ascertain their purity, viability, germination capacity and health status. It would issue certificates for seeds meeting prescribed standards.

The authority would also conduct post-control trials on pre-basic and basic certified seeds, perform sampling and analysis of seed lots delivered to processing plants, arrange training courses for people engaged in the seed business and conduct pre-registration checking of varieties submitted by both public and private sectors.

The pre-registration process would determine the agronomic value and regional suitability of a plant variety or hybrid, provide a definitive botanical description and information on the genetics, suitability and adaptability of varieties.

The authority would also register seed varieties after pre-registration checking, publish a list of registered plant varieties, formulate procedures for maintaining the purity of seed stock and conduct research in seed science and technology.

The bill proposes a major institutional transition by transferring all functions, powers, duties, rights, assets, funds and liabilities of the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department to the authority.

Contracts, agreements and obligations entered into by or on behalf of the department would be deemed to have been entered into by or on behalf of the authority. Actions taken under the Seed (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 would also be deemed validly done under the amended law.

For employees, the proposed law provides a 90-day period from the commencement of the amendment to exercise an irrevocable option either to continue in the existing civil-service structure or opt for absorption into the authority.

Employees opting for absorption would be governed by the new law and prescribed terms and conditions. Existing posts of officers and employees of the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department would be merged into the authority and treated as posts of the authority until abolished, reduced or otherwise dealt with in accordance with law.

The amendments also provide a review mechanism. A person aggrieved by a decision to cancel a certificate may, within 30 days of communication of the decision, seek review before the authority. The power of review would not be delegated.

According to the MNFSR, the proposed reform aims to enhance regulatory efficiency, promote innovation in seed development, ensure timely availability of high-quality seeds, safeguard farmers’ interests and contribute to agricultural productivity and national food security.

Credit: INP-WealthPk