Ahmed Khan Malik

A set of agricultural reforms have been chalked out in consultation with the public and private sectors to produce high-yield seeds for different crops by the Sindh Seed Corporation (SSC).

Talking to WealthPK, officials in the Sindh Agriculture Department said the need for reforms was discussed in a recent meeting, as seed development had not shown any substantial growth to boost crop yields in the province. During the meeting, a step-by-step plan for implementing new reforms at the Seed Corporation was presented.

This plan would be submitted to the Sindh Cabinet, Director of Agriculture Mumtaz Jamali said.  He said reforms were devised with the consultation of various stakeholders in the public and private sectors. Under these reforms, a strict control system would be in place to oversee the quality of seeds for better crop production.

He said the Corporation was established to provide quality seeds to the growers. Three agriculture experts would also be included in the process of reforms. He said the agriculture department had worked tirelessly over the last few years to develop seeds, as seven out of 12 inactive agricultural farms and seed processing plants had been activated in the last six months.

Besides, the Corporation has established two mobile units to raise awareness among farmers. Jamali said the government had also directed the Corporation to make 1,500 acres of uncultivated agricultural land cultivable within two years. Instructions have also been passed by the high-ups that the farmers should be provided with seeds at affordable prices and that the other seed plants should also be activated.

He also told WealthPK that a new app had been developed for the Corporation. Asad Rind, Consultant Seed Corporation, said the seed processing plants had been equipped with the latest technology to clean, grade, and treat seeds, as these processing methods ensured pure, high-quality seeds. He said each batch was carefully inspected for size, weight, and moisture content to meet the stringent quality standards.

“We employ advanced seed coating techniques to improve germination, protect seeds from pests, and enhance their overall vigor,” he said, adding that after processing, the seeds were stored in climate-controlled facilities to maintain their freshness.  “This ensures that the farmers receive seeds that are ready for immediate planting with maximum germination potential. Our focus on seed health and quality helps boost agricultural productivity across the region,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk